Today in Soap Opera History (December 22)

1955: Love of Life's Van wanted to adopt Carol.
1986: Search for Tomorrow's Jo had a dream.
2000: All My Children's Bianca came out to Erica.
2008: ATWT's Lucinda didn't know Brian had a thing for her grandson.

"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 Bachelor's Children, Sam and Ruth Ann kept an anxious vigil at the hospital as Sam's wife, Janet, delivered their first child. Complications ensued during the birth, and the ordeal stretched late into the night. Sam tried to rest in the deserted waiting room and fitfully dozed as memories spanning the breadth of his relationship with Janet flickered through his semi-conscious mind. Ruth Ann shattered his reverie as she excitedly burst into the room with urgent news.

1939: The final episode of short-lived radio soap opera Career Wife, starring Ann Thomas, aired on NBC Blue.

1955: On Love of Life, Vanessa Raven (Bonnie Bartlett) and her husband, Paul (Richard Coogan), filled out the paperwork required to adopt Carol.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 22)

1955: Love of Life's Van wanted to adopt Carol.
1986: Search for Tomorrow's Jo had a dream.
2000: All My Children's Bianca came out to Erica.
2008: ATWT's Lucinda didn't know Brian wanted her grandson.

"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...

1939: On Bachelor's Children, Sam and Ruth Ann kept an anxious vigil at the hospital as Sam's wife, Janet, delivered their first child. Complications ensued during the birth, and the ordeal stretched late into the night. Sam tried to rest in the deserted waiting room and fitfully dozed as memories spanning the breadth of his relationship with Janet flickered through his semi-conscious mind. Ruth Ann shattered his reverie as she excitedly burst into the room with urgent news.

1939: The final episode of short-lived radio soap opera Career Wife, starring Ann Thomas, aired on NBC Blue.

1955: On Love of Life, Vanessa Raven (Bonnie Bartlett) and her husband, Paul (Richard Coogan), filled out the paperwork required to adopt Carol.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 22)

1955: Love of Life's Van wanted to adopt Carol. 1986: Search for 
Tomorrow's Jo had a dream. 2000: All My Children's Bianca
came out to Erica. 2008: As the World Turns' Lucinda was happy
with Brian, unaware of his feelings for her grandson.

"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...

1939: On Bachelor's Children, Sam and Ruth Ann kept an anxious vigil at the hospital as Sam's wife, Janet, delivered their first child. Complications ensued during the birth, and the ordeal stretched late into the night. Sam tried to rest in the deserted waiting room and fitfully dozed as memories spanning the breadth of his relationship with Janet flickered through his semi-conscious mind. Ruth Ann shattered his reverie as she excitedly burst into the room with urgent news.

1939: The final episode of short-lived radio soap opera Career Wife, starring Ann Thomas, aired on NBC Blue.

1955: On Love of Life, Vanessa Raven (Bonnie Bartlett) and her husband, Paul (Richard Coogan), filled out the paperwork required to adopt Carol.

Watch 'The Young and the Restless' Cast Read The Show's First Script at Paley Center Event

As part of the CBS Daytime "#1 for 30 Years" celebration, The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles is currently running an interactive exhibit of one-of-a kind memorabilia and original set pieces from the network's daytime series. The exhibit honors the five current shows, as well as beloved classic soap operas As the World Turns and Guiding Light. Special programming has also been added to help pay homage to the CBS lineup. On November 9, the current cast of The Young and the Restless gathered for a reading of the show's very first script, which was broadcast on March 23, 1987. Like sister soap The Bold and the Beautiful, Y&R was co-created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell.

Y&R star Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) played patriarch Stuart Brooks (originally Robert Colbert), owner of the Genoa City Chronicle and father to four daughters. Sharon Case (Sharon Newman) read the role of Leslie Brooks (Janice Lynde), while Amelia Heinle (Victoria Newman) took on the part of Chris Brooks (Trish Stewart). Greg Rikaart played Snapper Foster (William Gray Espy), a med student and the oldest of the working class Foster siblings. Lauralee Bell (Christine Blair Williams), daughter of the show's creators, read the role of waitress Sally McGuire (Lee Crawford). Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters) played the mysterious Brad Eliot (Tom Hallick). Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott) read the roles of the truck driver who picked Brad up, and a police officer. Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) played Barbara Anderson (Deidre Hall). Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin) played Pierre Roulland (Robert Clary). Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott) narrated, reading the stage directors for the episode, which was taped on March 12, 1973, and aired 11 days later.

You can watch the reading for yourself in the video below.

Watch 'The Young and the Restless' Cast Read The Show's First Script at Paley Center Event

As part of the CBS Daytime "#1 for 30 Years" celebration, The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles is currently running an interactive exhibit of one-of-a kind memorabilia and original set pieces from the network's daytime series. The exhibit honors the five current shows, as well as beloved classic soap operas As the World Turns and Guiding Light. Special programming has also been added to help pay homage to the CBS lineup. On November 9, the current cast of The Young and the Restless gathered for a reading of the show's very first script, which was broadcast on March 26, 1973. Like sister soap The Bold and the Beautiful, Y&R was co-created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell.

Y&R star Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) played patriarch Stuart Brooks (originally Robert Colbert), owner of the Genoa City Chronicle and father to four daughters. Sharon Case (Sharon Newman) read the role of Leslie Brooks (Janice Lynde), while Amelia Heinle (Victoria Newman) took on the part of Chris Brooks (Trish Stewart). Greg Rikaart played Snapper Foster (William Gray Espy), a med student and the oldest of the working class Foster siblings. Lauralee Bell (Christine Blair Williams), daughter of the show's creators, read the role of waitress Sally McGuire (Lee Crawford). Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters) played the mysterious Brad Eliot (Tom Hallick). Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott) read the roles of the truck driver who picked Brad up, and a police officer. Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) played Barbara Anderson (Deidre Hall). Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin) played Pierre Roulland (Robert Clary). Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott) narrated, reading the stage directors for the episode, which was taped on March 12, 1973.

You can watch the reading for yourself in the video below.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 22)

1955: Love of Life's Van wanted to adopt Carol. 1986: Search for 
Tomorrow's Jo had a dream. 2000: All My Children's Bianca
came out to Erica. 2008: As the World Turns' Lucinda was happy
with Brian, unaware of his feelings for her grandson.

"The present contains nothing more than the past, and what is found in the effect is already in the cause."
― Henri Louis Bergson

"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 Bachelor's Children, Sam and Ruth Ann kept an anxious vigil at the hospital as Sam's wife, Janet, delivered their first child. Complications ensued during the birth, and the ordeal stretched late into the night. Sam tried to rest in the deserted waiting room and fitfully dozed as memories spanning the breadth of his relationship with Janet flickered through his semi-conscious mind. Ruth Ann shattered his reverie as she excitedly burst into the room with urgent news.

1939: The final episode of short-lived radio soap opera Career Wife, starring Ann Thomas, aired on NBC Blue.

1955: On Love of Life, Vanessa Raven (Bonnie Bartlett) and her husband, Paul (Richard Coogan), filled out the paperwork required to adopt Carol.

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (March 9-13, 2015)

"Shut up or you're next."

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on The Young and the Restless during the week of March 9th. Will a dangerous secret drive a killer to strike again?

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, March 9
Adam (Justin Hartley) and Sage (Kelly Sullivan) butt heads; Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) and Billy (Burgess Jenkins) talk about the future; Abby (Melissa Ordway) seeks forgiveness.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 22)

1955: Love of Life's Van wanted to adopt Carol. 1986: Search for 
Tomorrow's Jo had a dream. 2000: All My Children's Bianca
came out to Erica. 2008: As the World Turns' Lucinda was happy
with Brian, unaware of his feelings for her grandson.

"Most of us spend too much time on the last twenty-four hours and too little on the last six thousand years."
― Will Durant

"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 Bachelor's Children, Sam and Ruth Ann kept an anxious vigil at the hospital as Sam's wife, Janet, delivered their first child. Complications ensued during the birth, and the ordeal stretched late into the night. Sam tried to rest in the deserted waiting room and fitfully dozed as memories spanning the breadth of his relationship with Janet flickered through his semi-conscious mind. Ruth Ann shattered his reverie as she excitedly burst into the room with urgent news.

1939: The final episode of short-lived radio soap opera Career Wife, starring Ann Thomas, aired on NBC Blue.

1955: On Love of Life, Vanessa Raven (Bonnie Bartlett) and her husband, Paul (Richard Coogan), filled out the paperwork required to adopt Carol.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Celebrates 41 Years (Video)

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS premiered 41 years ago today. The cast and crew celebrated the anniversary on Tuesday. Watch a video from the celebration from CBS 2 in Los Angeles.

NEWS: Luis Avalos, William Roache, Frank Runyeon, Paul James, Robin Strasser, Lauralee Bell

ELECTRIC COMPANY Actor Luis Avalos Dies at 67
Luis Avalos, the Cuban-born character actor best known for his work on the PBS kids show The Electric Company, died Wednesday after suffering a recent heart attack. He was 67.

Avalos played Doctor Doolots -- a composite of Doctor Dolittle and Groucho Marx who used words to cure his patients -- and many other characters on the show. He came on board in 1972 during the second season and remained part of the cast until ELECTRIC COMPANY wrapped in 1977.

He also played Jose Melendez in RYAN'S HOPE in 1978.

CORONATION STREET's William Roache acquitted of one of seven abuse charges
Jurors at Preston Crown Court were directed to acquit Roache of the indecent assault charge because of insufficient evidence. Roache is still on trial over two rape and four indecent assault allegations. He denies the charges, which relate to incidents between 1965 and 1971.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 22)

1955: LOL's Van wanted to adopt Carol. 1986: SFT's Jo had a
dream. 1995: Christmas Eve in Llanview. 2000: Bianca came out
to Erica.

"The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see."
- Winston Churchill

"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 BACHELOR'S CHILDREN, Sam and Ruth Ann kept an anxious vigil at the hospital as Sam's wife, Janet, delivered their first child. Complications ensued during the birth, and the ordeal stretched late into the night. Sam tried to rest in the deserted waiting room and fitfully dozed as memories spanning the breadth of his relationship with Janet flickered through his semi-conscious mind. Ruth Ann shattered his reverie as she excitedly burst into the room with urgent news.

1939: The final episode of short-lived radio soap opera CAREER WIFE, starring Ann Thomas, aired on NBC Blue.

1955: On LOVE OF LIFE, Vanessa Raven (Bonnie Bartlett) and her husband, Paul (Richard Coogan), filled out the paperwork required to adopt Carol.

INTERVIEW: Lauralee Bell Web Series 'mI promise' Looks at Living Life Versus Texting It

Lauralee Bell - Photo Credit: CharlesBush.com

Longtime THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS star Lauralee Bell has been making a name for herself the past few years in the indie web series scene with FAMILY DINNER and JUST OFF RODEO, not only as an actress but as a writer, producer and director. Her latest project, mI promise, premiered this week and, based on the first two episodes, it's her best work yet.

mI promise follows Riley (Cassidy Ann Shaffer, who recurs as Kimmy on Disney Channel's AUSTIN AND ALLY) on her 16th birthday, full of life and wonder, on the cusp of first love and her first car. The first episode begins with sweetness and light but things dramatically change after Riley chooses to send a text message while driving. The show then dives into that subject matter offering kids two paths to follow while never feeling like a PSA. Bell plays Riley's mom in the show in addition to her duties behind the camera.

We Love Soaps spoke with Bell about mI promise to find out more. Read our exclusive interview below:

WE LOVE SOAPS: I'm really excited about this web series. I think this is the best thing you've done.
LAURALEE BELL: I had my fun so I said now I have to do something that matters. I'm trying to approach this subject by saying you can do things this way or this way but you can still choose. How do we expect kids not to hold their devices when they're driving when sometimes the adults do it? These days they are just born with it in their hand. I often tell my kids I'm on my phone because I'm at home and I can get a lot of business done and not have to go to an actual office. I feel like it's helpful in some ways but the reality is what they're seeing is that I'm looking down at something. You are disconnected from people when you're half listening and half writing.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Day-By-Day Spoilers (Week of October 7th)

Photo Credit: CBS

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS during the week of October 7th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, October 7
Adam (Michael Muhney) gets the paternity test results; emotions between Dylan (Steve Burton) and Avery (Jessica Collins) run high.

Victor Newman Pays Tribute to Katherine Chancellor at Her YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Memorial (Video)

"She always spoke the truth to me, no matter what, and I think I've become a better person for it. I know one thing: I will never meet the like of her again," says Victor Newman at Katherine Chancellor's memorial service on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS next week. Check out a preview below:

Y&R Preview: Katherine Chancellor Memorial Service

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS is honoring the memory of the late Jeanne Cooper by airing a special two-part memorial service for her beloved character, Katherine Chancellor, on Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Wednesday. Sept. 4. Cooper’s real-life son, actor Corbin Bernsen, returns to the show as Father Todd, who presides over the service.

[SPOILER ALERT]

In the new preview clip below, Father Todd says, "It's time to celebrate all that we loved about the great Katherine Chancellor." The most intriguing part may be the hint that "one of her last wishes will come true."

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Will Honor Katherine Chancellor In A Special Two-Part Memorial Service On Sept. 3 & 4

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS continues to honor the memory of the late daytime television icon Jeanne Cooper by airing a special two-part memorial service for her beloved character, Katherine Chancellor, on Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Wednesday. Sept. 4 on CBS. Cooper’s real-life son, actor Corbin Bernsen, returns to the show as Father Todd, who presides over the service.

Beau Kazer, Michael Damian, Patty Weaver, Tricia Cast, Lauralee Bell, Corbin Bernsen Returning To THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS For Katherine Chancellor Memorial

Patty Weaver

TV Guide Magazine has revealed that several stars will be returning to THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS for a "flashback-packed tribute" to Jeanne Cooper's beloved character, Katherine Chancellor. Lauralee Bell (Christine), Tricia Cast (Nina), Patty Weaver (Gina), Adrienne Frantz (Amber), Beau Kazer (Brock) and Michael Damian (Danny) will all be there.

[SPOILER ALERT]

On September 3 and 4, past and present citizens of Genoa City will gather at Chancellor Park (a new set that will remain prominent in the show) where they will pay their final respects to Mrs. Chancellor.

The ceremony will be conducted by Father Todd Williams, the recurring character played by Cooper's real-life son Corbin Bernsen. Damian will perform "That's When I'll Stop Loving You."

There's no word yet on other potential returnees such as Stephen Nichols (Tucker McCall), Thom Bierdz (Phillip Chancellor III), Marla Adams (Dina Mergeron) or one of the actresses that played Mackenzie Browning (Ashley Bashioum, Kelly Kruger, Rachel Kimsey, Clementine Ford).

RELATED:
- A Look Back at Brock Reynolds on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
- THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Day-By-Day Spoilers (Week of August 19th)

MARIE To Celebrate The 40th Anniversary Of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS On April 1

On a special episode of Hallmark Channel's MARIE on Monday, April 1, Marie Osmond celebrates 40 years of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS.

Marie is first joined by two actors who once played a tumultuous couple on the show, Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) and Peter Bergman (Jack). Melody talks about her journey working on the set for 34 years and her character's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, while Peter discusses his path to joining Y&R.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Classic Photo Of The Day (Y&R at DONAHUE)

In honor of the upcoming 40th anniversary of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (YR40), We Love Soaps will be posting a "Classic Photo of the Day" for the rest of the month. Today's photo is from a taping of the talk show DONAHUE on May 24, 1993, and features Jeanne Cooper (Katherine), Lauralee Bell (Christine) and Tricia Cast (Nina).

Cooper recently spoke with TV Guide Magazine about the symptoms Katherine has been having lately as well as her own bout with the flu.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Classic Photo Of The Day (People's Choice Awards)

In honor of the upcoming 40th anniversary of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (YR40), We Love Soaps will be posting a "Classic Photo of the Day" for the rest of the month. Today's photo is from the 1993 People's Choice Awards where Y&R tied with ALL MY CHILDREN as Favorite TV Daytime Serial. Victoria Rowell (Drucilla), Lauralee Bell (Cricket) and Tracey Bregman (Lauren) looked happy to pose with the trophy backstage.