Today in Soap Opera History (August 13)

1982: Days of our Lives' Jessica and Joshua were married.
1984: A Martinez debuted as Cruz on Santa Barbara.
1993: Maurice Benard debuted as Sonny on General Hospital.
2001: Bold and the Beautiful's Tony told Kristen he was HIV+.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Adam (Robert Rodan) vowed to kill Victoria, the woman Barnabas loved, unless Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) made someone for him to love.

1980: On The Edge of Night, April (Terry Davis) confronted Emily (Margo McKenna) with the fact that "Kirk Michaels" was dead.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 12)

1981: Another World's Cecile and Jamie were held captive.
1986: The Young and the Restless' Sven charmed Katherine.
1994: All My Children's Erica broke down at Mona's grave.
2002: Barbara interrupted Hal and Emily's wedding on As the World Turns'.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1969: On The Doctors, amnesiac Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) realized she was becoming good friends with the husband she didn't remember, Nick Bellini (Gerald Gordon).

1980: On Texas, Reena Cook (Carla Borelli) was pleased when Kevin (Lee Patterson) vowed to make their marriage work regardless of living in Houston or Bay City.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 11)

1986: Another World's Zane Lindquist died after being shot.
1998: Guiding Light's Dolly the clone after taking an aging formula.
1999: Sunset Beach's Ricardo vowed to get revenge.
2010: General Hospital's Brenda returned.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: ABC broadcast Dark Shadows in black and while for the final time. The episode was actually the first one taped in color but ABC aired it in black and white (a Friday episode). Having fainted at the sight of Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid), Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) began to remember what happened to her. Before she could reveal Barnabas' vampiric activity, she was placed under a hypnotic spell by Julia Hoffman (Grayson Hall).

Today in Soap Opera History (August 9)

1973: The Doctors' Penny kissed Mike.
1984: Guiding Light's Alex and Beth were held hostage by Darcy.
1994: All My Children's Kendall crashed Mona's funeral.
1994: One Life to Live's Todd met Blair.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1939: On radio soap opera Adopted Daughter, Jack and Uncle Charlie told Jonathan that he couldn't open the new swimming pool he's been advertising without their consent.

1966: On Dark Shadows, to protect David, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) lied to Constable Jonas Carter (Michael Currie ) when she told him they had discovered the bleeder valve fell off by itself.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 8)

1984: Guiding Light's Darcy held Beth and Alexandra hostage.
1984: Santa Barbara's Jade was upset when her brother was called "Killer Perkins".
1985: Mike Horton arrived in Salem on Days of our Lives.
1994: General Hospital's Lulu was born.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Another World, John Randolph (Michael M. Ryan) convinced his daughter, Lee (Barbara Rodell), that he still loved her.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Mike Powers (Peter Burnell) continued to pop pills before picking up Penny Davis (Julia Duffy) so they could go watch the eclipse.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 6)

1979:The Edge of Night's Louise attacked Paige.
1980: GH's Luke & Laura spent the night in Wyndham's.
1987: Bold and Beautiful's Thorne considered a career move.
1993: OLTL's Nora made closing arguments in Todd's case.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1928: Real Folks from Thompkins Corner, one of the earliest documented radio serials, premiered on NBC.

1968: On Another World, Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley) cried to Bill and Missy that they would have been happier if she had died of her heart attack.

1968: On Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) recognized Adam (Robert Rodan), who took her hostage as she was walking home from the Old House.

1971: On The Doctors, Dan told Carolee that he wanted to send Billy away to school.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 5)

1935: Backstage Wife premiered.
1985: Days of our Lives' Tony and Anna were married.
1994: All My Children's Erica found her mother, Mona, dead.
2002: Passions' Timmy died.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1935: Radio soap opera Backstage Wife premiered on the Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS). The show moved to NBC Blue in 1936, NBC in 1938 and CBS in 1955, where it ran until January 2, 1959. Created by Frank and Anne Hummert, each episode opened with the announcer (Pierre Andre, Roger Krupp, Stuart V. Dawson) explaining:

Now, we present once again, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, a little Iowa girl who married one of America's most handsome actors, Larry Noble, matinee idol of a million other women — the story of what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

Vivian Fridell had the title role from 1935 until the early 1940s. It was then taken over by Claire Niesen, who continued as Mary Noble until the end of the series. Mary's husband, Larry Noble, was portrayed by Ken Griffin, then James Meighan and finally, Guy Sorel. The music was supplied by organist Chet Kingsbury.

According to "The A to Z of American Radio Soap Operas," this was one of the Hummert's favorite themes - taking a girl from Podunk and wedding her above her social class. The opening was later shorted to:

And now, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, and what it means to be the wife of a famous star.

1965: On Peyton Place, Vincent Markham (Leslie Nielsen) and his twin brother, Kenneth, were reunited at Doctor's Hospital.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 4)

1980: Another World spin-off Texas premiered on NBC,
starring Beverlee McKinsey as Iris.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: Donald Briscoe assumed the role of Tony Merritt in Days of our Lives. A message appeared on the screen to explain the recast: "The part of Tony Merritt will be played by DONALD BRISCOE."

1980: Another World returned to 60 minutes daily, after more than a year of 90-minute episodes, to make room for Texas. Russ (David Bailey) and Tracy began their honeymoon, and Jamie (Richard Bekins) had dinner with Mac and Rachel.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 21)

1972: Victoria Wyndham debuted as Rachel on Another World.
1980: Edge of Night's Kelly had competition for Jody.
1986: As the World Turns' Nancy mourned her husband.
1987: Days of our Lives' welcomed a new Jack.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1962: Actor Les Damon died at age 54. His soap roles included Ed Palmerlee in The Edge of Night, Jim Lowell in As the World Turns, and Bruce Banning on The Guiding Light.

1965: On General Hospital, Dr. Steve Hardy (John Beradino) and Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) filled Mike Costello in on the latest developments with Angie.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 16)

1981: Alexandra Neil first appeared on Texas as Ruby.
1987: Days of our Lives' Charlotte Ross debuted as Eve.
2001: One Life to Live's Melissa Archer debuted as Natalie.
2004: Kirsten Storms made her last appearance as Belle on Days.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1934: Musical radio soap opera Dreams Come True premiered on the NBC Red network. The show aired three times a week and revolved around vocalist Barry McKinley. Dreams Come True was sponsored by Procter & Gamble's Camay soap.

1953: On radio soap opera Hilltop House, Julie Erickson (Jan Miner) thought it was too soon to judge Gladys' performance. The episode was written by Addy Richton and Lynn Stone.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 10)

1979: General Hospital's Laura and Scotty were married.
1984: Guiding Light's Bert gave Josh a pep talk.
1985: Santa Barbara's Julia smuggled Amy and Brick onto a train.
2006: All My Children's Annie arrived in Pine Valley.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1952: On The Guiding Light, Trudy (Helen Wagner) and Meta (Jone Allison) discussed Meta's plans to leave New York and return to California. At home, Papa Bauer (Theo Goetz) and Bill (Lyle Sudrow) played chess as Bert (Charita Bauer) prepared the baby's bottle. Papa told Bill he spent too much time away from home on business trips. Bill received a telegram from Meta announcing her impending return.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 6)

1978: Ryan's Hope's Siobhan arrived in New York.
1987: Another World's Vicky found trouble in Vegas.
1987: Bold and Beautiful's Stephanie wanted another chance.
2004: Guiding Light's Dinah phoned home.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1965: On Another World, Pat (Susan Trustman) was worried she was the cause of Lee's (Gaye Huston) illness.

1965: On Peyton Place, Rodney (Ryan O'Neal) and Allison (Mia Farrow) played hide-and-seek- with Kim/

Today in Soap Opera History (April 7)

1966: Peyton Place's Steven prepared for his weddding.
1981: Another World's Sandy took care of Mac after an explosion.
1986: Santa Barbara's Kelly confessed to Nick before their wedding.
1989: Days of our Lives' Steve and Kayla became Gideon and Emily.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Peyton Place, Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) and Steven Cord (James Douglas) prepared for their wedding.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 31)

Four NBC daytime soap operas aired for the final time on December 31st: 
Somerset (1976), Texas (1982), The Doctors (1982) and Sunset Beach (1999).

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1965: On Scarlett Hill, Kate (Beth Lockerbie) and Pearl discussed their fears that Ruth was only marrying Mr. Quill for his money. Sheila became extremely rude to Pearl when Pearl tried to show her pictures of the five-year-old she was about to adopt. Sheila revealed a bit of her tragic life to Stan. Ruth openly admitted to Kate that she was only getting married for the money, knowing there was nothing Kate could do to stop her, and Ruth discovered the recording device Pearl planted in the hopes of catching the avaricious woman's plans on tape.

Note: Scarlett Hill, a daytime serial about the residents of a hotel in Scarlett Hill, New York, originally ran in Canada from 1962-1964. This episode is from the show's first syndicated run in the United States.

1972: On The Edge of Night, Adam Drake (Don May) ran through the streets of Manhattan in an attempt to find and propose marriage to Nicole Travis (Maeve McGuire) by midnight.

1976: NBC aired the final episode of the Another World spin-off Somerset after a six year run. The show was canceled to make room for another P&G soap, Lovers & Friends.

1980: On Another World, as the party guests counted down to the New Year, an intoxicated Pat Randolph (Beverly Penberthy) collapsed just as Philip Lyons (Robert Gentry) proposed. The Brady Bunch star Christopher Knight made his first appearance as Leigh Hobson.



Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 29)

1967: Days of our Lives' Mickey and Laura were married.
1975: Another World's Marianne had an abortion.
1982: KVIK hosted a telethon on Texas.
1995: General Hospital's Ned found Jason unconscious.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1961: NBC aired the final episode of From These Roots after a three and a half year run. FTR actress Ann Flood starred as Liz, a successful writer who had returned to her New England hometown of Strathfield to run her family's newspaper, the Strathfield Record.  The cast included Robert Mandan (Sam), Millette Alexander (Gloria) and Barbara Berjer (Lynn).

1967: On The Edge of Night, Julie Jamison (Millette Alexander) could not escape from the menacing Harry Constable.

1967: On Days of our Lives, Mickey Horton (John Clarke) married Laura Spencer (Susan Flannery) in a church wedding. Susan Martin (Denise Alexander) was honor attendant.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

Theo Goetz

1972: The Guiding Light star Theo Goetz (born in 1894) died at age 78. He was beloved as Papa Bauer, a role he assumed on radio in the late 1940s, transitioned to television in 1952 and played until his death. The show aired a funeral for him two months later where one grandson (Ed) spoke and another sang (Mike).

1975: On Another World, Michael Randolph (Lionel Johnston) and his girlfriend Glenda Toland (Maia Danziger) arranged for Michael's twin sister, Marianne (Ariane Munker, now Ariana Chase) to have an abortion. Marianne had been deserted by her lover, Chris Pierson (Stephen Yates), when she revealed her pregnancy to him. Michael and Glenda, who had once undergone an abortion herself, made the arrangements for Marianne in New York. The twins' mother, Pat Randolph (Beverly Penberthy), was haunted by her own young pregnancy and tried to stop the event, but failed. Pat would withhold Marianne's abortion from her husband, John (Michael Ryan), which helped ruin the couple's long-term marriage.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1977: On One Life to Live, on their tropical honeymoon, Brad Vernon's (Jameson Parker) eyes were already straying to another woman when his wife Jenny (Kathy Glass) briefly left their restaurant table.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1982: On Texas, a KVIK telethon showcased local Houston talent including Lurlene Walker (Tina Johnson), Justin and Gregory (Linden) Marshall (Jerry Lanning and Damion Scheller), Allison Linden (Terri Garber), Vivien Gorrow (Gretchen Oehler), T.J. Canfield (David Forsyth), Paige Marshall (Lisby Larson) and Billy Joe Wright (John McCafferty).





1984: Actress Indus Arthur died at age 43 after battling skin cancer.  She played Brooke Bentley on General Hospital from 1970 to 1973. Near the end of her life, Arthur entertained as a singer and harpist in clubs like the Scripture Gardens Coffee House in Venice, California.

1986: Wordplay, the game show that replaced Search for Tomorrow, debuted to strong ratings on NBC. The show faded quickly and was canceled less than nine months later.

1986: On Santa Barbara, Tori (Kristen Meadows) returned to Santa Barbara to see Mason (Lane Davies) after her agent stole all her money.

1987: On Ryan's Hope, Maeve (Helen Gallagher) and Johnny (Bernard Barrow) fought when she demanded Dakota (Christopher Durham) move out. By the end of the episode, Johnny declared, "If he goes, I go."



1992: Ariana Chase debuted as Kimberly Brady in Days of our Lives, a role she would play for six months.

1995: On General Hospital, Ned (Wally Kurth) found Jason (Steve Burton) lying unconscious after being thrown from a car driven by a drunk AJ (Sean Kanan).



1997: On Port Charles, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) used her sex appeal to bait Rex (Wayne Northrop). "Rex, you'll never know what hit you," Lucy told herself.



1997: On General Hospital, Carly (Sarah Joy Brown) gave birth to a baby born, Michael Corinthos.



2002: Actor Ralph Clanton died at age 88. His soap roles included Jasper Delaney on Another World and Somerset, and William Collins in Search for Tomorrow.

2003: Actor Earl Hindman, who played Bob Reid in Ryan's Hope during its entire run (1975-1989), died at age 61 after a battle with lung cancer.

2004: Actor William Boyett died at age 77. His soap roles included Fred Eckert in General Hospital and Walter Edmonson in The Young and the Restless.

2006: On Days of our Lives, Hope Brady (Kristian Alfonso) gave birth to a baby girl, Ciara Alice Brady.

Thanks to Enrique for sending in the item above .

2008: Hayley Erin debuted as Abby Carlton on The Young and the Restless.

2010: Daniel Cosgrove returned to All My Children as Scott Chandler.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Jon Voight (Mickey, Ray Donovan; ex-Clint, Lone Star) - 80
Ted Danson (ex-Mitch, The Doctors; ex-Ted, Somerset) - 71
Patricia Clarkson (ex-Sarah, Six Feet Under) - 59
Sandra Nelson (ex-Phyllis, The Young and the Restless) - 56
David Fumero (Mike, Power; ex-Cristian, One Life to Live) - 46
Jude Law (ex-Nathan, Families) - 46
Jason-Shane Scott (ex-Brad, The Bay; ex-Will, One Life to Live; ex-Chad, The Young and the Restless) - 42
Alison Brie (ex-Trudy, Mad Men) - 36
Dylan Minnette (ex-Rex. Awake; ex-David, Lost) - 22
Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick (ex-Will, Guiding Light) - 20

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email editor@welovesoaps.com.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 12)

1979: Guiding Light's Rita found out she was pregnant.
1993: General Hospital's Luke and Laura visited Bill Eckert.
2004: Days of our Lives' Abby reunited with Jennifer.
2008: ABC aired the 10,000th episode of All My Children.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1957: On The Edge of Night, Mike Karr (John Larkin) devised a plan to trick Irene into leading the police to Mary.

1965: On Days of our Lives, Julie Olson (Charla Doherty) paid a visit to her aunt, Marie Horton. Craig Merritt also visited Marie, his future daughter-in-law. Julie's father, Ben, had a fight with her lawyer and uncle, Mickey (John Clarke), over a case concerning a fur Julie allegedly stole. Craig's son, Tony, called Marie from Boston, but chose not to tell her that something was wrong.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 30)

1933: The Romance of Helen Trent premiered.
1987: Matthew Ashford debuted as Jack on Days of our Lives.
1985: Guiding Light's Reva almost ran into Josh at Cedars.
2008: All My Children's Reese and Miranda surprised Bianca.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1933: The Romance of Helen Trent debuted over CBS Radio. The show aired 7,222 episodes during its run until June 24, 1960. Created by the husband-and-wife team of Frank and Anne Hummert, Helen Trent was conceived as the epitome of virtue in a world where behavior was usually judged in black-and-white terms. Helen Trent never smoked, drank, or swore—even her thoughts were pure. Virginia Clark played Helen until 1944, when Julie Stevens assumed the role of "queen of the soaps." The show was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1990. It was the Hummerts longest-running series.

1964: On Another World, Pat (Susan Trustman) learned the infection she got after her abortion left her unable to have children. Five years later Pat's (played by Beverly Penberthy) sterility was "cured" with an operation and she had twins Michael and Marianne in 1970.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 12)

1953: Valiant Lady premiered on CBS.
1979: As the World Turns' Lisa was spooked
1981: David Canary debuted on Another World as Steve Frame.
1993: Days of our Lives' Jack Deveraux left Salem.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1950: NBC aired the final primetime episode of Hawkins Falls, one of network television's first successful soap operas. The show premiered in June 1950 as an hour-long weekly nighttime drama in a summer replacement slot but was cut back to a half-hour in August until the end of its run. Hawkins Falls returned to the air in April 1951 as a fifteen-minute weekday soap for NBC.

1953: Daytime soap opera Valiant Lady premiered on CBS-TV. The series--created by Allan Chase, produced by Leonard Blair, and directed by Ted Corday, Herb Kenwith and Ira Cirker--was sponsored by Toni and General Mills. Nancy Coleman (later Flora Campbell) starred as Helen Emerson, widow of an inventor and mother of three children, who found a source of income in the lock washer her husband had devised. The prestigious cast included James Kirkwood Jr., Sue Randall, Earl Hammond, Dolores Sutton, Helen Wagner, Jerome Cowan, Martin Balsam, Margaret Hamilton, Abby Lewis, and Lawrence Weber.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 18)

2009: CBS aired the final episode of Guiding Light.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: Love is a Many Splendored Thing premiered on CBS. The network, which hadn't premiered a soap in seven years, enlisted Irna Phillips in adapting a serial very loosely from a famous novel and movie. Love is a Many Splendored Thing concerned the in-laws of the book's protagonist Mark Elliot, who intermarried with other surrounding families in San Francisco. A stylish and refreshing story, it was a fabulous stepping stone for David Birney, Donna Mills and Leslie Charleson, all beautiful and talented young performers. Other established serial veterans on the series included Judson Laire, Gloria Hoye, Jane Manning, Albert Stratton and Paula Trueman. Its most popular producer was John Conboy, who brought his special stylish magic to The Young and the Restless.

Its head writer regimes included: Jane and Ira Avery, Don Ettinger, James Lipton, and finally Ann Marcus. After numerous cast changes alienated viewers, it was canceled and the series finale aired on March 23, 1973, after five and a half years. In its final months, Linda Fidler Wendell took over as executive producer.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 13)

1982: Days of our Lives' Jessica and Joshua were married.
1984: A Martinez debuted as Cruz on Santa Barbara.
1993: Maurice Benard debuted as Sonny on General Hospital.
2001: Bold and the Beautiful's Tony told Kristen he was HIV+.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Adam (Robert Rodan) vowed to kill Victoria, the woman Barnabas loved, unless Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) made someone for him to love.

1980: On The Edge of Night, April (Terry Davis) confronted Emily (Margo McKenna) with the fact that "Kirk Michaels" was dead.