Today in Soap Opera History (April 10)

On this date in...

1957: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, Chris and Pa discussed John Hughes, who ran away from the Hughes farm 18 years earlier.



1987: The character of Jack Deveraux debuted on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Joseph Adams was the original actor in the role. James Acheson took over as Jack just over three months later.



1989: On SANTA BARBARA, Eden (Marcy Walker) received information about her baby.



1989: On GUIDING LIGHT, Alexandra (Beverlee McKinsey) was upset to see Sonni.



1990: On ANOTHER WORLD, John (David Forsyth) sought Dr. Craig's help with psychiatry information after reading about psychological disorders. Meanwhile, Sharly and Grant kissed.

1995: On LOVING, Deborah (Nancy Addison) sang a poignant version of "Hello, Dolly!"



2001: On ONE LIFE TO LIVE, Hank told Judge Fitzwater that he had motive, means and opportunity concerning Blair's (Kassie DePaiva) attempted murder of Max.

2008: On ALL MY CHILDREN, Jesse (Darnell Williams) told baby Jenny about the original Jenny.



2010: Actress Dixie Carter died at age 70.  In addition to her run on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES as Gloria Hodge (which earned her an Emmy nomination), Carter made her mark in daytime on THE EDGE OF NIGHT as Brandy Henderson. She also appeared on THE DOCTORS and filled for Nancy Pinkerton as Dorian on ONE LIFE TO LIVE in 1974, while Pinkerton was on maternity leave.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Jane Kean (ex-Diane, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 89
Liz Sheridan (ex-Greta, SANTA BARBARA) - 84
Milt Kogan (ex-Irv, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 77
Peter MacNicol (ex-Robert, GREY'S ANATOMY) - 59
Charlie Hunnam (ex-Nathan, QUEER AS FOLK) - 33
Laura Bell Bundy (Shelby, HART OF DIXIE; ex-Marah, GUIDING LIGHT) - 32
Michael Pitt (Jimmy, BOARDWALK EMPIRE) - 32
Chyler Leigh (Lexie, GREY'S ANATOMY) - 31
Ryan Merriman (Ian, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS) - 30
Mandy Moore (ex-Mary, GREY'S ANATOMY) - 29
Billy Kay (ex-Shayne, GUIDING LIGHT) - 29
Shay Mitchell (Emily, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS) - 26

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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