Today in Soap Opera History (December 27)

1979: Primetime soap opera Knots Landing premiered on CBS.
2002: Days of our Lives' Chloe learned Craig was her father.
2004: All My Children's Bianca was reunited with baby Miranda.

"A page of history is worth a pound of logic."
― Oliver Wendell Holmes

"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...

1963: On The Edge of Night, Emory (William Berger) came closer to realizing his murderous plan.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Jack (Michael Levin) demanded an explanation for Johnny's (Bernard Barrow) comment that this was the only child Jack would ever have.



1979: Knots Landing, a spin-off featuring Dallas featuring characters Gary (Ted Shackelford) and Valene (Joan Van Ark) Ewing, premiered on CBS. The show revolved around the lives of four couples living in a Knots Landing cul-de-sac.  The other couples were Sid and Karen, Kenny and Ginger, and Richard and Laura.



1985: On Days of our Lives, Bo (Peter Reckell) told Hope (Kristian Alfonso) to not get involved with his investigation to prove Shane was not a double agent.



1988: On General Hospital, Sean (John Reilly) convinced Colton (Scott Thompson Baker) to join him in the investigation.



1999: Jay Kenneth Johnson debuted as Philip Kiriakis on Days of our Lives.

1999: On Guiding Light, Danny (Paul Anthony Stewart) gave Michelle (Bethany Joy Lenz) a necklace with a gold house along with plans for their house at Laurel Falls.



2002: On The Bold and the Beautiful, Eric (John McCook) was disgusted with Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) after finding out Hope was Deacon's daughter.



2002: On Days of our Lives, Nancy (Patrick Darbo) and Craig (Kevin Spirtas) told Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin) that Craig was her biological father.



2004: Former Days of our Lives head writer Peggy Phillips died at age 88.

2004: On All My Children, loved ones gathered around a comatose Bianca (Eden Riegel) urging her to wake up. Erica (Susan Lucci) shocked everyone when she arrived with Miranda in her arms. Jack, Kendall and Erica took Miranda to Bianca's bedside, while Tad explained it was true, Miranda was alive. Erica brought the baby to Bianca and begged her not to leave and open her eyes. As everyone watched, Bianca finally opened her eyes, saw Miranda and held her.



Thanks to Enrique for sending in the item above.

2010: Sarah Glendening debuted as Marissa Tasker on All My Children.



Celebrating a birthday today are:
John Amos (ex-Percy, The West Wing) - 75
Toni Bull Bua (ex-Tess, Love of Life; ex-Denny, Somerset)
Barbara Crampton (ex-Leanna, The Young and the Restless; ex-Leslie, Spyder Games; ex-Maggie, The Bold and the Beautiful; ex-Mindy, Guiding Light; ex-Trista, Days of our Lives) - 56
Eva La Rue (ex-Marie, All My Children; ex-Margot, Santa Barbara) - 48
Wilson Cruz (ex-Gabe, Hustling; ex-Vincent, Single Ladies) - 41
Emilie de Ravin (Belle, Once Upon A Time; ex-Claire, Lost) - 33
Chloe Bridges (ex-Donna, The Carrie Diaries; ex-Alexis, 90210) - 23

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email [email protected].