Monday, March 31, 2014

Today in Soap Opera History (March 31)

1961: ATWT's Betty & David worried about Ellen's claim on
Danny. 1972: BRIGHT PROMISE ended. 1980: RH's Prince Albert
dropped Delia. 1993: A classic GH theme was used for the final time.
"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...

1961: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, David Stewart (Henderson Forsythe) and his wife Betty dealt with the aftermath of Ellen Lowell's (Patricia Bruder) revelation that Danny was her son.



Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the item above.

1967: ABC aired the final episode of daytime soap opera THE NURSES. The show was a continuation of a CBS serialized primetime drama originally titled THE NURSES when it premiered in 1962 (later renamed THE DOCTORS AND THE NURSES). Mary Fickett and Melinda Cordell were among the stars.

1972: NBC aired the final episode of daytime soap opera BRIGHT PROMISE, created by Frank and Doris Hursley, after a two and a half year run. Dabney Coleman and Anthony Geary were among the stars of BRIGHT PROMISE which was replaced in the lineup by RETURN TO PEYTON PLACE.



1977: On ONE LIFE TO LIVE, widower Larry Wolek (Michael Storm) married his distant cousin Karen (Kathy Breech). Karen's sister Jenny (Katherine Glass) and best friend Lana McLain (Jacklyn Zeman) were bridesmaids.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1980: On RYAN'S HOPE, a drugged Prince Albert (a gorilla) dropped Delia (Randall Edwards) from the top of the tower.



Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the item above.

1980: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Raven (Sharon Gabet) schemed to kidnap Jamey.



1983: The final episode of the Reg Watson-created Australian soap THE YOUNG DOCTORS aired.

1993: GENERAL HOSPITAL stars Stuart Damon (Alan), Leslie Charleson (Monica), Sean Kanan (A.J.) and Steve Burton (Jason) appeared on Gary Collins' HOME to celebrate the show's 30th anniversary.



1993: GENERAL HOSPITAL used the "Autumn Breeze" theme for the final time.



Thanks to Enrique for sending in the item above.

2010: On DAYS OF OUR LIVES, Sami (Alison Sweeney) and Nicole (Arianne Zucker) had an epic fight.



Celebrating a birthday today are:
Shirley Jones (ex-Colleen, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 80
Christopher Walken (ex-Mike, GUIDING LIGHT) - 71
Ed Marinaro (ex-Leo, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Creighton, DYNASTY; ex-John, FALCON CREST) - 64
Anne Marie Howard (ex-Nicole, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Kimberly, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 54
Emma Atkins (ex-Charity, EMMERDALE) - 39
Melissa Ordway (Abby, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Sydney, 90210; ex-Chloe, HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS) - 31

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a piece of soap opera history for this daily column, please email it to [email protected].

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