Without a doubt, one of ATWT's most beloved long-running heroines in its entirey history was Penny Hughes, as played by Rosemary Prinz. Penny and her first husband, Jeff Baker, were daytime TV's first "super couple," and fans were outraged when Jeff was killed off in 1962 when actor Mark Ryder left the show. Prinz left the show in 1968 having tired of the grind of appearing in a daily series and desiring to work more in live theater.
After stints on ALL MY CHILDREN and HOW TO SURVIVE A MARIRAGE in the 1970s, the actress finally returned to AS THE WORLD TURNS for multiple guest spots on the series from the mid-1980s onward. Unfortunately, there has been no mention of her returning for a guest spot before the series ends. Wouldn't it have been entirely appropriate for the last original cast member of the show still alive to return for its finale?
Rob, despite all the focus on newer characters of late, I am still quite shocked that we never heard anything about a return for Penny or Ellen. Hopefully they'll at least be mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI would have liked the same Roger; however, I doubt we will even hear mention of their names. When they wrote Ellen off in 1995, except for that one visit in 1998, and a brief mention during the Emily, Carly, Rose kidnapping, she was never touched upon again. TPTB have no regard for this show or its history; it even took Elizabeth Hubbard to spearhead Larry B.'s return as Dr. John Dixon. Goutman didn't have the wisdom, regard, or balls to do that on his own.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Russell. Unfortunately, with Goutman in control, I doubt we will see or hear anything regarding Penny, Ellen, Don, etc. I admit, I was rather taken aback of no Penny and/or Don at all for Nancy's passing.
ReplyDeleteI love the mirror image-type expressions of Rosemary/Penny. Thanks Rob! :-)
ReplyDeleteRosemary still acts in theatres in & out of NYC. She's 80-years-young now. Keep On Trucking, Rosemary! :-)
I too had hope they would bring on Ellen and Penny, Penny was there for Chris's funeral. I just wished the would have brought on long for gotten couples like Betsey and Steve, Shannon and Duncan/Jessica, That is why longtime fans have left in droves. At least we get to see John Dixon more.
ReplyDeleteI really applaud your great photo selection and editorial on Penny & Rosemary Prinz. I recall her visits in the 80's and was thrilled to read about and learn what a history this character brought back to the Douglas Marland years when the past was used to honor the present. If fans are upset by the upcoming limp ending of our show I URGE them to check out the Chris Hughes 1986 memorial on YouTube that features ATWT core characters and families at their absolute best. The absence of these favorites in late August and September 17 is inexcusable! I wept when I saw the final cast photo for GL; the ATWT cast shot reminded me of how far the program has fallen.. Just a group of strangers and poor recasts.
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