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1975: Mary and Jack shared their first kiss on Ryan's Hope.

1979: The identity of Edge of Night's "Tobias" was revealed.

1979: Guiding Light's Alan bonded with hope on a deserted island.

1995: One Life to Live's Max told hospitalized Luna to hold on."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...

1967: On Another World, Pat Randolph (Beverly Penberthy) introduced Rachel Davis (Robin Strasser) to her Aunt Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley).

1975: On Ryan's Hope, Mary Ryan (Kate Mulgrew) declined when Bob Reid (Earl Hindman) asked her out, but accepted an invitation from Jack Fenelli (Michael Levin) to join him for coffee.

1979: General Hospital's Laura wanted a job at the disco.

1987: Lizzie demanded answers on Ryan's Hope.

1989: As the World Turns' Shannon lost her baby.

2007: One Life to Live's John arrive to arrest Lindsay."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...

1970: Murial Williams returned to Another World as Lenore's (Judith Barcroft) mother, Helen Moore. Williams remained with the show until April 8, 1976.

1976: Rosemary Forsyth debuted as Laura Horton on Days of our Lives.

1977: On Another World, Mac (Douglass Watson) listened in through the intercom as...

1986: Another World's Zane Lindquist died after being shot.

1998: Guiding Light's Dolly the clone after taking an aging formula.

1999: Sunset Beach's Ricardo vowed to get revenge.

2010: General Hospital's Brenda returned."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...

1967: ABC broadcast Dark Shadows in black and while for the final time. The episode was actually the first one taped in color but ABC aired it in black and white (a Friday episode). Having fainted at the sight of Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid), Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) began...

1979: The Edge of Night's Steve saved Paige's life.

1981: General Hospital's Mikkos hosted a dinner party.

1984: Santa Barbara's Joe broke into the Capwell estate.

2004: Martha Madison debuted as Belle on Days of our Lives."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...

1945: On radio soap opera Portia Faces Life, Kathie was shocked to see Portia's late husband, Walter (Bartlett Robinson), alive and well!

1967: On Dark Shadows, Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) returned to the Blue Whale Café -- and ran into her former tormentor, Barnabas Collins...

1980: Another World's Tracey and Russ married.

1984: Santa Barbara's Joe spotted his true love, Kelly.

1997: Rebecca Herbst debuted as Elizabeth on General Hospital.

2001: Spyder Games' Gretel performed."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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) asked David (David Henesy) why he attempted to murder Roger and showed him the bleeder valve. He attacked her and she locked it in a dresser drawer. Later, Victoria went to show the bleeder valve to Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) it was missing.

1980: On Another World,...

1967: Dark Shadows' Elizabeth confessed to murder.

1981: General Hospital's Luke was drugged.

1987: Jess Walton debuted as Jill on The Young and the Restless.

1993: All My Children's Erica married Dimitri."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...

1956: The final episode of radio soap opera Young Widder Brown aired on NBC Radio, completing a 22-year run. The show's epigraph: "Again we present the moving human drama of a woman's heart and a mother's love -- Young Widder Brown. In the little town of Simpsonville, attractive Ellen Brown,...

1967: Dark Shadows' Maggie remained frustrated locked in a cell.

1983: General Hospital faced a hostage crisis.

1993: As the World Turns' Hal and Barbara were remarried.

1996: All My Children's Hayley and Brian wanted to relive their prom."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...

1967: On Dark Shadows, locked in a cell in the Old House basement, Maggie Evans (Kathryn Leigh Scott) opened the music box when she heard Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) coming, pretending that she had been listening to it. He didn't believe her and...

1968: Dark Shadows' Mrs. Johnson had a terrible dream.

1981: John Dixon took a tumble down the stairs on As the World Turns.

2002: All My Children's Bianca called her sister, Kendall, "evil".

2010: It was prom night for One Life to Live's Starr X'd Lovers."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...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Cassandra (Lara Parker) encouraged Mrs. Johnson (Clarice Blackburn) to get some sleep but Mrs. Johnson told her she was afraid of having a terrible dream. Once Mrs. Johnson fell asleep she had the dream,...

1983: Gh's Robert & Holly made love.

1984: Dynasty's Fallon crashed her car.

1985: Days' Marlena met the new chief of police.

2006: Atwt's Luke Snyder came out to his parents."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: On Another World, Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley) left Bay City. Lindley, who took over the role as Liz on Another World's second episode, was leaving the show after 5 years. She returned on June 20th for one final appearance. Lindley would go on to star as Mrs. Roper in the hit ABC sitcom Three's Company.

1968: Dark Shadows' Bathia went up in flames.

1985: Australian soap opera Neighbours premiered.

1988: General Hospital's Duke was involved in a shootout.

2004: All My Children's Bianca went into labor."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...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Bathia Mapes (Anita Bolster) tried to drive Angeligue out but announced she had failed and feared for her life. She said she felt herself on fire then flames sprung up around her.

1977: On Another World, Liz Matthews (Irene Dailey) was upset when Alice (Susan Harney...

1996: Gh's Brenda called Miguel for help stopping Sonny's wedding.

2004: Days of our Lives' Tony "died" following a tiger attack.

2007: All My Children's Dixie "died" after eating poisoned pancakes.

2014: Billy and Adam were involved in a fiery crash on The Young and the Restless."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...

1958: On The Edge of Night, Bill (Carl Frank) and Mike (John Larkin) tried to convince Dalton there may be mitigating circumstances in the case, but he insisted on moving forward with the prosecution as quickly as possible.

The Guiding Light premiered on NBC Radio on January 25, 1937. Pictured above, the cast in 1937 at the NBC studio in Chicago."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...

1937: Irna Phillips' The Guiding Light premiered on NBC Radio. The show ran on radio (NBC then CBS) until 1956. In 1952, the series transitioned to CBS-tv, airing both on TV and radio until 1956. The show ran on TV until September 18, 2009, making it the longest running scripted series in broadcast history.

1953: On The Guiding Light, Bert Bauer (Charita Bauer) complained to Papa Bauer...

1967: Days of our Lives' Mickey and Laura were married.

1975: Another World's Marianne had an abortion.

1982: Kvik hosted a telethon on Texas.

1995: General Hospital's Ned found Jason unconscious."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...

1961: NBC aired the final episode of From These Roots after a three and a half year run. Ftr actress Ann Flood starred as Liz, a successful writer who had returned to her New England hometown of Strathfield to run her family's newspaper, the Strathfield Record. The cast included Robert Mandan...

Four NBC daytime soap operas aired for the final time on December 31st:

Somerset (1976), Texas (1982), The Doctors (1982) and Sunset Beach (1999)."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 Scarlett Hill, Kate (Beth Lockerbie) and Pearl discussed their fears that Ruth was only marrying Mr. Quill for his money. Sheila became extremely rude to Pearl when Pearl tried to show her pictures of the five-year-old she was about to adopt. Sheila revealed a bit of her tragic life to Stan. Ruth openly admitted to Kate that she was only getting married for the money,...

1967: The Doctors' Althea turned in her resignation.

1997: General Hospital's Helena returned to Port Charles.

2008: All My Children celebrated the life of Myrtle Fargate.

2011: One Life to Live's Roxy dreamed about Fraternity Row."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...

1966: On Peyton Place, Martin Peyton (George Macready) told a drunken Leslie Harrington (Paul Langton) that he had always been inferior.

1967: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) stopped by the home of Dr. Matt Powers (James Pritchett) to give him her official resignation from Hope Memorial Hospital.

1966: The final episode of A Time For Us aired on ABC.

1968: David Selby debut on Dark Shadows.

1983: Chase found information about Falcon Crest in his grandfather's will.

1996: Another World's Jake planned to steal the Lassiter Christmas tree."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...

1957: On The Edge of Night, Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliott) refused Mike Karr's (John Larkin) resignation then argued that his leaving would be a disservice to the public.

1966: ABC aired the final episode of daytime soap opera A Time For...

1933: The Romance of Helen Trent premiered.

1987: Matthew Ashford debuted as Jack on Days of our Lives.

1985: Guiding Light's Reva almost ran into Josh at Cedars.

2008: All My Children's Reese and Miranda surprised Bianca."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...

1933: The Romance of Helen Trent debuted over CBS Radio. The show aired 7,222 episodes during its run until June 24, 1960. Created by the husband-and-wife team of Frank and Anne Hummert, Helen Trent was conceived as the epitome of virtue in a world where behavior was usually judged in black-and-white terms. Helen Trent never smoked, drank, or...

1979: Dallas' Sue Ellen neglected baby John Ross Ewing III

1979: Dan Stewart was mourned on As the World Turns.

1981: General Hospital's Luke Spencer saved the world!

2011: All My Children's Martin family reflected on the past."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: Radio station Wjsv in Washington, D.C. recorded their entire broadcast day. From 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day a "time capsule" was created for posterity. Of important note is Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech to Congress encouraging repeal of the U.S. Neutrality Law. Below are recaps for the daytime soap...

1979: General Hospital's Laura wanted a job at the disco.

1987: Lizzie demanded answers on Ryan's Hope.

1989: As the World Turns' Shannon lost her baby.

2007: One Life to Live's John arrive to arrest Lindsay."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...

1970: Murial Williams returned to Another World as Lenore's (Judith Barcroft) mother, Helen Moore. Williams remained with the show until April 8, 1976.

1976: Rosemary Forsyth debuted as Laura Horton on Days of our Lives.

1977: On Another World, Mac (Douglass Watson) listened in through the intercom as Dave (David Ackroyd) told Pat (Beverly Penberthy) he had always been in love with Rachel.

1975: Mary and Jack shared their first kiss on Ryan's Hope.

1979: The identity of Edge of Night's "Tobias" was revealed.

1979: Guiding Light's Alan bonded with hope on a deserted island.

1995: One Life to Live's Max told hospitalized Luna to hold on."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...

1967: On Another World, Pat Randolph (Beverly Penberthy) introduced Rachel Davis (Robin Strasser) to her Aunt Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley).

1975: On Ryan's Hope, Mary Ryan (Kate Mulgrew) declined when Bob Reid (Earl Hindman) asked her out, but accepted an invitation from Jack Fenelli (Michael Levin) to join him for coffee.

1986: Another World's Zane Lindquist died after being shot.

1998: Guiding Light's Dolly the clone after taking an aging formula.

1999: Sunset Beach's Ricardo vowed to get revenge.

2010: General Hospital's Brenda returned."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...

1967: ABC broadcast Dark Shadows in black and while for the final time. The episode was actually the first one taped in color but ABC aired it in black and white (a Friday episode). Having fainted at the sight of Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid), Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) began to remember what happened to her. Before she could reveal Barnabas' vampiric activity,...

1979: The Edge of Night's Steve saved Paige's life.

1981: General Hospital's Mikkos hosted a dinner party.

1984: Santa Barbara's Joe broke into the Capwell estate.

2004: Martha Madison debuted as Belle on Days of our Lives."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...

1945: On radio soap opera Portia Faces Life, Kathie was shocked to see Portia's late husband, Walter (Bartlett Robinson), alive and well!

1967: On Dark Shadows, Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) returned to the Blue Whale Café -- and ran into her former tormentor, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid).

1972: On Another World, Pat Randolph (Beverly Penberthy) brought her twins,...

1980: Another World's Tracey and Russ married.

1984: Santa Barbara's Joe spotted his true love, Kelly.

1997: Rebecca Herbst debuted as Elizabeth on General Hospital.

2001: Spyder Games' Gretel performed."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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) asked David (David Henesy) why he attempted to murder Roger and showed him the bleeder valve. He attacked her and she locked it in a dresser drawer. Later, Victoria went to show the bleeder valve to Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) it was missing.

1980: On Another World, Russ Matthews (David Bailey) married Tracy Dewitt (Janice Lynde). At...

1967: Dark Shadows' Elizabeth confessed to murder.

1981: General Hospital's Luke was drugged.

1987: Jess Walton debuted as Jill on The Young and the Restless.

1993: All My Children's Erica married Dimitri."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...

1956: The final episode of radio soap opera Young Widder Brown aired on NBC Radio, completing a 22-year run. The show's epigraph: "Again we present the moving human drama...

1967: Dark Shadows' Maggie remained frustrated locked in a cell.

1983: General Hospital faced a hostage crisis.

1993: As the World Turns' Hal and Barbara were remarried.

1996: All My Children's Hayley and Brian wanted to relive their prom."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...

1967: On Dark Shadows, locked in a cell in the Old House basement, Maggie Evans (Kathryn Leigh Scott) opened the music box when...

1968: Dark Shadows' Mrs. Johnson had a terrible dream.

1981: Atwt's John Dixon took a tumble.

2002: AMC's Bianca called her sister, Kendall, "evil".

2010: It was prom night for Oltl's Starr X'd Lovers."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...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Cassandra (Lara Parker) encouraged Mrs. Johnson (Clarice Blackburn) to get some sleep but Mrs. Johnson told her she was afraid of having a terrible dream.

1983: Gh's Robert & Holly made love.

1984: Dynasty's Fallon crashed her car.

1985: Days' Marlena met the new chief of police.

2006: Atwt's Luke Snyder came out to his parents."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...

1969: On Another World, Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley) left Bay City. Lindley, who took over the role as Liz on Another World's second episode, was leaving the show after 5 years. She...

1973: Nancy Pinkerton debuted as Dorian Lord on One Life to Live.

1978: Dallas' Pam revealed her pregnancy but later lost the baby.

1996: All My Children's Marian played a revealing tape to hurt Tad.

2001: General Hospital's Skye announced she was a Quartermaine."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...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Jeff (Roger Davis) dozed off in a chair in the living room of the...

1968: Dark Shadows' Bathia went up in flames.

1985: Australian soap opera Neighbours premiered.

1988: General Hospital's Duke was involved in a shootout.

2004: All My Children's Bianca went into labor."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...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Bathia Mapes (Anita Bolster) tried to drive Angeligue out but announced she had failed and feared for her life.

1996: Gh's Brenda called Miguel for help stopping Sonny's wedding.

2004: Days of our Lives' Tony "died" following a tiger attack.

2007: All My Children's Dixie "died" after eating poisoned pancakes.

2014: Billy and Adam were involved in a fiery crash on The Young

and the Restless."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...

1958: On The Edge of Night,...

The Guiding Light premiered on NBC radio on January 25, 1937.

The show ended its run on CBS TV on September 18, 2009."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...

1937: Irna Phillips' The Guiding Light premiered on NBC Radio. The show ran on radio (NBC then CBS) until 1956. In 1952, the series transitioned to CBS-tv, airing both on TV and radio until...

Four NBC daytime soap operas aired for the final time on

December 31st: Somerset (1976), Texas (1982),

The Doctors (1982) and Sunset Beach (1999)."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...

1965: On Scarlett Hill, Kate (Beth Lockerbie) and Pearl discussed their fears that Ruth was only marrying Mr. Quill for his money. Sheila became extremely rude to Pearl when Pearl tried to show her pictures of the five-year-old she was about to adopt. Sheila revealed a bit of her tragic life to Stan. Ruth openly admitted to Kate that she was only getting married for the money, knowing there was nothing Kate could do to stop her,...

1967: Days of our Lives' Mickey and Laura were married.

1975: Another World's Marianne had an abortion.

1982: Kvik hosted a telethon on Texas.

1995: General Hospital's Ned found Jason unconscious."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...

1961: NBC aired the final episode of From These Roots after a three and a half year run. Ftr actress Ann Flood starred as Liz, a successful writer who had returned to her New England hometown of Strathfield to run her family's newspaper, the Strathfield Record. The cast included Robert Mandan (Sam), Millette Alexander (Gloria) and Barbara Berjer (Lynn).

1967: On The Edge of Night,...

1967: The Doctors' Althea turned in her resignation.

1997: General Hospital's Helena returned to Port Charles.

2008: All My Children celebrated the life of Myrtle Fargate.

2011: One Life to Live's Roxy dreamed about Fraternity Row."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...

1966: On Peyton Place, Martin Peyton (George Macready) told a drunken Leslie Harrington (Paul Langton) that he had always been inferior.

1967: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) stopped by the home of Dr. Matt Powers (James Pritchett) to give him her official resignation from Hope Memorial Hospital. Althea was pregnant and unmarried at the time,...

1966: The final episode of A Time For Us aired on ABC.

1968: David Selby debut on Dark Shadows.

1983: Chase found information about Falcon Crest in his grandfather's will.

1996: Another World's Jake planned to steal the Lassiter Christmas tree."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...

1957: On The Edge of Night, Peter Dalton (Stephen Elliott) refused Mike Karr's (John Larkin) resignation then argued that his leaving would be a disservice to the public.

1966: ABC aired the final episode of daytime soap opera A Time For Us (formerly A Flame in the Wind), originally created by Raphael Hayes and Joseph Hardy.

On this date in...

1984: On the season finale of Dynasty, Alexis was arrested for murdering Mark Jennings, and Fallon was involved in a car accident (Pamela Sue Martin left the series).

1985: Karen and Ben found a link to Val's babies as Knots Landing headed for its season finale two weeks later.

1986: Sue Ellen and J.R. enjoy their reunion on the second to last episode of Dallas during the 1985-1986 season. A week later, Bobby showed up in Pam's shower and this episode turned out to be part of Pam's 22 episode dream.

1991: Fox aired the first season finale of Beverly Hills, 90210.

Celebrating a birthday today are:

Beverly Penberthy (ex-Pat, Another World; ex-Adalaide, As The World Turns)

Alley Mills (Pam, The Bold And The Beautiful) - 59

Greg Beecroft (ex-Tony, Guiding Light; ex-Duke, General Hospital; ex-Brock, As The World Turns) - 59...