Today in Soap Opera History (June 18)

1984: Guiding Light's H.B. questioned Reva's feelings.
1987: Y&R's Brenda Dickson aired for the final time as Jill.
2001: Spyder Games premiered on MTV.
2010: Liz Foster died on The Young and the Restless.

"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...

1963: On Ben Jerrod, Agnes (Jeanne Baird) was rebuffed when she sought information.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1965: On General Hospital, Eddie Weeks (Doug Lambert) and Angie Costello (Jana Taylor) started down a path leading to tragedy.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1965: On The Young Marrieds, Walter Reynolds (Michael T. Mikler) received cautious advice from his lawyer.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 2)

1968: The Doctors' Liz was on a ledge, and on the news.
1977: David Hasselhoff performed the Y&R theme song on Merv.
1995: OLTL's Viki had an emotional confrontation with Dorian.
2006: GH's Port Charles faced an encephalitis outbreak.

"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...

1955: On The Road of Life, Sybil Overton (Barbara Becker) became upset when the bank called with news her account was overdrawn. Sybil's father, Conrad Overton (Charles Dingle), later asked attorney Byron Unger if his daughter had a claim on the estate.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 16)

1972: Emmerdale Farm premiered.
1985: ATWT's Holden introduced himself as the new stable boy.
1985: Theo died on Days of our Lives.
1992: Days of our Lives' Isabella died.

"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...

1939: Irna Phillips' The Right to Happiness, a spinoff of popular radio soap opera The Guiding Light, premiered on the NBC Blue Network. The show initially focused on the character Rose Kransky from Guiding Light but eventually Carolyn Allen (played first by Eloise Kummer and then Claudia Morgan) took center stage. Carolyn remained the central character of the program (eventually becoming the most-married radio soap opera heroine, with four husbands) until the series ended on November 25, 1960, the day that network radio soap operas died.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 18)

1984: Guiding Light's H.B. questioned Reva's feelings.
1987: Y&R's Brenda Dickson aired for the final time as Jill.
2001: Spyder Games premiered on MTV.
2010: Liz Foster died on The Young and the Restless.

"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"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...

1963: On Ben Jerrod, Agnes (Jeanne Baird) was rebuffed when she sought information.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1965: On General Hospital, Eddie Weeks (Doug Lambert) and Angie Costello (Jana Taylor) started down a path leading to tragedy.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1965: On The Young Marrieds, Walter Reynolds (Michael T. Mikler) received cautious advice from his lawyer.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 2)

1968: The Doctors' Liz was on a ledge, and on the news.
1977: David Hasselhoff performed the Y&R theme song on Merv.
1995: OLTL's Viki had an emotional confrontation with Dorian.
2006: GH's Port Charles faced an encephalitis outbreak.

"Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli

"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...

1955: On The Road of Life, Sybil Overton (Barbara Becker) became upset when the bank called with news her account was overdrawn. Sybil's father, Conrad Overton (Charles Dingle), later asked attorney Byron Unger if his daughter had a claim on the estate.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 16)

1972: Emmerdale Farm premiered.
1985: ATWT's Holden introduced himself as the new stable boy.
1985: Theo died on Days of our Lives.
1992: Days of our Lives' Isabella died.

"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"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...

1939: Irna Phillips' The Right to Happiness, a spinoff of popular radio soap opera The Guiding Light, premiered on the NBC Blue Network. The show initially focused on the character Rose Kransky from Guiding Light but eventually Carolyn Allen (played first by Eloise Kummer and then Claudia Morgan) took center stage. Carolyn remained the central character of the program (eventually becoming the most-married radio soap opera heroine, with four husbands) until the series ended on November 25, 1960, the day that network radio soap operas died.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 18)

1984: Guiding Light's H.B. questioned Reva's feelings.
1987: Y&R's Brenda Dickson aired for the final time as Jill.
2001: Spyder Games premiered on MTV.
2010: Liz Foster died on The Young and the Restless.

"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"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...

1963: On Ben Jerrod, Agnes (Jeanne Baird) was rebuffed when she sought information.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1965: On General Hospital, Eddie Weeks (Doug Lambert) and Angie Costello (Jana Taylor) started down a path leading to tragedy.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1965: On The Young Marrieds, Walter Reynolds (Michael T. Mikler) received cautious advice from his lawyer.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

NEWS: British Soap Awards, Rob Mallard, Bill Hayes, 'In Our Lifetime,' Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon'

Emmerdale's depiction of Ashley Tinsley's dementia helped the soap
win six British Soap Awards.

Below is a round-up of recent soap opera news.

* Emmerdale was named Best British Soap and picked up five other trophies at Saturday night's British Soap Awards.

* Coronation Street's Rob Mallard (who plays Daniel) thanked boyfriend Daniel Brocklebank (Billy) in his Best Newcomer speech: "Even though this is fantastic, Dan you're still the best thing I've taken home!”"

* An Indian soap opera that is shattering social taboos - from domestic violence and acid attacks to menstruation and child marriage - has become one of the most watched series in the world, attracting over 400 million viewers, according to Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon producers.

* On the new documentary about the life of Days of our Lives star Bill Hayes (Doug), wife Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie) says, "I think it allows the viewer of his biography to see who Bill Hayes is, and meet the man I fell in love with and that his co-worker fell in love with that perhaps they don’t know."

* Religious differences reared their ugly head during Friday’s funeral for an Indonesian soap opera actress Yana Zein, who died on Thursday at the age of 44. Her Russian mother, Swetlana Zein, wanted a Christian funeral for Yana, whom she claimed was a Christian. But just before the coffin was closed, Yana’s father, Nurzaman, who is divorced from Swetlana, came to the funeral home and stopped the rites, arguing that Yana was a Muslim and thus Muslim rites should be performed for her.

* Drugs. Alcohol. Sabotage. Backstabbing. Inappropriate relationships. It’s exactly the type of drama you’d expect from a daytime television show. Except in this case, the show is on YouTube, the resident Queen Bee is a 14-year-old girl, and her kingdom is a private school. The show? “In Our Lifetime” — a 30-minute drama, In Our Lifetime, produced in Atlanta.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 2)

1968: The Doctors' Liz was on a ledge, and on the news.
1977: David Hasselhoff performed the Y&R theme song on Merv.
1995: OLTL's Viki had an emotional confrontation with Dorian.
2006: GH's Port Charles faced an encephalitis outbreak.

"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"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...

1955: On The Road of Life, Sybil Overton (Barbara Becker) became upset when the bank called with news her account was overdrawn. Sybil's father, Conrad Overton (Charles Dingle), later asked attorney Byron Unger if his daughter had a claim on the estate.

British Soaps Coming to the United States Via BritBox

BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, and ITV, the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster, today announced a new joint venture that sees the two British content powerhouses combine forces to launch BritBox, an ad-free subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service, in the U.S. during Q1, 2017. AMC Networks, which has a joint venture with BBC Worldwide for cable channel BBC AMERICA, is investing in BritBox with a non-voting minority interest. BBC Worldwide and ITV share an equal majority stake in the joint venture.

This unique streaming service will celebrate the very best of British TV, and offer the most comprehensive SVOD collection of British content in the market today. For decades, BBC and ITV have produced iconic British television series, and for the first time these shows will be combined in a single, curated service allowing fans to find the classic shows they love and discover new hit series.

The BritBox proposition will feature:

* An array of drama premieres never-before-seen in the U.S., including New Blood, from acclaimed novelist Anthony Horowitz, Tutankhamun, The Moonstone, and In The Dark, from BAFTA award-winning writer Danny Brocklehurst (Ordinary Lies). Also, season premieres of drama favorites Cold Feet and Silent Witness.

* The “Now” category will feature an amazing selection of soaps and series that will be available as soon as 24 hours after their UK broadcast, including much-loved titles Eastenders, Emmerdale and Holby City.

* A British classics collection from ITV and the BBC, featuring iconic period dramas Brideshead Revisited, Pride and Prejudice, and Upstairs Downstairs; political thriller State of Play; murder mystery series Inspector Morse and Rosemary and Thyme; favorite sitcoms Keeping Up Appearances and Fawlty Towers; and much more.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 18)

1984: Guiding Light's H.B. questioned Reva's feelings.
1987: Brenda Dickson aired for the final time on The Young
and the Restless.  2001: Spyder Games premiered on MTV.
2010: Y&R's Liz Foster died.

"If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree."
― Michael Crichton

"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...

1963: On Ben Jerrod, Agnes (Jeanne Baird) was rebuffed when she sought information.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1965: On General Hospital, Eddie (Doug Lambert) and Angie (Jana Taylor) started down a path leading to tragedy.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1965: On The Young Marrieds, Walter (Michael T. Miller) received cautious advice from his lawyer.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 2)

1968: The Doctors' Liz was on a ledge, and on the news.
1977: David Hasselhoff performed the Y&R theme song on Merv.
1995: OLTL's Viki had an emotional confrontation with Dorian.
2006: GH's Port Charles faced an encephalitis outbreak.

"The present contains nothing more than the past, and what is found in the effect is already in the cause."
― Henri Louis Bergson

"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...

1955: On The Road of Life, Sybil Overton (Barbara Becker) became upset when the bank called with news her account was overdrawn. Sybil's father, Conrad Overton (Charles Dingle), later asked attorney Byron Unger if his daughter had a claim on the estate.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 16)

1972: Emmerdale Farm premiered. 1985: ATWT's Holden
introduced himself as Lucinda's new stable master.
1985: Theo died on Days of our Lives. 1992: Days' Isabella died.

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
― Maya Angelou

"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...

1939: Irna Phillips' The Right to Happiness, a spinoff of popular radio soap opera The Guiding Light, premiered on the NBC Blue Network. The show initially focused on the character Rose Kransky from Guiding Light but eventually Carolyn Allen (played first by Eloise Kummer and then Claudia Morgan) took center stage. Carolyn remained the central character of the program (eventually becoming the most-married radio soap opera heroine, with four husbands) until the series ended on November 25, 1960, the day that network radio soap operas died.

NEWS: McKenzie Westmore, Kelly Ripa, Blair Underwood, Andrew Benjamin, Lucy Lawless

McKenzie Westmore fondly recalls spending her twenties as Sheridan on Passions
With kidnappings, Bollywood dance numbers and plenty of blackmail, McKenzie says she and the rest of the cast got a daily dose of "WTF" whenever they got their new scripts.

"The more controversy, the worse you could get it, we did it," she says, recalling one particular storyline that found Sheridan communicating with the ghost of Princess Diana after surviving a crash similar to the one that killed the late royal.

"I remember when the whole Princess Diana thing happened, watching it and going 'Oh my god, I just started my career and now it's over. Thats the end. I just trashed the whole memory of Princess Diana," she continues.

Looking back, Westmore says she saw the beginning of the end coming when the show began what she calls its "worst storyline ever."

"I remember when it moved to DirecTV and they were doing the storyline of Julian Crane and Dr. Eve and his penis had been cut off and she sewed it on backwards," she says with a laugh. "I remember watching this episode, as he's peeing all over the place because he couldn't control his bladder and I went 'This has got to be the worst storyline ever done, what are they doing?'"

Airbnb Offers Soap Fans The Chance To Spend A Night On Neighbours Set
As part of the 30th anniversary of its first ever broadcast, the evergreen Australian soap opera Neighbours is teaming up with Airbnb to offer a set of lucky fans the chance to spend a night on the set, which is being specially converted into a temporary hotel.

The soap’s producers have listed its studios in Melbourne on the rent-out lodging website as part of the competition, whose winners will get to spend the night in one of the on-set houses, visit all parts of the fictional Ramsay Street, and have dinner with two of the show’s actors, Alan Fletcher (Dr. Karl Kennedy) and Chris Milligan (handyman Kyle Canning), in order to get all the backstage gossip.

All My Children alum Kelly Ripa Breaks foot, husband Mark Consuelos documents
Ripa broke her foot during a dance class. Luckily, her husband and former All My Children co-star Mark Consuelos was able to make Ripa laugh during her hospital visit. "He's never in 21 years, he's never felt the need to photograph me, videotape me...when I have full hair and makeup, nothing," she said. "Yesterday, he was like Scavullo. He followed me around with a camera. He was never more alive."

Ripa added, "He loved this moment of suffering!"

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. bringing back Blair Underwood
The former One Life to Live actor will reprise his role as Melinda May’s ex-husband in several episodes this fall.

OWN orders a megachurch drama series
Greenleaf will delve into the scandalous secrets and lies of a Memphis megachurch.

UnReal co-creator was “thrilled” that The Bachelor host called her show “terrible”
"I was so excited because I was like, ‘Oh, my God, they noticed us!’” Marti Noxon says of Chris Harrison’s comments. She adds: “In this case, it was particularly fun. I’m like a nerd. The captain of the football team is talking about me, even if he’s saying, ‘Hey, nerd!'”

Kyle Chandler brings back Friday Nights Lights' Coach Taylor for a movie theater PSA
Austin’s Alamo Drafthouse enlisted local resident Chandler to film a PSA warning moviegoers to not talk and use their cellphones while the film is playing.

MTV renews Scream for second season
“[W]e are thrilled by how our viewers have responded to the reinvention of Scream,” reads a statement from MTV EVP Mina Lefevre. “We look forward to another season filled with suspense, horror and more twists and turns.”

Emmerdale Summer Stunt Spoilers: Helicopter crashes the Dingle wedding of the year
As soon as it was revealed that this summer, Emmerdale would attempt the biggest stunt in soap history, there were many a critic who raised one eyebrow…

The world of the Great British Soap Opera boasts some of this country’s greatest small screen stunt successes – ranging from tram crashes, to train crashes, to sieges – but will next week’s episodes of Emmerdale stand head and shoulders above all the previous competition?

Lucy Lawless won't reprise Xena role, but says of a reboot: “I know that NBC wants to do it"
The Hollywood Reporter says a deal is still in place to reboot Xena: Warrior Princess, and NBC would like to have Lawless involved in some capacity. At the TV press tour, Lawless, who was promoting Ash vs. Evil Dead, said of the Xena reboot: "I'd love to see it happen, and I know that NBC wants to do it but they're just trying to find a way and a time."

Jordana Brewster joins Secrets & Lies
The As the World Turns and Dallas alum will play an attorney on Season 2 of the ABC series.

The CW moves premieres of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Jane the Virgin to October 12
Both shows were previously scheduled to premiere on October 19.

Andrew Benjamin joins Season 2 of American Crime
The "Hey Ya!" rapper/actor, better known as André 3000, has joined Season 2, playing an architect who’s married to Regina King. Benjamin previously worked with American Crime creator John Ridley, who directed him in the Jim Hendrix biopic All Is by My Side. "It’s fair to say American Crime might not exist were it not for our previous collaboration,” says Ridley.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 18)

1984: Guiding Light's H.B. wanted answers from Reva.
1987: Brenda Dickson aired for the final time on The Young
and the Restless.  2001: Spyder Games premiered on MTV.
2010: Y&R's Liz Foster died.

"History never looks like history when you are living through it."
― John W. Gardner

"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...

1974 Don Frabotta debuted in the role of Dave on Days of our Lives.

1981: On Another World, Cecile (Nancy Frangione) wanted to know if Jamie (Richard Bekins) was the father of Marianne's baby Meanwhile, Mac (Douglass Watson) told Mitch (William Gray Espy) that Rachel sleeping with Mitch cost her Amanda.

NEWS: Jordan Clarke, Sonia Satra, John Stamos, Dusty Rhodes, Jerry Penacoli, Danielle Harold, 'Game of Thrones' Finale

Guiding Light alum Jordan Clarke enjoys being a handyman
Jordan Clarke lived a working actor’s dream, going from primetime bit player to beloved, award-winning star of Guiding Light, playing Billy Lewis for many years. He was also a part-time handyman. In his latest feature, BuzzFeed's David Kushner recounts his relationship with Clarke as a handyman over the past few decades.

"Fixing things had a tangibility that, after all these years reading lines, he craved. He savored the satisfaction of making a new cabinet and seeing it being used in someone’s home. There were no lights shining down, no directors giving him orders, no egotistical co-stars. There was just him, a hammer, and a problem to solve. 'As wonderful as acting is,' he told me, 'this is more satisfying.'"

Where Are They Now: Former Guiding Light actress Sonia Satra
Sonia Satra is perhaps best known for her life as a soap opera star, having appeared in both Guiding Light (Lucy) and One Life to Live (Barbara). However, she is now known for her role in the world of fitness.

Former General Hospital actor John Stamos breaks his silence as a DUI arrest
Police pulled over the 51-year-old General Hospital (Blackie) alum in Beverly Hills on Friday evening after receiving several calls about a possible drunk driver. They then transported Stamos, who was driving alone, to the nearby Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for observation "due to a possible medical condition." There, he was arrested and issued a citation for DUI and was released to the care of the hospital.

"Thanks to everyone for their love & support," Stamos tweeted. "I'm home & well. Very appreciative of the BHPD & Cedars for their care."

Stamos is scheduled to answer to the DUI charge at a hearing in Los Angeles on September 11.

Jerry Penacoli thanks President Obama: You ‘Saved My Finances and My Life’
During an interview with entertainment news program Extra, correspondent Jerry Penacoli thanked the president for his healthcare law, which he says “pretty much saved my finances and my life” during his battle with cancer.

The former Days of our Lives (Miles) actor suffered from stage 3 melanoma and early-stage thyroid cancer. But he was able to pay for treatments thanks to a provision in the president’s healthcare law that lifted lifetime caps on insurance benefits.

EastEnders star Danielle Harold confirms exit from soap
Danielle Harold has confirmed she's leaving the show. The 23-year-old has played Lola Pearce since July 2011, but she admitted she's looking forward to trying new things.

Speaking to the Mirror, Harold said: "I've had the most amazing time at EastEnders having been involved in some exciting story lines, including giving birth in a live scene.

Emmerdale's Pasha Bocarie signs new contract, staying for another year
Bocarie will now appear as Rakesh Kotecha until at least summer 2016.

Game of Thrones finale brings disturbing deaths, big changes for Season 6
[Warning: Spoilers ahead for Sunday's Game of Thrones finale, "Mother's Mercy."]

Jon Snow's (Kit Harington) journey came to an end, when he was betrayed by the Night's Watch, who executed him Julius Caesar-style, each of the mutineers stabbing him while saying "for the Watch." The cruelest cut came when Jon's squire Olly (Brenock O'Connor) took part.

Remembering the one, the only, The American Dream Dusty Rhodes
Virgil Runnels Jr. is dead, but his American Dream will live forever. Dusty Rhodes reached the top of the pro wrestling mountain, one of the best all-time. He’s easily pegged for the Mt. Rushmore of pro wrestling’s most charismatic and most inspirational.

Watch a WWE special tribute to Dusty Rhodes below:

British Soap Awards 2015 Winners List: 'EastEnders' Named Best Soap

EastEnders was named Best Soap at the British Soap Awards on Saturday.
Photo Credit: ITV/Kieron McCarron

The winners of the British Soap Awards 2015 were announced on Saturday night in a ceremony at Manchester Palace Theatre. EastEnders took home eight awards to lead all shows, and was named Best British Soap. Below is a complete list of winners, and the other nominees in each category.

BEST BRITISH SOAP
Winner: EastEnders

Other nominees:
Coronation Street
Doctors
Emmerdale
Hollyoaks

BEST ACTOR
Winner: Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), EastEnders

Other nominees:
Coronation Street: Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald)
Coronation Street: David Neilson (Roy Cropper)
EastEnders: Danny Dyer (Mick Carter)
Emmerdale: Michael Parr (Ross Barton)

Today in Soap Opera History (March 31)

"Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature."
― David Hume

"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...

1955: On HAWKINS FALLS, Dr. Floyd Corey (Maurice Copeland) dealt with fallout from the interview he gave to the local newspaper.

Today in Soap Opera History (February 2)

1968: The Doctors' Liz was on a ledge, and on the news.
1977: David Hasselhoff performed the Y&R theme song on Merv.
1995: OLTL's Viki had an emotional confrontation with Dorian.
2006: GH's Port Charles faced an encephalitis outbreak.

"A page of history is worth a pound of logic."
― Oliver Wendell Holmes

"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...

1955: On The Road of Life, Sybil Overton (Barbara Becker) became upset when the bank called with news her account was overdrawn. Sybil's father, Conrad Overton (Charles Dingle), later asked attorney Byron Unger if his daughter had a claim on the estate.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 16)

1972: Emmerdale Farm premiered. 1985: ATWT's Holden
introduced himself as Lucinda's new stable master.
1985: Theo died on Days. 1992: Days' Isabella died.

"History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future."
― Robert Penn Warren

"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...

1939: Irna Phillips' The Right to Happiness, a spinoff of popular radio soap opera The Guiding Light, premiered on the NBC Blue Network. The show initially focused on the character Rose Kransky from Guiding Light but eventually Carolyn Allen (played first by Eloise Kummer and then Claudia Morgan) took center stage. Carolyn remained the central character of the program (eventually becoming the most-married radio soap opera heroine, with four husbands) until the series ended on November 25, 1960, the day that network radio soap operas died.