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More than a century after Alice Guy-Blaché became one of the film world’s first directors when she brought “La Fée aux Choux” (“The Cabbage Fairy”) to the screen in 1896, the movie business hasn’t progressed much in giving female auteurs an equal share of jobs. But the pioneer filmmaker might be happy to know that the daytime drama genre has afforded opportunities for women to call shots from the control booth.

Women have been directing soap operas since Gloria Monty, the iconic “General Hospital” producer, directed CBS’s “The First Hundred Years” in the early 1950s, and she went on to direct Joan Crawford during her stint on “The Secret Storm” in 1968. Lela Swift followed in those footsteps and won the 1977 Daytime Emmy for outstanding individual director for a drama series for her work on “Ryan’s Hope.” In the late 1980s, Francesca James, an “All My Children” actress-turned-director and producer,...

EastEnders spoilers and updates pose the question, who is the mysterious Maya Houssain (Bharti Patel)? In Thursday, May 30th’s episode, EastEnders viewers and Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) finds out!

EastEnders Spoilers – A Mysterious Woman, A Mysterious Arrival

Maya Houssain’s entrance into the Square was nothing short of enigmatic, a secret that only unfolded after she hopped into a cab driven by Harvey Monroe.

Fate took its course, and the two quickly bonded over their mutual adoration for Spurs and the captivating world of football. Harvey couldn’t contain his joy at finally finding someone he could connect and converse with.

Being plagued by loneliness lately, he had yearned for companionship and sought solace in meeting up with Martin Fowler (James Bye).

However, his hopes were dashed as Martin, citing concerns over troubled Zack Hudson (James Farrar), had to cancel their plans.

EastEnders Spoilers – Maya Houssain Shows Up In The Pub,...

1970: The Doctors' Julie stirred up trouble at Hope Memorial.

1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith realized what Kenneth was up to.

1981: Another World's Mac pleaded with Mitch for help.

2006: General Hospital's Bobbie threatened Tracy."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...

1939: Time magazine published a story about radio soap creators, Frank and Anne Hummert, explaining their prolific serial production operation (Blackett-Sample-Hummert Inc.). "By hiring dialogue writers, and not creators, the Hummerts save lots of money. Most serial writers in radio command $200 to $400 a week. For The Goldbergs, Gertrude Berg...

Clockwise from top left: Brad Maule, William deVry, Ellen Wheeler

and Kristian Alfonso.We Love Soaps has calculated a list of the 25 Most Popular Interviews of the Year based on our page views, comments on the website and social networks, and shares for 2013.

Check out the complete 25 Most Popular Interviews of the Year list below:

1. Brad Maule

2. William deVry

3. Ellen Wheeler (Former Guiding Light Executive Producer)

4. Kristian Alfonso

5. David Lambert

6. Robert Kelker-Kelly

7. Lynn Herring

8. Robin Mattson

9. Melissa Archer

10. Eileen Davidson

11. Kimberly McCullough

12. Randy Harrison

13. Jen Lilley

14. Cameron Mathison

15. Chad Brannon

16. Denise Alexander

17. Danna García, Angélica María, Arturo Peniche & Rafael Negrete

18. Erika Slezak

19. Kelley Missal

20. Denyse Tontz

21. Victoria Rowell

22. Kin Shriner

23. All My Children Premiere Red Carpet - Debbi Morgan, Julia Barr, Jill Larson, Francesca James, Cady McClain, Denyse Tontz, Eric Nelsen and Vincent Irizzary

24. Robert S. Woods

25. One Life To Live Premiere Red Carpet - Robin Strasser, Corbin Bleu, Thom Racina,...

1980: Douglass Watson & Judith Light won Daytime Emmys.

1984: Elizabeth Taylor surprised Carol Burnett on All My Children.

1984: Days' Bo & Hope reunited after he kidnapped her.

1997: Oltl's Dorian was not pleased with Todd's parrot."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...

1940: On radio soap opera Young Widder Brown, Ellen (Florence Freeman) was romanced by Dr. Anthony Loring (Ned Weaver).

1968: On Dark Shadows, Carolyn (Nancy Barrett) began to experience the dream curse,...

1970: The Doctors' Julie stirred up trouble at Hope Memorial.

1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith realized what Kenneth was up to.

1981: Another World's Mac pleaded with Mitch for help.

2006: General Hospital's Bobbie threatened Tracy."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...

1939: Time magazine published a story about radio soap creators, Frank and Anne Hummert, explaining their...

Julie Harris, who won five Tony Awards and had 10 Tony nominations in her lifetime, died Saturday. She was 87. Harris died of congestive heart failure at her home in West Chatham, Mass., actress Francesca James, a close friend, told the Associated Press. Harris had suffered a stroke in 2001 and another in 2010, James said. Harris was also nominated for an Academy Award in 1952 for "The Member of the Wedding," a role she had created on the Broadway stage. Many remember her paired with James Dean in Elia Kazan's 1955 film "East of Eden." The Telegraph (UK) wrote a poignant remembrance of her here. Julie Harris and James Dean in 'East of Eden' Photo: Rex On...

Julie Harris, one of Broadway's most honored performers, whose roles ranged from the flamboyant Sally Bowles in I Am a Camera to the reclusive Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst died Saturday. She was 87. Harris died at her West Chatham, Mass., home of congestive heart failure, actress and family friend Francesca James said. The actress won five Tony Awards for best actress in a play, displaying a virtuosity that enabled her to portray an astonishing gallery of women during a theater career that spanned almost 60 years and included such plays as The Member of the Wedding (1950), The Lark (1955), Forty Carats...

So sad. One of the most decorated stars in Broadway history passed away on Aug. 24 in West Chatham, Mass. She was 87 years old.

Broadway has lost a legend. Julie Harris, who has won more Tony awards than any other actress, died of congestive heart failure in her Massachusetts home on Aug. 24, according to actress and close friend Francesca James.

Julie Harris: Broadway Actress Passes Away

“I’m still in sort of a place of shock,” said Francesca, who had known Julie for over 50 years. “She was, really, the greatest influence in my life.

Julie, who passed at the age of 87, was known for her incredible virtuosity on the stage. She played the flamboyant Sally Bowles in I Am a Camera but also Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst. Though both roles were polar opposites, Julie was able to convincingly and gracefully portray each one.

And her talents did not go unacknowledged.

New York (Associated Press) — Julie Harris, one of Broadway's most honored performers, whose roles ranged from the flamboyant Sally Bowles in "I Am a Camera" to the reclusive Emily Dickinson in "The Belle of Amherst," died Saturday. She was 87.

Harris died at her West Chatham, Mass., home of congestive heart failure, actress and family friend Francesca James said.

Harris won five Tony Awards for best actress in a play, displaying a virtuosity that enabled her to portray an astonishing gallery of women during a theater career that spanned almost 60 years and included such plays as "The Member of the Wedding" (1950), "The Lark" (1955), "Forty Carats" (1968) and "The Last of Mrs. Lincoln" (1972).

She was honored again with a sixth Tony, a special lifetime achievement award in 2002. Her record is up against Audra McDonald, with five competitive Tonys, and Angela Lansbury with four Tonys in the best actress-musical category and one for best supporting actress in a play.

Actress Julie Harris has died at 87, the Associated Press reports. The Broadway performer died of congestive heart failure at her West Chatham, Mass. home on Saturday, Aug. 24. The celebrated Broadway actress -- who performed in theater for almost 60 years -- first had a stroke in 2001, her family friend Francesca James revealed. She suffered another in 2010. "I'm still in sort of a place of shock," said James, a fellow actress who appeared in daytime soap operas All My Children and One Life to Live. [...]...

Veteran film and theatre actor won greatest accolades for her work on Broadway

Julie Harris, one of Broadway's most honoured performers, whose roles ranged from the flamboyant Sally Bowles in I Am a Camera to the reclusive Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst, died on Saturday. She was 87.

Harris died at her home in West Chatham, Massachusetts, of congestive heart failure, the actor and family friend Francesca James said.

Harris won a record five Tony awards for best actress in a play, displaying a virtuosity that enabled her to portray an astonishing gallery of women during a theatre career that spanned almost 60 years and included such plays as The Member of the Wedding (1950), The Lark (1955), Forty Carats (1968) and The Last of Mrs Lincoln (1972).

She received a sixth Tony, a special lifetime achievement award, in 2002.

Harris had suffered a stroke in 2001 while she was in Chicago appearing in a production of Claudia Allen's Fossils.

Julie Harris, the celebrated star of Broadway and movies including "East of Eden," has died at 87. She died on Saturday at her home in West Chatham, Mass., of congestive heart failure, family friend Francesca James told The Associated Press. As a luminous presence on the American stage, Harris won five Tony Awards for Best Actress roles including the cheeky Sally Bowles in "I Am a Camera" (later turned into the musical "Cabaret") and the reclusive Emily Dickinson in "The Belle of Amherst." She was nominated 10 times, making her the most...

New York (AP) — Julie Harris, one of Broadway's most honored performers, whose roles ranged from the flamboyant Sally Bowles in I Am a Camera to the reclusive Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst, died Saturday. She was 87. Harris died at her West Chatham, Mass. home of congestive heart failure, actress and family friend Francesca James said. Harris won a record five Tony Awards for best actress in a play, displaying a virtuosity that enabled her to portray an astonishing gallery of women during a theater career that spanned almost 60 years and included such plays as T" (1950),

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New York (AP) — Julie Harris, one of Broadway's most honored performers, whose roles ranged from the flamboyant Sally Bowles in "I Am a Camera" to the reclusive Emily Dickinson in "The Belle of Amherst," died Saturday. She was 87. Harris died at her West Chatham, Mass. home of congestive heart failure, actress and family friend Francesca James said. Harris won a record five Tony Awards for best actress in a play, displaying a virtuosity that enabled her to portray an astonishing gallery of women during a theater career that spanned almost 60 years and included such plays as...

The long-awaited return of "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" is set for April 29, when new episodes of both series will become available via Hulu, Hulu Plus and the iTunes store.

Prospect Park's The Online Network is producing the new 30-minute episodes, which will be available for free online and via streaming devices connected to Hulu Plus or iTunes. Production began Feb. 25 on "All My Children" (cast pictured below) and will begin March 18 on "One Life to Live" (cast pictured above).

"We thank the fans whose tenaciousness to see these shows return made this historical moment possible," Prospect Park partners Jeff Kwatinetz and Rich Frank said in a statement. "The response and camaraderie of our cast and crew has been inspiring as we have all banded together to succeed in our mission; unencumbered by the creative constraints of traditional broadcast television, to deliver storylines, style and characters that are stronger,...

It's really happening: The "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" premiere dates have been set. Both soaps return to life on Monday, April 29 on various online platforms.

The two soaps will air half-hour episodes and will be available for free on Hulu, Hulu Plus and iTunes.

“I am so pleased that our dream of bringing these two series back to life is coming to fruition," "AMC" and "Oltl" creator Agnes Nixon said in a statement. "I am grateful to Prospect Park for their unwavering commitment to this project and to the amazingly talented casts of ‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live’ -- their devotion to these franchises has made this moment possible. And to the fans – well, we wouldn’t be here without you."

Nixon will serve as a consultant on the two soaps, which were originally cancelled by ABC -- "All My Children" ended in...

The revived ABC daytime dramas All My Children and One Life To Live will make their debut on Prospect Park’s The Online Network on Monday, April 29. Both shows will air 30-minute episodes in broadcast quality on Toln partners Hulu and iTunes. “We thank the fans whose tenaciousness to see these shows return made this historical moment possible,” said Jeff Kwatinetz and Rich Frank, Prospect Park’s partners. “We are determined to repay their support by delivering new and creatively groundbreaking episodes that both the fans, as well as legions of new viewers, will love.” Added AMC and Oltv creator Agnes Nixon, creative consultant for the reboots, “I am so pleased that our dream of bringing these two series back to life is coming to fruition.” Here are the first cast photos of both shows, with a list of all their actors. All My Children cast members include: Julia Barr...

The Online Network's revivals of ABC's canceled soaps "One Life to Live" and "All My Children" have revealed their returning cast members, but there are still a few big names missing: including Susan Lucci.

There's a chance more familiar faces will be added as the shows ramp up production for a spring launch, but the newly confirmed cast members assembled for a promotional photo shoot are...

"All My Children":

Sal Stowers as Cassandra Foster

Eric Nelson as Aj Chandler

Denyse Tontz as Miranda Montgomery

Jordan Lane Price as Celia Fitzgerald

Ryan Bittle as Jr Chandler

Eden Riegel as Bianca Montgomery

Cady McClain as Dixie Cooney

Ray MacDonnell as Dr. Joe Martin

David Canary as Adam Chandler

Heather Roop as Jane McIntyre

Francesca James as Evelyn Johnson

"One Life to Live":

Robert Gorrie as Matthew Buchanan

Laura Harrier as Destiny Evans

"One Life to Live" was already far ahead...

On this date in...

1975: At the 2nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, winners included The Young And The Restless (Drama Series, Writing), Macdonald Carey and Susan Flannery.

1980: At the 8th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, winners included Guiding Light (Drama Series), Douglass Watson, Judith Light, Warren Burton and Francesca James. Hugh McPhillips won for "Cameo Appearance," a short-lived category.

1994: At the 21st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, winners included All My Children (Drama Series), Michael Zaslow, Hillary B. Smith, Justin Deas, Susan Haskell, Roger Howarth and Melissa Hayden.

2005: At the 32nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, winners included General Hospital (Drama Series, Directing), Christian LeBlanc, Erika Slezak, Greg Rikaart, Natalia Livingston, David Lago and Eden Riegel.

2008: Laurence Lau returned to All My Children as Greg Nelson.

Celebrating a birthday today are:

Constance Towers (Helena, General Hospital; ex-Julianna, Sunset Beach; Clarissa, Capitol) - 78

Paolo Seganti (ex-Damian, As The World Turns...