Sunday, April 13, 2014

Today in Soap Opera History (April 13)

"There is no present or future, only the past happening over and over again - now."
- Eugene O'Neill

"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...

Bernadine Flynn
1939: On radio soap opera BACKSTAGE WIFE, Mary (Vivian Fridell) received a call from a gossip columnist who questioned her about her separation from Larry. Katharine Monroe criticized Peter Dillon for being interested in Sandra Page, and Dillon exited enraged. Mary and Larry discussed their separation.

1955: On HAWKINS FALLS, Lona (Bernadine Flynn) worried about her husband's health and later convinced Millie to visit Gary Minden at the hospital; Millie described what she wanted from a relationship; Mitch debated with Virgil about the layout for a candy ad; and Mitch informed Dr. Corey that he had been turned down for additional life insurance. Dr. Corey admitted that he needed to change his lifestyle for the sake of his health, but he refused to do it and insisted that Lona not be informed about his health problem.

1973: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Adam (Donald May) explained to Liz that Jessup wanted her dead.

1979: On ANOTHER WORLD, Iris (Beverlee McKinsey) was upset after Liz (Irene Dailey) brought in a postcard that read: "Don't think I've forgotten. You'll be seeing me soon. B."

1983: On RYAN'S HOPE, Leigh (Felicity LaFortune) and Maeve (Helen Gallagher) talked about Mary.

1987: Genie Francis debuted as Diana Colville on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Francis was one of several popular actors that "made the switch" to DAYS around that time.



1993: On ALL MY CHILDREN, Kendall (Sarah Michelle Gellar) questioned Erica's (Susan Lucci) choice of Bianca as maid of honor at her wedding.



2005: On GENERAL HOSPITAL, Ric (Rick Hearst) and Jason (Steve Burton) compared notes on Reese's car bombing.



2012: Actor Jonathan Frid died at age 87.  He was best known for portraying Barnabas Collins in DARK SHADOWS.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Tony Dow (ex-Ross, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 69
Ron Perlman (ex-Bernie, RYAN'S HOPE) - 64
Peabo Bryson (Guest Star & Theme Singer, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; Guest Star, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 63
Erick Avari (ex-Omar, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 62
Saundra Santiago (ex-Carlotta, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Carmen, GUIDING LIGHT) - 57
Caroline Rhea (ex-Noleta, SORDID LIVES) - 50
Kelli Giddish (ex-Di, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 34
Fernanda EspĂ­ndola (Francesa, BLOOMERS)

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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