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 (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.

Interview Archive: Maurice Benard (2010, 2011, 2013)

We Love Soaps has always enjoyed speaking with Emmy Award-winning actor Maurice Benard, who has played Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital since August 13, 1993. Below are links to three separate interviews conducted with Benard: December 2010, June 2011, and April 2013.

December 2010
Part 1 - Benard discussed performing live, how he got into acting, playing comedy, working on All My Children and landing the role of Sonny.

Part 2 - Benard shared memories from his General Hospital career, working on his latest indie film, being an animal love, and learning to "live in the moment."

June 2011
Part 1 - Benard discussed Sonny's evolution on GH, and his ongoing struggles maintaining symptoms of Bipolar.

Part 2 - Benard shared more about his experience of portraying Sonny, keeping the role fresh, dealing with Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo (Brenda) leaving the show, as well as his own future aspirations.

March 2013
GH50 - Benard said it was "an honor to be on the show as long as I have been on" at General Hospital's 50th Anniversary event at the Paley Center. He also previewed his upcoming movie The Ghost and The Whale.

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.

"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: 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).

Vanessa Marcil Suffers Seventh Miscarriage

Vanessa Marcil has suffered another miscarriage.

The 49-year-old General Hospital alum revealed the heartbreaking news on Instagram Thursday in a statement that accompanied a photo of her fiancé — whom she has referred to on social media as MC — kissing on the beach.

Her news came with a call for privacy and a message to others that have had a similar loss, reminding them that they are “not alone.”

“Our hearts are with Vanessa and MC who have lost baby OPM,” the caption read. “Thank you for respecting their privacy as they heal and thank you for sharing all of your personal stories. You are not alone.”

Today in Soap Opera History (September 18)

2009: CBS aired the final episode of Guiding Light.

"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"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 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 is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"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 (September 18)

2009: CBS aired the final episode of Guiding Light.

"More and more, I tend to read history. I often find it more up to date than the daily newspapers."
― Joe Murray

"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 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.

"If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree."
― Michael Crichton

"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).

'General Hospital' Alum Vanessa Marcil Stars in Hallmark Movie 'The Convenient Groom' on June 18

Vanessa Marcil

Emmy winning General Hospital alum Vanessa Marcil stars in The Convenient Groom, premiering Saturday, June 18 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel.

In the charming New England town of Nantucket, Dr. Kate Lawrence, a celebrity relationship expert, shoots another dating advice video for her popular blog. Later, at a farmers market, Kate shops with her fiancé, Bryan, a handsome and perfectly polished businessman. There, Kate runs into Lucas Wright, a carpenter specializing in handcrafted furniture, who has had a crush on her since their high school days. Hoping to land a book deal, and urged by her aggressive show-business agent, Kate plans to publicly announce her engagement - and film the subsequent wedding arrangements for her blog - as a way to build her fanbase.

At an upscale event, as Kate prepares to share the news, Bryan shocks her by breaking up with her and calling off the wedding. Wanting to save her from humiliation and protect her public image, Lucas steps in and pretends to be Kate's fiancé. With her career at risk, Kate reluctantly moves forward with her agent's plan to let the public continue believing that Lucas - whom she considers just a friend - is her soon-to-be husband. As a film crew shoots Kate and Lucas' wedding preparations, the counterfeit couple starts to develop real feelings for each other. When Lucas declares his affections, Kate panics and - fearing a relationship would end in heartbreak - pushes him away.

As her career soars, Kate feels guilty about betraying her fans and decides to confess that Lucas is not her fiancé. But before Kate can apologize, Bryan's new girlfriend posts a viral video, exposing Kate as a liar and her engagement to Lucas as a fraud. With her career and life now in shambles, the young relationship expert learns an unexpected lesson about love, and sets out to revive the romance she let slip away.

Marcil has played Brenda Barrett on General Hospital off and on since 1992.  She last appeared in 2013.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 18)

2009: CBS aired the final episode of Guiding Light.

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
― Maya Angelou

"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 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, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
― Maya Angelou

"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).

Sneak Peek: 'Queens of Drama' Season Finale

Donna Mills loves to make an entrance.

On this week's episode of Queens of Drama, the "queens" shot IDs for their characters but, as with with just about everything on this show, things became very dramatic. Hunter Tylo suddenly collapsed in the middle of her script dislocating her elbow and hip. Call the ambulance!

On the one-hour season finale, airing Wednesday, June 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Pop, Donna Mills announces that it looks like Hunter won't be able to shoot the sizzle reel, while Chrystee Pharris surprises the team by revealing she wrote an extra scene for herself (while the others were given two scenes, Pharris only received three lines in the script). Meanwhile, the ladies are surprised when Donna shows up at a photoshoot in a red dress when they had agreed to all wear black. Finally, when Vanessa Marcil reveals to Lindsay Hartley that Donna is pitching their new show the next day, Donna is caught off guard when Lindsay, Chrystee and Crystal Hunt show up at the meeting.

Watch a sneak peek at the Queens of Drama season finale below:

'Queens of Drama' and 'General Hospital' Star Vanessa Marcil Engaged!

Vanessa Marcil announced her engagement Thursday on Instagram.

"Ok!!! Here is my news Finally!" Marcil teased. "I got a mani after exactly 1 year & we are planning our wedding but how do U pick Ur nose with nails? #imserious"

The actress added on Twitter: "Thank you for sharing in our excitement. My engagement ring was Audrey Hepburns gold band. @RanchMC72 on one knee in uniform. #REALMEN."

Marcil is best known for her Emmy-winning portrayal of Brenda Barrett on General Hospital. She stars in Queens of Drama starting Sunday, April 26 on Pop.

NEWS: Leaked Sony Emails Include 'Days of our Lives' and 'The Young and the Restless,' Vanessa Marcil, Jane Fonda, Chrishell Stause

'Days of our Lives' Renewal, Inappropriate Behavior and "Dumb Book" Among 173,000 Leaked Sony Emails Archived by Wikileaks
"I finally heard back from Cheeks this evening. The big obstacle has been Ted Harbert who really wants to move to low cost info/talk shows instead of DOOL after next season."

"There is a potential problem with an actor on Days who has been accused of inappropriate behavior with another actors daughter."

'The Young and the Restless' Renewal, Meetings & Victoria Rowell Among Leaked Sony Emails
"We just heard from CBS. They are offering a flat deal with a 2 + 1 year term. They are also looking to increase the number of originals from 253 to 255 episodes. All other terms would remain the same."

"Bill's a piece of work. Guess he won't take up my offer to be the president of our fan club..."

Chrishell Stause to Guest Star on 'Mistresses'
Chrishell Stause (ex-Jordan, Days of our Lives; ex-Amanda, All My Children) has landed a role on ABC's Mistresses. "Excited to fly to Vancouver at the end of the month to shoot with @Mistresses_ABC! Details to come," she reported on Twitter. Her real-life beau, Justin Hartley (Adam, The Young and the Restless), also appears on the series.

Vanessa Marcil Stars in Pop's Crazy New Reality Series 'Queens of Drama'… On Her Own Terms
"Here's the thing about reality shows: The conversations are real, but there's a written arc. How else could they put a show together?"

Jane Fonda on Fame, 'Empire,' and the State of Feminism Today
"I've become obsessed with Empire. It's a game-changer. It's so robust and I love the costumes and the production values. I love the music, I love the songs. And most of all—and I also happen to love Terrence Howard—but I love Cookie, the female character. She's one of the great women characters on television now. She's just fantastic.

What I do is I tape it all, and then I fast-forward through the commercials. So I'll see three or four episodes at a time. I think it's extraordinary. I mean it's a soap opera but, why not? I want to be on Empire."

Lindsay Hartley, Crystal Hunt, Vanessa Marcil, Chrystee Pharris & Hunter Tylo Set to Star in Docu-Series 'Queens of Drama'

POP, a new network which announced its rebranding last month from TVGN as a place to celebrate the fun of being a fan, will premiere more than 400 hours of fan-fueled original programming next year, including Queens of Drama, from the producers of Hatfields & McCoys and Gene Simmons Family Jewels.

Queens of Drama is a docu-series following a group of former daytime and primetime soap stars as they attempt to produce a new primetime serial drama to star in. The cast will need to work in front of and behind the cameras as they develop, pitch, and produce this new steamy series hoping to land a pilot deal by the end of the season.

The all-star cast is made up of Lindsay Hartley (All My Children, Days Of Our Lives), Crystal Hunt (Guiding Light, One Life To Live) Vanessa Marcil (Beverly Hills, 90210, General Hospital), Chrystee Pharris (Passions, General Hospital) and Hunter Tylo (The Bold and The Beautiful), together with Donna Mills (Knots Landing, Melrose Place), who will make special appearances on the program.

Queens of Drama is being produced by Thinkfactory Media, with Adam Reed, Adam Freeman, Aaron Fishman, Tim Laurie, and Leslie Greif, serving as Executive Producers.

Launching in early 2015, POP will provide viewers with a multi-platform destination that creates content around the things popping in fan culture.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 18)

2009: CBS aired the final episode of GUIDING LIGHT.

"History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future."
― Robert Penn Warren

"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 show, created by Irna Phillips, ran until March 23, 1973. In its finale months, Linda Fidler Wendell took over as executive producer.

1968: On Peyton Place, a confused Tom (Robert Hogan) returned home and announced he was divorcing Susan.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 11)

1986: Another World's Zane died after being hit by a stray
bullet in a police shootout with Herman Ludwig.
Zane had married Felicia Gallant six months earlier.

"To believe what has not occurred in history will not occur at all, is to argue disbelief in the dignity of man."
- Mahatma Gandhi

"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 shot 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).

Vanessa Marcil & James Denton Star in Hallmark Movie 'Stranded In Paradise'

Vanessa Marcil, James Denton. Photo Credit: Copyright 2014
Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Larsen & Talbert

Emmy® Award winner Vanessa Marcil (General Hospital, The Nanny Express) and James Denton (Desperate Housewives) star in the romantic tropical escape, shot on location in Puerto Rico, and follows the story of a driven executive whose disastrous business trip to a beautiful island turns into an unexpected new beginning. Stranded In Paradise, based on Lori Copeland’s novel of the same name, will have its World Premiere on Hallmark Channel, Saturday, August 9 (9 p.m. ET/PT).

“Bringing Lori’s novel to life on screen with this opportunity to film on location in Puerto Rico was picture-perfect for this project,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming for Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel. “It’s a great story for the network and we were pleased to give it the beautiful backdrop it deserves.”

Former 'General Hospital' Star Vanessa Marcil and James Denton Lead Cast of Hallmark's 'Stranded In Paradise'

Former General Hospital actress Vanessa Marcil
will star in Stranded in Paradise.

Emmy Award winner Vanessa Marcil (General Hospital, The Nanny Express) and James Denton (Desperate Housewives) star in the romantic tropical escape, shot on location in Puerto Rico, and follows the story of a driven executive whose disastrous business trip to a beautiful island turns into an unexpected new beginning. Stranded In Paradise, based on Lori Copeland’s novel of the same name, will have its World Premiere on Hallmark Channel, Saturday, August 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

“Bringing Lori’s novel to life on screen with this opportunity to film on location in Puerto Rico was picture-perfect for this project,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming for Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel. “It’s a great story for the network and we were pleased to give it the beautiful backdrop it deserves.”