Today in Soap Opera History (September 2)

1964: Another World's Pat had an abortion. 1985: C.C.
collapsed before he could sign his divorce papers on Santa 
Barbara. 1989: Guiding Light's Rick made a proposal.
1997: Another World's Kirkland faced off with a car.

"To believe what has not occurred in history will not occur at all, is to argue disbelief in the dignity of man."
- Mahatma Gandhi

"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...

1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) had an abortion. This was the first abortion story told in television history.  Irna Phillips and William J. Bell were the writers.

1969: On Dark Shadows, Amanda moved into Collinwood.

1985: On Santa Barbara, CC's (Charles Bateman) aneurysm burst and he fell into a coma while Gina (Linda Gibboney) moved their divorce papers further and further out of his reach so he couldn't sign them.



1985: On General Hospital, Sean (John Reilly) told Robert (Tristan Rogers) that he had arranged to return the treasure to the Mexican government. Frisco agreed to go with Felicia to visit her grandmother to tell her about the treasure.



1988: Carl Anderson returned to Days of our Lives to sing "Friends and Lovers" for Kim and Shane.

1988: On Guiding Light, Rick (Michael O'Leary) proposed to Meredith (Nicolette Goulet).



1991: The book "Women and Soap Opera: A Study of Prime Time Soaps" by Christine Geraghty was released.

1993: On Days of our Lives, Bo (Robert Kelker-Kelly) gave Billie (Lisa Rinna) a pendant to thank her for everything she had done for him.



1997: On Another World, Kirkland (Sean Rademaker) was hit by a car driven by Paulina (Judi Evans).



1997: On Days of our Lives, Carrie (Christie Clark) punched Sami (Alison Sweeney).



Celebrating a birthday today are:
Mary Jo Catlett (ex-Mary, General Hospital) - 76
Millee Taggert (Former Writer, All My Children; As the World Turns; The City; Loving; Ryan's Hope; Santa Barbara; Search for Tomorrow; ex-Janet, Search for Tomorrow; ex-Millie, One Life to Live; ex-Geri, The Edge of Night) - 74
Tom Tammi (ex-Tom, As the World Turns; ex-Mark, One Life to Live; ex-Wade, All My Children; ex-Jack, Guiding Light; ex-Logan, The Edge of Night) - 69
Mark Harmon (ex-Fielding, Flamingo Road) - 63
Linda Purl (ex-Doreen, The Secret Storm; ex-Claire, Port Charles; ex-Betsy, Beacon Hill) - 59
Tuc Watkins (ex-David, One Life to Live; ex-Bob, Desperate Housewives; ex-Pierce, General Hospital; ex-Reggie, Santa Barbara) - 48
Salma Hayek (ex-Sofia, Ugly Betty; ex-Juana, El Vuelo Del Aguila) - 48
Cynthia Watros (ex-Annie, Guiding Light; ex-Vicky, Another World) - 46
Vincent De Paul (ex-Father Leone, The Bay) - 46
Erin Hershey (ex-Alison, General Hospital; ex-Alison, Port Charles) - 38
Tiffany Hines (ex-Kat, 90210) - 31
Allison Miller (ex-Teen Tracy, General Hospital) - 29
Yani Gellman (ex-Rafe, The Young and the Restless; ex-Garrett, Pretty Little Liars; Diego, 90210; ex-Pete, Greek) - 29

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]