From the Archive: Claire Labine Interview (2009)

Claire Labine

In November 2009, We Love Soaps TV released an in-depth interview Emmy winning Ryan's Hope creator Claire Labine. Read this special Damon L. Jacobs interview below (in 7 parts)

Part One - Labine discusses her writing process, reflects on her early career, and how mothering contributed to her understanding of soaps.

Part Two - Labine discusses her battles with ABC, struggles with recasts, and the psychological underpinnings of the Ryan family.

Part Three - Labine discusses controversial storyline choices on Ryan's Hope and General Hospital, and her reaction to the criticism that her work is “too depressing.”

Part Four - Labine dishes about life at General Hospital, the pressures of continuing the Luke and Laura legacy, inventing Sonny and Brenda, and why Jason Quartermaine was given amnesia.

Part Five - Labine shares insights into what happened when she went to work on One Life to Live and Guiding Light.

Part Six - Labine shares more about her struggles with Guiding Light and Paul Rauch, plus, the absurdities of focus groups.

Part Seven - We conclude by discussing Labine's life after Guiding Light, her health, and future hopes.


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Soon after our interview Ms. Labine took extra time to answer questions from our readers. Read her answers below (in 6 parts):

Part One - The Emmy Winning writer answers YOUR questions pertaining to her influences, the writers she admires, and her history of writing on daytime.

Part Two - She responds to more comments and questions about the current state of soaps. Plus, what role did Claire play in the creation of The Bold and the Beautiful?

Part Three - She answers your questions about Ryan's Hope. Including network battles, cast turnaround, and what Maeve Ryan would say about Sarah Palin!

Part Four - The Divine Ms. Labine answers your questions about General Hospital, including reflections on writing for Jonathan Jackson, Maurice Benard, and her plans for the beloved Ward family.

Part Five - She answers your questions about One Life to Live, including how she helped Ron Carlivati, her fascination with Todd and Tea, plus her secret about Wendi Mercury.

Part Six - She answers YOUR questions about Guiding Light and Love of Life, including what the real plan was for "Holivia" [Crystal Chappell + Maureen Garrett].