Today in Soap Opera History (July 20)

1966: Dark Shadows' David was angry with his father. 1984: Guiding Light's Josh and Reva got heated in the hot tub. 1988: Days of our Lives' Salemites through Kayla a surprise shower. 2010: One Life to Live's Viki plotted to reunite David and Dorian.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...

1965: On General Hospital, Angie Weeks (Jana Taylor) asked Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) for advice.

1966: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) told Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) that he hated his father, Roger (Louis Edmonds).

Denise Alexander Interview Archive (2010, 2013)

Actress and longtime soap opera star Denise Alexander was beloved by fans for her portrayal of Lesley Webber on General Hospital and Susan Hunter Martin on Days of our Lives.  

Early in her career Alexander voiced characters on multiple radio soaps before making her Broadway debut in “The Children’s Hour”. On primetime television she made appearances on classics Father Knows Best, The Twilight Zone and The Danny Kaye Show. In the early 1960s she moved to daytime TV on the CBS soap The Clear Horizon.

She joined the cast of Days of our Lives in 1966 as Susan, where she rose to stardom during her seven-year run. She left Days in 1973 and joined the cast of General Hospital as Lesley to help give the ratings-challenged ABC soap a boost. Lesley fell for Rick Webber (Chris Robinson) and became entangled in a love triangle with rival Monica Bard (Leslie Charleson). Lesley also confessed to the murder of David Hamilton, a crime her daughter Laura (Genie Francis) committed. Her acting earned Alexander a Emmy nomination in 1976 for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series.

When storyline called for Lesley to be killed off in a car accident in 1984, fans became outraged. (Editor's Note: Alexander shared the what really happened back then, off the record).  It wasn’t until 12 years later in 1996 that it was revealed that Lesley was actually alive. In between the two soaps, Alexander appeared on NBC’s Another World as Mary McKinnon, working once again with Robinson during a portion of her three-year stint.  She last appeared on General Hospital in 2021.

Denise Alexander passed away in March at age 85, which led me to revisit the times we spoke (always by phone).  Below are my interviews with Alexander from 2010 and 2013 below.

First published in November 2010

ROGER NEWCOMB: You were involved in the industry when it was transitioning from radio to TV.
DENISE ALEXANDER: At the tail end of it. I got to do a little bit of everything.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 19)

1966: Dark Shadows' Roger crashed due to a missing bleeder valve.
1985: John Aniston debuted as Victor on Days of our Lives.
1990: General Hospital's Wendy was murdered.
2010: Scott Clifton debuted as Liam on Bold and the Beautiful.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...

1940: The first episode of radio soap opera The Carters of Elm Street, written by Mona Kent, aired on the Mutual Network.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 23)

"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...

1978: On Another World, Rachel Cory (Victoria Wyndham) cut off Jamie's (Tim Holcomb) allowance after finding out he had married Blaine Ewing (Laura Malone).

1981: On General Hospital, the residents of Port Charles wanted Luke (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis) to have a big wedding.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 22)

"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 Dark Shadows, Joe Haskell (Joel Crothers) stabbed himself with a letter opener after Angelique (Lara Parker) told him that he bored her and wanted him to go.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Matt Powers (James Pritchett) reassured Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) while Dr. Nick Bellini (Gerald Gordon) performed surgery on her daughter, Penny.

Nelson Aspen Thrills Packed House with His "Showbiz Scrapbook"

On October 4, I arrived at The Green Room 42 for international entertainment reporter and entertainer Nelson Aspen's sold out debut performance of "A Showbiz Scrapbook." Having seen Nelson multiple times in recent years, I knew he always packed the house so there was no excuse for not buying a ticket before they were all gone but I somehow still managed to end up on the wait list. After being rejected by the ticket booth a few times I made one last attempt to beg my way into the show and secured a bar stool by the door. Lucky for me there are no bad seats in this terrific venue, which I had never visited before. As for the premiere of Nelson's latest show, it was everything I had hoped for and more.

One big new addition for "Showbiz Scrapbook" was the use of audio-visual clips and images to highlight Nelson's prolific television work. During the course of the evening, Nelson recounted everything from how being Princess Diana's fitness trainer launched his broadcasting career to the thousands of celebrity interviews, breaking news stories and red carpet events that led to him becoming known as "Hollywood's Happiest Personality."

The clips featured celebrities such as Betty White, Hugh Jackman, Julie Andrews, Camilla Cabello, Roger Moore (Nelson's favorite James Bond), Carol Lynley and many, many more. The crowd—which featured former daytimers Denise Pence (Guiding Light), Emmy winner Louise Shaffer (Ryan's Hope), Shelly Burch (One Life to Live), producer Richard Schilling, publicist Lee Fryd, Emmy-winning writer Janet Iacobuzio, Marie Brossard and Randy Lein—loved every moment.

The evening also featured the first-ever live performance of Emmy and Murrow award winning journalist Phil Lipof, who killed with his performance of Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road."

But since my favorite television show of all-time was the daytime soap opera Another World, I was over the moon when Nelson sang the show's beloved theme song. Check out the iconic chorus below.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 9)

"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...

1957: On The Right to Happiness, Nurse Helen Mason (Ruth Newton) reported overhearing a racketeer's confession of drugging her patient which broke the defense of the fraudulent insurance claim case.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Dave Woodard (Peter Turgeon) told Julia Hoffman (Grayson Hall) that he discovered the "original" Barnabas Collins had a sister named Sarah. He then revealed he met and walked with Sarah (Sharon Smyth) in the mausoleum.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 8)

"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, Congressman Jason Randall (M. Emmet Walsh) arrived at Hope Memorial for a hospital tour with a posse of reporters, flustering Nurse Simpson (Carolee Campbell).

1969: On Dark Shadows, Count Andreas Petofi (David Selby), in Quentin's body, informed Angelique she had to follow his orders in the future. Julia (Grayson Hall) realized that Petofi (Thayer David) was really Quentin but then disappeared back to 1969.

'Another World' Alum to 'General Hospital'

Michael Rodrick

Actor Michael Rodrick, who played Cameron Sinclair from 1998-1999 on Another World, has joined the cast of General Hospital.

The latest issue of Soap Opera Digest reveals that Rodrick has been cast as Seth Baker, Tom's (Don Harvey) brother.

Seth will have questions regarding the whereabouts of his brother. Will Seth discover that Franco (Roger Howarth) has Tom locked in a cage?

Look for the actor to show up on General Hospital next week.

Rodrick's list of credits include roles in 24, The Mentalist, Major Crimes, and Greenleaf

While on Another World, Rodrick's Cameron had a steamy romance with Amanda Cory (Sandra Robinson).

New Janet Iacobuzio & Nelson Aspen Series Adds Linda Dano To All-Star Cast

Nelson Aspen and Janet Iacobuzio celebrate Linda Dano joining their new series with co-star Anna Holbrook.

Here's news that will surely delight TV fans: much loved Emmy winning actor/author/designer/presenter Linda Dano is joining the all-star cast of Janet Iacobuzio and Nelson Aspen's new series. While mystery continues to shroud the specifics of the project, its creators assure us it will be worth the wait.

"We have the best talent in the business on board," Nelson says. "So we're making sure everything is perfect before we launch. Our cast and their fans deserve nothing less!"

Dano is best known for her long-running portrayal as Felicia Gallant on NBC daytime drama Another World. Her other soap roles include Rae Cummings on One Life to Live, General Hospital, All MY Children and Port Charles; Cynthia Haines on As the World Turns; Lena Kendall on Guiding Light; and Francine Williams on Desperate Housewives.

For a sneak peek of the new series, check out the teaser below:

Soap Worlds Collide at New Web Series Cast Gathering in New York

Anne Howard, Stephen Schnetzer, Colleen Zenk, Anna Holbrook, Ryan Brown and Nelson Aspen.

It was Six Degrees of Soap Stars this week when actors from Another World, As the World Turns and Guiding Light came together for a gathering of cast members from the upcoming Nelson Aspen-Janet Iacobuzio web series, shooting a series of promos and title shots.

Stay tuned to Serial Scoop for updates and announcements on this exciting new project as they become available. In the meantime, let's look at the many soap lives of this talented group.

Anne Howard is best known to fans of daytime drama for her portrayal of Nicole Love on Another World, and Kimberly Brady on Days of our Lives. Her many post-soap opera credits include primetime serials Desperate Housewives, Nip/Tuck and Private Practice, and she has become a host/spokesperson extraordinaire for a number of companies.

Anne Howard, Stephen Schnetzer, Colleen Zenk, Anna Holbrook
and Ryan Brown will appear in Nelson Aspen's upcoming
web series.

Stephen Schnetzer played Days of our Lives' Steven Olson and One Life to Live's Marcello Salta before taking on his signature role as Cass Winthrop on Another World from 1982 to 1999. He later crossed the character over to both As the World Turns and Guiding Light. Schnetzer was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 1990 for his work on Another World. He played "Dr. Cass Winthrop" (same name, different character) on two episodes of Homeland in 2013, and recently reunited with former Another World co-star Alice Barrett in an episode of The Following.

Colleen Zenk spent 32 years playing sweet-heroine-turned-mother-from-hell Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns, earning three Emmy nominations, critical acclaim and a huge fan following along the way. She has been working non-stop on stage, TV, film and web series since ATWT went off the air in 2010, including the Indie Series Award-nominated role of Agnes Snead in Western drama Thurston.

Anna Holbrook has appeared on One Life to Live and All My Children but is best known for her Emmy-winning work as Sharlene Frame Hudson (and her alter Sharly) on Another World. In 2008, she played the wife of former Another World co-star Kale Browne in an episode of a radio soap opera I wrote and produced, Scripts & Scruples.

Ryan Brown starred as legacy characters Bill Lewis on Guiding Light and Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless. Since his soap days, Brown has become a successful author and photographer.

Denise Pence and Nelson Aspen

Nelson Aspen played Albert Prange on Search for Tomorrow, and then moved to the production side of daytime drama, working on the staffs of every East Coast based serial drama, doing everything from casting to writing. He is currently an international entertainment reporter, who appears on the popular Australian morning show Sunrise.

Denise Pence is still remembered fondly for her run as Nurse Katie Parker on Guiding Light from 1977 to 1985. She has been active in the theater community since her soap days, including her heralded work with The Rehearsal Club.

EXCLUSIVE: Alice Barrett on Reuniting with Stephen Schnetzer and Working with Kevin Bacon on Tonight's Episode of 'The Following'

Alice Barrett and Stephen Schnetzer on The Following.

Former Another World co-stars Alice Barrett and Stephen Schnetzer, who played beloved couple Frankie Frame and Cass Winthrop on the classic NBC soap, reunite on the Monday, April 13 episode of The Following, airing at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.

In the episode, titled "Flesh & Blood," the FBI closes in on a suspect whom they believe to be the culprit behind the latest murders, but Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) believes the killer is still out there, leading him to dig deeper into dangerous territory. Meanwhile, Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) undergoes evaluation in the days leading up to his execution and a new threat tries to cover his tracks.

Schenetzer is playing Dr. Malcom Tower and Barrett is playing Jan Tower. Dr. Tower is Gwen's (Zuleikha Robinson) boss, and Jan is his wife. Gwen schedules a dinner with Ryan and the Powers so Ryan can meet her boss.

"It was in every way an enjoyable experience, especially since working with Stephen was, as they say, like riding a bike," Barrett tells Serial Scoop. "We were comfortable with each other, our gracious hosts on set, Kevin and Zuleikha, and the crew immediately."

The actress enjoyed working with The Following lead Kevin Bacon, who started his career on the daytime soap operas Search for Tomorrow and Guiding Light.

"Kevin was surprisingly talkative, given how much work he has to do every day" Barrett shares. "We talked a lot about soaps, as Kevin started his career on Guiding Light. We joked about our soap niches. If I remember correctly, Kevin's was 'teenage drunk,' Stephen's was of course, 'Cassanova' and mine I think might have been most original, 'psychic private investigator.' "

Barrett would love to work with Schnetzer again.

"I can only say that nothing would make me happier than to work with Stephen again on a regular basis," she says. "I think we do it well."

Colleen Zenk & Anne Howard Added to Cast of Upcoming Janet Iacobuzio & Nelson Aspen Series

Anne Howard, Colleen Zenk

Two new names can now be revealed from the cast of the upcoming web series from serial scribes Janet Iacobuzio and Nelson Aspen.

In addition to Marcia McCabe and Yvonne Goutman, daytime veterans Colleen Zenk (As the World Turns) and Anne Howard (Another World, Days of our Lives) are excited to join the cast of the show, which will debut this summer and promises lots of interactive opportunities and exclusive behind-the-scenes special features. Be sure to watch this space for all the breaking news of casting developments with more big names and much-missed favorites on board for the project.

"Janet and I worked with Anne on Another World back in those Halcyon days of the '80s, so it's a special treat to be reunited with her, professionally," Aspen says. "As for Colleen, anyone who watched her as Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns for all those wonderful years can't help but be a fan of her work, style and beauty. Having been pals the last couple years off screen, it's an extraordinary gift to now get to work with her on screen."

In a recent Serial Scoop poll, we asked fans which soap opera character played by Marcia McCabe did they remember most fondly. 93% chose Sunny Adamson from Search for Tomorrow.

New Nelson Aspen Highlight Reel Includes 'Another World' Reunion (and Theme Song)

Serial Scoop pal Nelson Aspen is getting his tux pressed for next weekend's Academy Awards in Los Angeles and just shared with us his latest showbiz highlights reel from the last few weeks of reporting. He thought we'd especially enjoy his Red Carpet reunion with Gabrielle Carteris (ex-Tracy, Another World) at the recent SAG-AFTRA Awards and he cleverly put in a special tribute to Bay City in the montage set to the 1996 theme music from the late, great soap.



Of course, Aspen is hard at work with former AW colleague Janet Iacobuzio on a new web series that will premiere this summer and feature many notable names from the world of daytime television.

Meantime, tickets go on sale today for his latest musical endeavor: his one man cabaret show which will premiere Sunday, May 17 at the world famous Sydney Opera House! He'll be crooning tunes and dishing dirt as only he can! If you're planning a trip Down Under or have friends there who'd like to check out the show, all the info can be found here (http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/nelson_aspen.aspx).

Aussies love their soaps! And the soaps love their Aussies...look how many have become daytime stars. Home and Away's Lachlan Buchanan is next in line, and will debut February 25 as the new Kyle Abbott on The Young and the Restless.

Grayson McCouch Joins 'General Hospital' as Agent Kyle Sloane

Grayson McCouch - Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

Grayson McCouch has joined the cast of ABC soap opera General Hospital as the new Agent Kyle Sloane.

Robb Derringer, who originated the role in November, shot his last episode on December 19 and will air for several more weeks. McCouch is slated to begin airing in early February.

McCouch's daytime roles include Morgan Winthrop on Another World and Dusty Donovan in As the World Turns. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2006 for his work on ATWT.

In primetime, he's appeared as Dr. Thomas Wayne in this season's new hit drama Gotham. Among his other credits are Hollywood Heights, Legacy and Beverly Hills, 90210.

Soap Opera Digest first reported the McCouch recast news.

RELATED:
* Robb Derringer Leaving 'General Hospital" as Agent Kyle Sloane

Flashback: Julian McMahon In 'Home And Away' And 'Another World'

Julian McMahon celebrated the 30th anniversary of Another World in 1994 with co-stars,
including Colleen Dion, Judi Evans, Barbara Berger, Robyn Griggs and Amy Carlson.

Golden Globe nominee Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck, Charmed) has been added to the cast of Syfy's upcoming six-hour miniseries Childhood's End. McMahon will portray Rupert Boyce, an enigmatic American entrepreneur.

McMahon is well known for his roles in Charmed and the hugely successful Nip/Tuck. But do you remember his time on the Australian soap opera Home And Away or his stint on the dearly departed Another World?

Below, check out his first appearance as Ben Lucini in Home And Away and see him in action as Ian Rain in Another World.

World AIDS Day: Remembering Those We Lost

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

Around 100,000 are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 34 million people have HIV. More than 35 million people have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

Below is an alphabetical list of the talented artists from the world of soaps and serials who lost their lives due to complications from the AIDS virus.

Ben Archibek (Neil Curtis, Days of our Lives)
January 6, 1943 – October 21, 1993 (age 50)

Amanda Blake (Julianna Stanhower, The Edge of Night)
February 20, 1929 – August 16, 1989 (age 60)

Bill Beyers (Wally McCandless, Capitol)

March 17, 1955 – May 29, 1992 (age 37)

Christopher Bernau (Philip Todd, Dark Shadows; Alan Spaulding, Guiding Light)

June 2, 1940 – June 14, 1989 (age 49)

Robert Christian (Bob Morgan, Another World; Dr. Colby, All My Children; Lieutenant Frank, Search for Tomorrow)
December 27, 1939 – January 27, 1983 (age 43)

Keith Christopher (Wyatt Sanders, Guiding Light; HIV+ gay man, Another World)
April 27, 1957 – February 23, 1998 (age 40)

The Sharon Gabet Interview: A Journey From 'The Edge of Night' to Understanding 'Spiritual Magic'

Sharon Rose Gabet

Sharon Rose Gabet played one of the most memorable characters in the history of daytime television when she starred as Raven Alexander in ABC's The Edge of Night. Taking on the role in 1977, Ms. Gabet brought Raven to life for more than seven years, until the show's final episode aired on December 28, 1984. Viewers watched Raven's journey through a series of broken relationships, becoming a mother, and a supercouple pairing with Larkin Malloy's Sky Whitney. In addition to her mesmerizing two-time Emmy nominated portrayal of Raven on Edge, Ms. Gabet starred in NBC's Another World and ABC's One Life to Live. She's also followed a fascinating career path which includes writing two books, "From the Raven to the Dove" and "Spiritual Magic."

As we approach the 30th anniversary of the end of The Edge of Night, Serial Scoop will be featuring some of the beloved actors, characters and stories from the 28-year history of the series. We start with the life and career of Sharon Rose Gabet. Read our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: From 1977 to 1984, you played one of the most iconic characters of The Edge of Night's 28 year run, Raven Alexander Jamison Swift Whitney Whitney. Did I forget any of her last names?
SHARON GABET: I usually include Devereaux between the Whitneys to add to the fun. I know it was a fake marriage, but I still had a wedding, a dress and the full deal.

Stephen Schnetzer and Alexandra Neil Played Parent's of Murder Victim in 'Forever'

Former soap stars Stephen Schnetzer and Alexandra appeared in ABC's Forever on Tuesday night.

Stephen Schnetzer, who starred for over 16 years as Cass Winthrop on NBC soap opera Another World, was a guest performer on Tuesday night's episode of Forever on ABC. Schnetzer, who also starred in Days of our Lives and One Life to Live, brought the character of Cass to As the World Turns and Guiding Light following the cancellation of Another World. Also appearing was Alexandra Neil, who starred in many daytime dramas, including Guiding Light, Texas, Search for Tomorrow and Another World.

Brad Pitt's First Speaking Role on TV: A Two-Day Stint on 'Another World' (Video)

Another World star David Forsyth played John Hudson opposite Brad Pitt's Chris.

In 1987, a young Brad Pitt played Chris, a high school basketball student who appeared on two episodes of NBC daytime soap opera Another World. It was his first speaking role on TV. Watch below: