Today in Soap Opera History (August 27)

1976: Ryan's Hope's Frank realized his campaign was over.
1992: All My Children's Nick returned.
1996: Another World's Fax was ready to kill again.
2010: As the World Turns' Henry and Barbara married.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"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 The Doctors, Dr. Nick Bellini (Gerald Gordon) and Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) talked about marrying. Both spoke of the changing times-Nick the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy; Althea the 1967 death of her son, Buddy Davis. Meanwhile, Steve (David O'Brien) and Karen (Laryssa Lauret) also headed towards marriage, if not a romantic one.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1974: On Another World, Steve (George Reinholt) talked Janice (Victoria Thompson) into staying in Bay City.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Frank Ryan's family tried to console him with his campaign likely in shambles.



1980: On The Edge of Night, Emily Michaels (Margo McKenna) was in a catatonic state.



1983: Former Dark Shadows writer Francis Swann died at age 70.

1984: On Days of our Lives, Carrie Brady (Andrea Barber) helped her father, Roman (Wayne Northrop), and Abe Carver (James Reynolds) put a baby crib together. Elaine Princi debuted as Linda Anderson in this episode.

1992: On All My Children, Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) was thrilled when Nick Davis (Larry Keith) returned.



1996: On Another World, on the night of the hospital gala Fax Newman (Nick Gregory) tried to kill again.



1996: On One Life to Live, Carlotta (Patricia Mauceri) was shocked to find out Antonio (Kamar de los Reyes) had been picked up by the police.



1999: On General Hospital, Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) rescued Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) at Jake's when a stranger became aggressive with her. The two went on to become close friends, lovers and parents over the next 19 years, and regularly appear near the top of the couples in the We Love Soaps weekly poll.



Thanks to Kim for sending in the item above.

2001: On The Young and the Restless, at Mary Williams' house, Isabella (Eva Longoria) smashed Paul and Christine's wedding photo.

2010: On As the World Turns, Barbara Ryan (Colleen Zenk) and Henry Coleman (Trent Dawson) were married.



2012: Ian Buchanan returned to General Hospital as "Duke Lavery."



Thanks to Kath for submitting the item above.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Anne Whitfield (ex-Barbara, Days of our Lives) - 80
Michael Maitland (ex-Bruce, Search for Tomorrow; ex-Michael, Dark Shadows; ex-Tommy, The Edge of Night) - 62
Robert Bogue (ex-Mallet, Guiding Light) - 54
Chandra Wilson (Miranda, Grey's Anatomy; ex-Tina, General Hospital) - 49
Aaron Paul (ex-Jesse, Breaking Bad; ex-Adrian, Guiding Light) - 39
Kyle Lowder (ex-Andrew, DeVanity; ex-Rick, The Bold and the Beautiful; ex-Brady, Days of our Lives) - 38
Karla Mosley (Maya, ;The Bold and the Beautiful; ex-Christina, Guiding Light) - 37
Patrick J. Adams (Mike Suits; ex-Nathan, Luck; ex-Peter, Lost; ex-Matt, Jack & Bobby) - 37
Kayla Ewell (ex-Vicki, The Vampire Diaries; ex-Caitlin, The Bold and the Beautiful) - 33
Francisco San Martin (ex-Dario, Days of our Lives) - 33
Blake Jenner (ex-Ryder, Glee) - 26

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you would like to submit a soap history entry for this date or a future date, email [email protected].