It was just after the show's 25th anniversary in 1981 that Helen Wagner chose not to renew her contract due to the negotiations being coordinated my Mary Ellis-Bunim and her determination to "youthen" up the show. The following year, 1982, Don MacLaughlin and Rita M. Walters (Carol Stallings) were bumped to recurring. Bunim was quoted as saying the show was relying too much on the "tentpole" characters. While Helen did not appear in any 1982 episodes, she returned in 1983 for Tom and Margo's wedding, and again for good in 1985thanks to Susan Bedsow Horgan, Cynthia Benjamin and Douglas Marland. We were lucky to have them all involved with ATWT!
Could this picture be from the 20th Anniversary (1976) and not the 25th Anniversary in 1981? I suppose William Johnstone (Judge Lowell) could have returned for the 25th Anni party, but wasn't he written out of ATWT in 1978?
It is the 25th - I remember the photo spread and article at the time. There were photos of Margo -played by Margaret Colin - as well. I guess William Johnstone returned for the party.
Ms. Mary-Ellis Bunim complained about too many tentpole characters, huh? Sheesh! Ms. Bunim can take a big, flying leap into the Hudson River--Hah! Soaps wouldn't be what they are without the tentpole characters!
It was just after the show's 25th anniversary in 1981 that Helen Wagner chose not to renew her contract due to the negotiations being coordinated my Mary Ellis-Bunim and her determination to "youthen" up the show. The following year, 1982, Don MacLaughlin and Rita M. Walters (Carol Stallings) were bumped to recurring. Bunim was quoted as saying the show was relying too much on the "tentpole" characters. While Helen did not appear in any 1982 episodes, she returned in 1983 for Tom and Margo's wedding, and again for good in 1985thanks to Susan Bedsow Horgan, Cynthia Benjamin and Douglas Marland. We were lucky to have them all involved with ATWT!
ReplyDeleteCould this picture be from the 20th Anniversary (1976) and not the 25th Anniversary in 1981? I suppose William Johnstone (Judge Lowell) could have returned for the 25th Anni party, but wasn't he written out of ATWT in 1978?
ReplyDeleteStill, it's a great picture!
I love old photos and clips there a time in history, keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteIt is the 25th - I remember the photo spread and article at the time. There were photos of Margo -played by Margaret Colin - as well. I guess William Johnstone returned for the party.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great-looking photo. Helen's gray hair was just growing in then, I think. Thanks For Posting This--Ahhh, Memories, Memories! :)
ReplyDeleteMs. Mary-Ellis Bunim complained about too many tentpole characters, huh? Sheesh! Ms. Bunim can take a big, flying leap into the Hudson River--Hah! Soaps wouldn't be what they are without the tentpole characters!
ReplyDelete