Today in Soap Opera History (June 21)

On this date in...

1952: The first TV version of ONE MAN'S FAMILY aired its last episode. The once a week primetime take-off of the popular radio soap opera was brought back to TV in 1954 as a daily afternoon serial.

1966: Edward Mallory debuted as Bill Horton on DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

1976: Deidre Hall debuted as Marlena Evans on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Mickey Horton (John Clarke) was in a sanitarium with Marlena as the psychiatrist that treated him.

1984: On GUIDING LIGHT, Billy (Jordan Clarke) was determined to destroy Reva (Kim Zimmer) .



1993: DAYS OF OUR LIVES debuted a new opening sequence.



2000: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, Jake (Tom Eplin) had a flashback to a Jake/Vicky scene that had aired in June 1999 on ANOTHER WORLD.

2004: On GENERAL HOSPITAL, Sam (Kelly Monaco) recognized the man who attacked Jason (Steve Burton) .



2006: On DAYS OF OUR LIVES, Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) fainted after seeing Steve.

2009: AS THE WORLD TURNS began using a title card instead of a full opening theme. The show would continue with this until its final episode.

2011: Actor Anthony Herrera died at age 67.  He played roles in a number of daytime soap operas but was best known for his portrayal of James Stenbeck in AS THE WORLD TURNS.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Monte Markham (ex-Carter, RITUALS; ex-Clint, DALLAS; ex-John, MELROSE PLACE) - 78
Mariette Hartley (ex-Claire, PEYTON PLACE; ex-Mary, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 73
Meredith Baxter (Liz, GLEE; Kathryn's Mother, SWITCHED AT BIRTH) - 66
Michael Gross (ex-River, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 66
Leigh McCloskey (ex-Damian/Michael, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Kurt, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Mitch, DALLAS; ex-Drake, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Zach/Ethan, SANTA BARBARA) - 58
Blake Gibbons (Coleman, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 52
Blake Hammond (Eric, THEN WE GOT HELP) - 50
Doug Savant (ex-Tom, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES; ex-Matt, MELROSE PLACE) - 49
Carrie Preston (Arlene, TRUE BLOOD; Elsbeth, THE GOOD WIFE) - 46
Maggie Siff (ex-Rachel, MAD MEN) - 39
Will Thorp (ex-Chris, CORONATION STREET) - 37
Tom Chroust (Writer, ALL THAT MATTERS aka Alles was zählt) - 36
Erica Durance (ex-Lois, SMALLVILLE) - 35
Chris Pratt (Ché, THE O.C.) - 34

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you have a tip on a bit of soap history on this date or future dates, let us know. Send an email to [email protected]