Sunday, June 2, 2019

Today in Soap Opera History (June 2)

1969: Peyton Place series finale aired on ABC.
1988: Days of our Lives' Kim had to say goodbye to Shane.
1995: One Life to Live's Bo and Nora were married.
1997: Port Charles' Scott was desperate to find Serena.
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1969: The 514th and final episode of primetime soap opera Peyton Place aired on ABC.

Norman and Rita arrived at Dr. Rossi's hearing, planning to give an honest testimony about the events surrounding Fred Russell's death. Attempting to determine probable cause, the lawyers questioned Sergeant Walker, who spoke to Rossi's state of mind on the night that Russell suffered his fatal injury, and Walker stated that he seemed "professionally concerned" but calm. When he was dismissed, he talked to Lew, and told him that there is a warrant out for his arrest for a hit-and-run. He asked him to behave honorably and turn himself in after Rossi's trial concludes. Marsha Russell next took the stand and explained that Fred tried to rape her shortly before his death. When asked about his final moments in the hospital, she was reluctant to reveal his dying words, but finally admitted that he accused Rossi of injuring him. Norman then talked about breaking up a fight between Russell and Rossi, after which Rossi expressed the desire to "clobber" him. Rita explained that Rossi's behavior was "controlled" and, despite the fight, he did not seem likely to seek further violence.

During a recess, Marsha wondered if she should have lied, but Rossi told her that it would not have helped, and she reiterated her desire to marry him as soon as the hearing ends. Rossi speculated that the judge was getting "fed up" with Carter, the opposing counsel. Ada Jacks then took the stand and revealed that Rossi was seen to be looking for Russell, though she suggested that he merely wanted to speak with him. Dr. Miles commented on Russell's fatal head injury, casting doubt upon where and when it was caused, and Mr. Hagen, the motel manager, stated that he saw Russell at his establishment with a blonde woman, though he was unsure who she was. The judge then waived the lawyers' right to their closing summaries, as there was no jury, and declared that probable cause did in fact exist and that Rossi would go to trial, much to everyone's distress. Lew debated running away, having observed Rossi's unfair treatment in the hearing, but decided to stay. Susan, worried, said that she must speak to Rossi, and the series concluded on a cliffhanger as Rossi returned to his cell for an indefinite stay.



1972: On Another World, Rachel (Robin Strasser) and Steve (George Reinholt) spent time with Jamie. Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) thought Steve was in Somerset.

1983: On The Edge of Night, just after Sky (Larkin Malloy) and Raven (Sharon Gabet) were married, Sky told Raven that Spencer had swindled them out of the Whitney fortune and left them bankrupt.



1988: On Days of our Lives, after being seen by Alan, Shane (Charles Shaughness) told Kim (Patsy Pease) they best way not to blow their plan was to proceed with the divorce.

1989: On Guiding Light, Roger (Michael Zaslow) woke up in the hospital just as Holly (Maureen Garrett) was about to suffocate him with a pillow.



Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the item above.

1989: On Santa Barbara, Julia Wainwright (Nancy Lee Grahn) and Mason Capwell (Lane Davies) were married. The show aired a special opening for the episode.



1995: On One Life to Live, Bo (Robert S. Woods) and Nora (Hillary B. Smith) objected at the their wedding, then agreed to be married by Little Richard.



1997: Port Charles, a spinoff of General Hospital, made its daytime debut on ABC. The show had premiered in primetime (Sunday) the night before.



2012: Desperate Housewives, General Hospital and The West Wing actress Kathryn Joosten died at age 72.

Celebrating a birthday today are:
Maree Cheatham in 1968, while she was
starring on Days of our Lives.
Sally Kellerman (ex-Constance, The Young and the Restless; ex-Marla, 90210) - 82
Stacy Keach (ex-Senator Potter, Flamingo Road) - 79
Maree Cheatham (ex-Marie, Days of our Lives; ex-Stephanie, Search for Tomorrow; ex-Mary, Knots Landing; ex-Mona, Passions; ex-Charlene, General Hospital) - 77
Joan Pringle (ex-Ruth, Generations; ex-Patrica, General Hospital; ex-Roberta, Models Inc.) - 74
Joanna Gleason (ex-Jordan, The West Wing) - 69
Dennis Haysbert (ex-Ron, The Young and the Restless) - 65
Pip Torrens (ex-Prosecution Q.C., Coronation Street) - 59
Liam Cunningham (Davos, Game of Thrones) - 58
Norm Lewis (ex-Keith, All My Children) - 56
Anthony Montgomery (ex-Aaron, General Hospital)  - 48
Wentworth Miller (Leonard/Captain Cold, The Flash; ex-Michael, Prison Break) - 47
Wayne Brady (Guest Star, The Bold and the Beautiful; Former Daytime Emmy Awards Host) - 47
Leah Cairns (ex-Emily, Kyle XY) - 45
Zachary Quinto (ex-Sylar, Heroes) - 42
Nikki Cox (ex-Gina, General Hospital) - 41
Mark Jude Sullivan (ex-Reg, As the World Turns) - 40
James Ransone (ex-Ziggy, The Wire) - 40
Morena Baccarin (ex-Anna, V) - 40
Jewel Staite (ex-Raquel, The  L.A. Complex) - 37
Erik Moody (ex-Dan, Ragged Isle)
Sterling Beaumon (ex-Lincoln, The Killing; ex-Young Ben, Lost) - 24
Madison Leisle (ex-Jamie, The Walking Dead) - 20

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

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