Today in Soap Opera History (March 22)

1962: Ann Flood debuted as Nancy on The Edge of Night.
1983: General Hospital's Jimmy Lee denied having Tolliver's papers.
1991: NBC's primetime Dark Shadows remake ended.
2004: One Life to Live's Paul delivered Babe's baby on All My Children.

"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...

1940: NBC's Blue Network aired the final episode of radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony Marleybone Jr.

1955: On The Inner Flame, Dorie (Jean Gillespie) asked Amelia for money.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 21)

1979: Guiding Light's Jackie wanted Alan to keep her secret.
1980: J.R. Ewing was shot on the third season finale of Dallas.
2005: Amelia Heinle debuted as Victoria on Young and the Restless.
2011: Jake Spencer died on General Hospital.

"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...

1952: On Search for Tomorrow, Irene wanted to visit her son, Keith Barron (John Sylvester White), who was in critical condition at the hospital. But her husband, Victor (Cliff Hall), felt that Irene had better not see Keith just yet. Meanwhile, Joanne (Mary Stuart) learned that another blood transfusion would be necessary in order to stabilize Keith. When Victor finally updated Irene on Keith's condition, she felt bitter because Jo had the power to make all of the medical decisions for Keith.

1955: On Valiant Lady, Mickey (James Kirkwood Jr.) read the letters Bonnie write to him that had never been mailed.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 22)

1962: Ann Flood debuted as Nancy on The Edge of Night.
1983: General Hospital's Jimmy Lee denied having Tolliver's papers.
1991: NBC's primetime Dark Shadows remake ended.
2004: One Life to Live's Paul delivered Babe's baby
on All My Children.

"Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli

"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...

1940: NBC's Blue Network aired the final episode of radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony Marleybone Jr.

1955: On The Inner Flame, Dorie (Jean Gillespie) asked Amelia for money.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 21)

1979: Guiding Light's Jackie wanted Alan to keep her secret.
1980: J.R. Ewing was shot on the third season finale of Dallas.
2005: Amelia Heinle debuted as Victoria on Young and the Restless.
2011: Jake Spencer died on General Hospital.

"Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli

"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 Search for Tomorrow, Irene wanted to visit her son, Keith Barron (John Sylvester White), who was in critical condition at the hospital. But her husband, Victor (Cliff Hall), felt that Irene had better not see Keith just yet. Meanwhile, Joanne (Mary Stuart) learned that another blood transfusion would be necessary in order to stabilize Keith. When Victor finally updated Irene on Keith's condition, she felt bitter because Jo had the power to make all of the medical decisions for Keith.

1955: On Valiant Lady, Mickey (James Kirkwood Jr.) read the letters Bonnie write to him that had never been mailed.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 22)

1962: Ann Flood debuted as Nancy on The Edge of Night.
1983: General Hospital's Jimmy Lee denied having Tolliver's papers.
1991: NBC's primetime Dark Shadows remake ended.
2004: One Life to Live's Paul delivered Babe's baby
on All My Children.

"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"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...

1940: NBC's Blue Network aired the final episode of radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony Marleybone Jr.

1955: On The Inner Flame, Dorie (Jean Gillespie) asked Amelia for money.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 21)

1979: Guiding Light's Jackie wanted Alan to keep her secret.
1980: J.R. Ewing was shot on the third season finale of Dallas.
2005: Amelia Heinle debuted as Victoria on Young and the Restless.
2011: Jake Spencer died on General Hospital.

"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"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 Search for Tomorrow, Irene wanted to visit her son, Keith Barron (John Sylvester White), who was in critical condition at the hospital. But her husband, Victor (Cliff Hall), felt that Irene had better not see Keith just yet. Meanwhile, Joanne (Mary Stuart) learned that another blood transfusion would be necessary in order to stabilize Keith. When Victor finally updated Irene on Keith's condition, she felt bitter because Jo had the power to make all of the medical decisions for Keith.

1955: On Valiant Lady, Mickey (James Kirkwood Jr.) read the letters Bonnie write to him that had never been mailed.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 22)

1962: Ann Flood debuted as Nancy on The Edge of Night.
1983: General Hospital's Jimmy Lee denied having Tolliver's papers.
1991: NBC's primetime Dark Shadows remake ended.
2004: One Life to Live's Paul delivered Babe's baby
on All My Children.

"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...

1940: NBC's Blue Network aired the final episode of radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony Marleybone Jr.

1955: On The Inner Flame, Dorie (Jean Gillespie) asked Amelia for money.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 21)

1979: Guiding Light's Jackie wanted Alan to keep her secret.
1980: J.R. Ewing was shot on the third season finale of Dallas.
2005: Amelia Heinle debuted as Victoria on Young and the Restless.
2011: Jake Spencer died on General Hospital.

"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...

1952: On Search for Tomorrow, Irene wanted to visit her son, Keith Barron (John Sylvester White), who was in critical condition at the hospital. But her husband, Victor (Cliff Hall), felt that Irene had better not see Keith just yet. Meanwhile, Joanne (Mary Stuart) learned that another blood transfusion would be necessary in order to stabilize Keith. When Victor finally updated Irene on Keith's condition, she felt bitter because Jo had the power to make all of the medical decisions for Keith.

1955: On Valiant Lady, Mickey (James Kirkwood Jr.) read the letters Bonnie write to him that had never been mailed.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 22)

1962: Ann Flood debuted as Nancy on The Edge of Night.
1983: General Hospital's Jimmy Lee denied having Tolliver's papers.
1991: NBC's primetime Dark Shadows remake ended.
2004: One Life to Live's Paul delivered Babe's baby
on All My Children.

"Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature."
― David Hume

"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...

1940: NBC's Blue Network aired the final episode of radio soap opera The Affairs of Anthony. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony Marleybone Jr.

1955: On The Inner Flame, Dorie (Jean Gillespie) asked Amelia for money.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 21)

1979: Guiding Light's Jackie wanted Alan to keep her secret.
1980: J.R. Ewing was shot on the third season finale of Dallas.
2005: Amelia Heinle debuted as Victoria on Young and the Restless.
2011: Jake Spencer died on General Hospital.

"Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature."
― David Hume

"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 Search for Tomorrow, Irene wanted to visit her son, Keith Barron (John Sylvester White), who was in critical condition at the hospital. But her husband, Victor (Cliff Hall), felt that Irene had better not see Keith just yet. Meanwhile, Joanne (Mary Stuart) learned that another blood transfusion would be necessary in order to stabilize Keith. When Victor finally updated Irene on Keith's condition, she felt bitter because Jo had the power to make all of the medical decisions for Keith.

1955: On Valiant Lady, Mickey (James Kirkwood Jr.) read the letters Bonnie write to him that had never been mailed.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 22)

1962: Ann Flood debuted as Nancy on EON.  1983: GH's Jimmy
Lee denied having Tolliver's papers. 1991: NBC's DARK
SHADOW's ended. 2004: OLTL's Paul delivered AMC's Babe's
baby.

"There is no present or future, only the past happening over and over again - now."
- Eugene O'Neill

"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...

1940: NBC's Blue Network aired the final episode of radio soap opera THE AFFAIRS OF ANTHONY. Henry Hunter starred as Anthony Marleybone Jr.

1955: On THE INNER FLAME, Dorie (Jean Gillespie) asked Amelia for money.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 21)

1980: J.R. Ewing was shot on the third season finale of DALLAS.

"There is no present or future, only the past happening over and over again - now."
- Eugene O'Neill

"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 SEARCH FOR TOMORROW, Irene wanted to visit Keith, who was in critical condition at the hospital. But Victor felt that Irene had better not see Keith just yet. Meanwhile, Joanne (Mary Stuart) learned that another blood transfusion would be necessary in order to stabilize him. When Victor finally updated Irene on Keith's condition, she felt bitter because Joanne had the power to make all of the medical decisions for Keith.

1955: On VALIANT LADY, Mickey (James Kirkwood Jr.) read the letters Bonnie write to him that had never been mailed.

Today in Soap Opera History (March 22)

On this date in...

1955: On THE INNER FLAME, Dorie (Jean Gillespie) asked Amelia for money.

1955: On GOLDEN WINDOWS, Carl was ready to tell Julie (Lelia Martin) the truth.

1955: On VALIANT LADY, Helen (Flora Campbell) told Mickey to be kind to Bonny.  Campbell was the second actress to play Helen (Helen Wagner was the first).

Today in Soap Opera History (March 21)

On this date in...

1912: Elizabeth Shay (later known as Betty Corday) was born. She was executive producer of DAYS OF OUR LIVES from from 1966 to 1987, semi-retiring in 1985 turning the show over to her son, Ken Corday. She died on November 17, 1987 at age 75.

1934: Actor Al Freeman Jr. was born. Known for his long run as Ed Hall on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, Freeman died in August at age 78. Former OLTL co-stars Ellen Holly and Phylicia Rashad spoke a farewell tribute for the actor at Howard University. Rashad recalled filming with Freeman as "not like acting at all."

1952: On SEARCH FOR TOMORROW, Irene wanted to visit Keith, who was in critical condition at the hospital. But Victor felt that Irene had better not see Keith just yet. Meanwhile, Joanne (Mary Stuart) learned that another blood transfusion would be necessary in order to stabilize him. When Victor finally updated Irene on Keith's condition, she felt bitter because Joanne had the power to make all of the medical decisions for Keith.

1955: On VALIANT LADY, Mickey (James Kirkwood Jr.) read the letters Bonnie write to him that had never been mailed.

1955: On THE BRIGHTER DAY, Sandra (Diane Gentner) told Sharky to stop hounding innocent people.

1955: On THE INNER FLAME, after telling Portia of Walter's arrest, Dorie (Jean Gillespie) confessed her true feelings for him.

Mary Fickett Has Died At Age 83 (ALL MY CHILDREN's Ruth Martin); Sept. 21 AMC Dedicated To Her

Mary Fickett, a New York actress whose career spanned 50 years of radio, television, stage and movies, died Thursday at her home in Callao, Virginia, in Northumberland County. She was 83.

For nearly 30 years, Fickett was loved and admired by millions of people as the good, compassionate nurse Ruth Parker Brent Martin on ALL MY CHILDREN. She appeared in the first episode of the show in 1970 and made her last appearance in 2000.

With Ruth and her doctor husband as the drama's tent-pole characters, ALL MY CHILDREN became a top-rated daytime TV drama in 1978. Ray MacDonnell played the role of Dr. Joe Martin, Fickett's TV husband.