Today in Soap Opera History (July 11)

On this date in...

Phyllis Avery

1949: THE BRIGHTER DAY moved to CBS Radio after having aired its first nine months on NBC Radio. Bill Smith starred as Reverend Richard Dennis, pastor of a parish in the town of Three Rivers, where he tried to be both mother and father to daughters Elizabeth, Althea, Barbara and Patsy. The show was written by Irna Phillips with Ted Corday serving as one of the directors.

1960: Daytime soap opera THE CLEAR HORIZON premiered on CBS. The show was created and head written by Manya Starr with a cast led by Edward Kemmer and Phyllis Avery.



1968: On ANOTHER WORLD, Dr. Clader told Russ (Sam Groom) and Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) that Rachel had lost the baby.

1969: On ONE LIFE TO LIVE, Meredith and Victor Lord offered to help Tom Edwards (Joseph Gallison).

1975: Brooke Bundy debuted as Rebecca North on DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

1986: On SANTA BARBARA, a big "C" from the Capwell Hotel sign fell on Mary (Harley Kozak) during a heated confrontation with Mark (Jon Lindstrom) and Julia (Nancy Lee Grahn).



1989: On GUIDING LIGHT, Ed (Peter Simon) told Sonni (Michelle Forbes) her relationship with Roger would make him question her judgment.



1991: On ONE LIFE TO LIVE, Viki (Erika Slezak) told Dorian (Elaine Princi) her style was dirty innuendo and cheap journalism.



2002: On GUIDING LIGHT, Richard suddenly opened his eyes and begged Reva to let him die.  Observing Richard's unbearable pain, Reva finally turned off his life support and watched him take his final breath.



2007: On GENERAL HOSPITAL, Ric (Rick Hearst) warned Sonny (Maurice Benard) he had evidence to destroy Jason.



Celebrating a birthday today are:
Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; VENICE; ex-Joanna, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Patricia, SUNSET BEACH) - 70
Beverly Todd (ex-Celeste, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Monica, LOVE OF LIFE) - 67
Mindy Sterling (ex-Mitzi, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES) - 60
Sela Ward (ex-Hilary, EMERALD POINT, N.A.S.; ex-Teddy, SISTERS) - 57
Lisa Rinna (ex-Billie, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Taylor, MELROSE PLACE) - 50
Greg Grunberg (ex-Matt, HEROES) - 47
Robert Fontaine Jr. (ex-Rafe, SANTA BARBARA; ex-Ray, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Frankie, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 46
Micheal Saucedo (ex-Juan, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 43
Justin Chambers (Alex, GREY'S ANATOMY; ex-Nick, ANOTHER WORLD) - 43
Rachael Taylor (ex-Lucy, GREY'S ANATOMY) - 29
Robert Adamson (Noah, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Phil, HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS; ex-Charles, LINCOLN HEIGHTS) - 28
Timothy Olin (ex-Luke, THE RAs)
Connor Paolo (ex-Declan, REVENGE; Eric, GOSSIP GIRL; ex-Travis, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 23

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you have a tip on a bit of soap history on this date or future dates, let us know. Send an email to [email protected]