Today in Soap Opera History (July 30)

On the same day (and time slot), Guiding Light's Reva Shayne declared herself "The Slut of Springfield" and Santa Barbara premiered.

"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...

1957: NBC Radio aired the final episode of Hilltop House. The show had run on and off since November 1, 1937.

1968: On Dark Shadows, after trying and failing to kill Barnabas (Jonathan Frid), Cassandra (Lara Parker) continued to age rapidly, thanks to Nicholas.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Mike Powers (Peter Burnell) assured Penny Davis (Julia Duffy) that she did not cause any of his troubles.

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 20)

1966: Dark Shadows' David was angry with his father. 1984: Guiding Light's Josh and Reva got heated in the hot tub. 1988: Days of our Lives' Salemites through Kayla a surprise shower. 2010: One Life to Live's Viki plotted to reunite David and Dorian.

"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 General Hospital, Angie Weeks (Jana Taylor) asked Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) for advice.

1966: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) told Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) that he hated his father, Roger (Louis Edmonds).

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 (June 27)

"History is instructive. What it suggests to people is that even if they do little things, if they walk on the picket line, if they join a vigil, if they write a letter to their local newspaper… Anything they do, however small, becomes part of a much larger sort of flow of energy. And when enough people do enough things, however small they are, then change takes place." ― Howard Zinn, American historian "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.

1966: Dark Shadows premiered on ABC. 1984: Guiding Light's Bert took her first steps after losing her leg. 1995: One Life to Live's "Tommy" was enraged. 2003: Passions paid homage to the musical "Chicago".

On this date in...

1952: ABC Radio aired the final episode of Lone Journey after a 12 year run on multiple networks with multiple sponsors.

1955: On The Brighter Day, Lydia Hamilton (Murial Williams) struggled with her conscience after taking a silver clock.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 25)

1970: ABC aired the final episode of The Best of Everything.
1984: All My Children's Tad was celebrated at his bachelor party.
1996: Days of our Lives' Sami and Austin married.
1998: One Life to Live's Bo grieved his son, Drew.

"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: On Dark Shadows, while Willie Loomis remained in a coma, Julia Hoffman (Grayson Hall) attempted to hypnotize David Collins (David Henesy) to stop his prying into Barnabas' (Jonathan Frid) affairs.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 24)

1951: Love of Life premiered on CBS.
1979: As the World Turns' Doug and Annie declared their love.
1981: General Hospital's Alan proposed to Susan.
1986: Another World's Mitch met his son, Matthew.

"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...

1951: Daytime soap opera Love of Life, created by Roy Winsor, premiered on CBS, three weeks after Search for Tomorrow debuted on the network. Both shows started as 15-minute serials but Love of Life would expand to 30 minutes in 1958, and remain a half hour until its final episode on February 1, 1980. None of the original actors stayed from beginning to end but director Larry Auerbach did. He went on to direct several other New York soaps before retiring the late 1990s. He was among those interviewed by Dustin Hoffman for the soap opera comedy, Tootsie.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 15)

1964: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC.
1988: Santa Barbara's Eden Capwell was raped.
2009: Guiding Light's Alan Spaulding died.
2010: As the World Turns' Carly and Jack married one last time.

"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...

1964: Primetime soap opera Peyton Place premiered on ABC. Based upon the 1956 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, the series was preceded by a 1957 film adaptation. Peyton Place ran for 514 total episodes with the series finale airing on June 2, 1969.

In the first episode, Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson) arrived from New York City to set up practice in town. Newspaper editor Matthew Swain (Warner Anderson) told him people usually tried to get away from towns like Peyton Place, not move to them. Matthew's cousin Allison MacKenzie (Mia Farrow), a close friend of classmate Norman Harrington (Christopher Connelly), fell in love with his older brother, Rodney (Ryan O'Neal) as they shared their first kiss. At the end of the episode, Allison's mother, Constance (Dorothy Malone), made it clear she disapproved of her daughter's relationship with Rodney.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 14)

1966: Constance went into labor on Peyton Place.
1981: General Hospital's Susan was in the hospital after having baby Jason.
2009: Guiding Light's Lillian visited Maureen Bauer's grave.
2010: One Life to Live's Dorian threw water on Bo and Nora.

"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...

1936: NBC debuted Frank and Anne Hummert's radio soap opera John's Other Wife. The story revolved around John Perry (Hanley Stafford), the owner of a department store, his wife Elizabeth, and an assistant secretary named Annette. John got more than he bargained for when Elizabeth started to feel as though Annette had become his "other wife." The show ran until 1942.

1966: On Peyton Place, Constance MacKenzie (Dorothy Malone) was brought to the hospital after she began feeling labor pains.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 13)

1977: ABC's serialized comedy series Soap premiered.
1979: The Edge of Night's Raven clashed with Elliot.
1985: Days of our Lives' Marlena & Richard made love.
1985: GH's Anna told Robert that Robin was his daughter.

"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: Susan Lucci and Helmet Huber were married. Lucci joined All My Children for its debut a few months later playing ambitious teenager Erica Kane. The Hubers are celebrating their 46th anniversary today.

1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) visited her mother, who was recovering from a stroke.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 11)

1975: Ryan's Hope's Jack visited Sister Mary Joel.
1984: Santa Barbara's Jade ran into David Hasselhoff.
1986: Another World's Reginald had a fire started to stop a story.
2003: The Young and the Restless' John punched Victor.

"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...

1941: On radio soap opera Life Can Be Beautiful, "Chichi" Conrad (Alice Reinheart) coped with heartbreaking news.

1967: CBS aired the first color broadcast of The Secret Storm.

1972: The Edge of Night began airing at 2:30 p.m. ET, moving from its usual 3:30 p.m. timeslot where it had been performing well in the ratings. CBS and Procter & Gamble made the decision to move the show to create blocks of P&G soaps that would not compete against each other on CBS and NBC. Edge of Night's ratings took a nose dive, and was eventually moved to ABC on December 1, 1975, to make room for the As the World Turns expansion to one hour. We Love Soaps included this timeslot change on the 25 Biggest Blunders in Daytime Soap Opera History list back in 2011.

1975: On Ryan's Hope, Jack Fenelli (Michael Levin) took Mary Ryan (Kate Mulgrew) to see Sister Mary Joel (Sylvia Sidney), who told Jack she needed his help.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 6)

1976: Ryan's Hope's Delia searched for evidence against Frank.
1978: All My Children's Erica Kane married Tom Cudahy.
1985: General Hospital's Robin Scorpio arrived in Port Charles.
2011: All My Children's Erica met Verla Grubbs.

"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...

1948: On radio soap opera Claudia, Claudia (Dorothy McGuire) had opening night jitters.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Delia Ryan (Ilene Kristen) lied to her husband, Frank (Michael Hawkins), when he found her searching through his things

Today in Soap Opera History (September 5)

1960: Search for Tomorrow's Alison dealt with her mother-in-law.
1980: General Hospital's Monica faced a divorce decision.
1989: As the World Turns Paul shot his father, James Stenbeck.
2008: Hollyoaks' John Paul found Kieron's body.

"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...

1938: Radio soap opera Life Can Be Beautiful premiered on CBS, starting a successful 16-year run. Life Can Be Beautiful quickly became known to radio insiders by its initials, and widely referred to as "Elsie Beebe." It was the story of Carol Conrad (Alice Reinheart, and later Teri Keane), a disadvantaged child who--still in her teens--ran into the Slightly Read Bookshop seeking shelter and a hiding place from Gyp Mendoza (Waldemar Kappel, and later Paul Stewart), the town racketeer. The kindly old book dealer, Papa David Solomon (Ralph Locke), would soon become one of the great philosophers of daytime radio. Carol became "Chichi" and was installed on a pallet in the back room as the old man's ward. Fifteen years later, she was still there. The show was billed as "an inspiring message of faith drawn from life."

1960: On Search for Tomorrow, after talking things over with Joanne (Mary Stuart), Alison (Anne Pearson) endured an uncomfortable evening with her in-laws, the Metcalfs, who came over for dinner.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 1)

1976: Ryan's Hope's Jack was annoyed with Little John.
1981: The Edge of Night's Nadine called out her daughter, Raven.
1981: General Hospital's Heather defended herself to Burt.
2004: As the World Turns' Barbara was determined to get her son.

"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: On Dark Shadows, Joe Haskell (Joel Crothers) told Carolyn Stoddard (Nancy Barrett) about David Collins' crystal ball's prediction. Burke Devline (Mitchell Ryan) investigated Bill Malloys' disappearance, certain that he had incriminating evidence against Roger Collins and Sam Evans (David Ford). Sam believed everyone in the entire town was headed towards death.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 31)

1960: Grace was still bitter on The Secret Storm. 1989: Josie
moved in with the Matthews family on Another World.
1994: Erica was in a neckbrace on All My Children.
2010: Oakdale said goodbye to Nancy Hughes on ATWT.

"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...

1948: Radio soap opera The Guiding Light, still almost four years away from making its way to television, introduced the character of Friedrich "Papa" Bauer. Theodore von Eltz originated the role and was replaced by Theo Goetz a year later. Goetz would remain with the show until his death in 1972.

1960: On The Secret Storm, Myra Lake Ames (June Graham) visited Grace Harris Tyrell (Marjorie Gateson), who had something to say about everyone.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Susan (Denise Alexander) already regretted her month-old marriage to David Martin (Clive Clerk), who was still in love with Julie (Charla Doherty). Julie turned to her grandfather Tom Horton (Macdonald Carey) and asked him to help her stay in Salem rather than live with her parents, Ben and Addie, in Europe.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 30)

1968: The Doctors' Mike returned home.
1991: Wayne Northrop returned to Days of our Lives as Roman.
2004: General Hospital debuted a new opening.
2010: ATWT's Bob revealed Nancy Hughes had passed away.

"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 The Doctors, Mike Powers (Peter Burnell in his debut) returned home, much to the delight of his father, Dr. Matt Powers (James Pritchett).

1968: On Dark Shadows, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) and Willie Loomis (John Karlen) went to the crypt where Tom Jennings (Donald Briscoe) kept his coffin, but when Barnabas opened the coffin, it was empty. Jennings arrived and tried to bite him.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 28)

1986: Another World's "Marissa" made her way to Bay City.
1991: Santa Barbara's Dash and Katrina grew closer.
1998: All My Children's Junior was locked in a cage.
2009: One Life to Live's Fish didn't remember his night with Stacy.

"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: On Another World, Liz (Audra Lindley) was happy to hear that Bill (Joseph Gallison) suspected Madge of Danny's murder.

1967: Australian Broadcasting Corporation soap Bellbird premiered. It remained on the air until December 1977.

1968: On Dark Shadows, Julia (Grayson Hall) protected Tom Jennings (Don Briscoe) from a gun-toting Barnabas (Jonathan Frid). After Tom vanished, Barnabas went to the window to look for him. When he turned around Julia had escaped.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 27)

1976: Ryan's Hope's Frank realized his campaign was over.
1992: All My Children's Nick returned.
1996: Another World's Fax was ready to kill again.
2010: As the World Turns' Henry and Barbara married.

"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 The Doctors, Dr. Nick Bellini (Gerald Gordon) and Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) talked about marrying. Both spoke of the changing times-Nick the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy; Althea the 1967 death of her son, Buddy Davis. Meanwhile, Steve (David O'Brien) and Karen (Laryssa Lauret) also headed towards marriage, if not a romantic one.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1974: On Another World, Steve (George Reinholt) talked Janice (Victoria Thompson) into staying in Bay City.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Frank Ryan's family tried to console him with his campaign likely in shambles.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 26)

1968: The Doctors' Nick proposed to Althea.
1980: Texas' Justin rescued Rikki from a burning race car.
1981: Edge of Night's Sky plotted with Gunther against Gavin.
1991: Young and the Restless' Traci helped Brad with a Jabot ad.

"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...

1946: Prolific radio soap opera writer Elaine Sterne Carrington (Pepper Young's Family; Rosemary) was featured in TIME magazine.

1968: On The Doctors, while at dinner, Dr. Nick Bellini (Gerald Gordon) asked Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) to marry him.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1980: On Texas, Terry Dekker (Shanna Reed), Nita Wright (Ellen Maxted), Billy Joe, and Elena Dekker (Caryn Richman) watched Rikki Dekker (Randy Hamilton) in a car race. After getting into an accident. Rikki's car caught fire. He was rescued by Justin Marshall (Jerry Lanning).

Today in Soap Opera History (August 25)

1966: Days of our Lives' Julie wanted to stay in Salem.
1975: Susan Harney debuted as Alice on Another World
1987: As the World Turns' Holden opened up to Lily.
2009: General Hospital's Jason and Sam made love.

"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: On Days of our Lives, Julie Olson (Charla Doherty) told her grandmother, Alice Horton (Frances Reid), that she didn't want to live in Europe.

1971: On The Doctors, Karen tried to convince Matt she wasn't as boring as he thought.