Today in Soap Opera History (April 30)

"The whole past is the procession of the present."
- Thomas Carlyle

"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...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Jeff (Roger Davis) dozed off in a chair in the living room of the Evans Cottage and had almost the same dream that Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) had earlier, except when he opened the door of the cottage, he found Dr. Lang (Addison Powell) there beckoning him. He followed him and, like Maggie, was locked in the room with many doors. He heard Lang's voice recite the same poem. He heard Josette's music coming from behind a door and opened it and found a green death's head, as did Maggie. He closed the door. The music started to come from behind a different door. He opened it and found a guillotine in the door frame. The blade fell loudly which awakened a terrified Jeff.

Nancy Pinkerton as Dr. Dorian Lord in 1973

1973: The character of Dr. Dorian Lord debuted on One Life to Live played by Nancy Pinkerton.

1976: Another World, Pat (Beverly Penberthy) warned Sharlene (Laurie Heineman) secrets could destroy even the best marriage.

1978: CBS aired the fifth and final part of its five-part Dallas mini-series. In the episode, Pam (Victoria Principal) learned she was pregnant but later lost the baby.  Dallas was picked up as a regular series for the fall.

1980: Jean Bruce Scott debuted as Jessica Blake in Days of our Lives.

1981: Robert Alda made his first appearance as Stuart Whyland in Days of our Lives.

1984: On Guiding Light, Lujack (Vincent Irizarry) shared his fears with Beth (Judi Evans).



1987: On Knots Landing,  Ben Gibson (Doug Sheehan, in his final appearance) left for South America. Also in the episode, Laura (Constance McCashin) gave birth to a baby girl - 8lbs, 3 ozs.

1989: Jet Magazine featured a Generations cover with cast members Kristoff St. Johnn, Jonelle Allen, Lynn Hamilton, Taurean Blacque, Joan Pringle and Sharon Brown.

1996: On All My Children, Marian (Jennifer Bassey) played a revealing cassette tape during Tad's (Michael E. Knight) interview with Joe (Ray MacDonnell).



1999: On Another World, Paulina (Judi Evans) confessed to killing Grant. Another World debuted a next-day preview at the end of the episode.



2002: On General Hospital, the cops believed Carly was dead but her friends and family refused to accept that.



2004: On EastEnders, Laura (Hannah Waterman) fell down the stairs to her death.

Celebrating a birthday today are:

Megan McTavish

Perry King (ex-Richard, Titans; ex-Hayley, Melrose Place) - 66
Megan McTavish (ex-Lola, Guiding Light; Former Writer, ALL MY CHILDREN; General Hospital; Guiding Light; One Life to Live) - 65
Paul Gross (ex-Darryl, Eastwick) - 55
Justine Miceli (ex-Marsha, As the World  Turns) - 55
Adrian Pasdar (ex-Alec, The Lying Game; ex-David, Desperate Housewives) - 49
Robyn Griggs (ex-Maggie, Another World; ex-Stephanie, One Life to Live) - 41
Jeff Timmons (Guest Star, As the World  Turns) - 41
Alexandra Holden (ex-Suzy, Friday Night Lights) - 37
Emma Pierson (ex-Becky, Grange Hill) - 33
Blair McDonough (ex-Stu, Neighbours) - 33
Kirsten Dunst (ex-Loving) - 32
Drew Seeley (ex-Andrew, Guiding Light) - 32
Gal Gadot (ex-Olivia, The Beautiful Life) - 29
Dianna Agron (Quinn, Glee) - 28
Lindsay Pearce (ex-Harmony, Glee) - 29

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].