1970: ABC aired the final episode of The Best of Everything. 1984: All My Children's Tad was celebrated at his bachelor party. 1996: Days of our Lives' Sami and Austin married. 1998: One Life to Live's Bo grieved his son, Drew.

"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: On Dark Shadows, while Willie Loomis remained in a coma, Julia Hoffman (Grayson Hall) attempted to hypnotize David Collins (David Henesy) to stop his prying into Barnabas' (Jonathan Frid) affairs.

1977: ABC's serialized comedy series Soap premiered. 1979: The Edge of Night's Raven clashed with Elliot. 1985: Days of our Lives' Marlena & Richard made love. 1985: GH's Anna told Robert that Robin was his daughter.

"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...

1969: Susan Lucci and Helmet Huber were married. Lucci joined All My Children for its debut a few months later playing ambitious teenager Erica Kane. The Hubers are celebrating their 46th anniversary today.

1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) visited her mother, who was recovering from a stroke.

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. Later, Jack and Mary shared their first kiss.

1957: CBS aired the last episode of daytime soap Valiant Lady. 1985: General Hospital's Celia and Jimmy Lee married. 2007: Guiding Light's Olivia ran into Reva during Josh's wedding. 2007: One Life to Live's Asa Buchanan 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...

1957: The final episode of daytime soap opera Valiant Lady aired on CBS radio and television. The show, which debuted in 1953, was a follow up to the radio soap opera of the same name that ran from 1938 to 1952. Flora Campbell starred as Helen Emerson during the show's final three years.

1984: Guiding Light's Springfield celebrated Founders Day. 1985: GH's Anna & Robert plotted to get the Aztec jewels. 1986: Another World's Felicia spoke at Zane's funeral. 1991: Days of our Lives' "Roman" reunited with Marlena.

"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...

1977: On Guiding Light, Eve Stapleton (Janet Grey) was released from Cedars Hospital.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Elliott couldn't (Lee Godart) resist Raven (Sharon Gabet) even though he was aghast she left the baby alone.

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 (Jonathan Frid).

1972: On Another World, Pat Randolph (Beverly Penberthy) brought her twins, Michael (Tom Ruger) and Marianne (Loriann Ruger), over for a visit with their grandpa Jim.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Maeve (Helen Gallagher) and Johnny (Bernard Barrow) decided to ask Delia and LJ to stay with them.

2008: The final episode of Passions aired on DirecTV's The 101.

"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...

1950: On The Guiding Light, during breakfast Bill Bauer (Lyle Sudrow) told his sister, Meta White (Jone Allison), that he and Bert were interested in buying a house in Beverly Hills. Later, Meta received a long-distance phone call from her husband, Ted.

1981: GH's Robert tried to steal the formula from Victor. 1984: Eileen Fulton returned to As the World Turns as Lisa. 1992: ATWT's Margo was raped. 2007: Passions' Sheridan decided to electrocute Theresa.

"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...

1922: Schenectady, New York radio station WGY aired a staged dramatic play for the first time. This tryout was a hit which led to weekly studio broadcasts of full-length stage plays.

1971: On The Guiding Light, Ken tried to intervene in an argument between his mother, Barbara (Barbara Berjer), and 18-year-old sister, Holly (Lynn Deerfield).

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.

On the same day (and time slot), Guiding Light's Reva Shayne declared herself "The Slut of Springfield" and Santa Barbara premiered.

"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: NBC Radio aired the final episode of Hilltop House. The show had run on and off since November 1, 1937.

1968: On Dark Shadows, after trying and failing to kill Barnabas (Jonathan Frid), Cassandra (Lara Parker) continued to age rapidly, thanks to Nicholas.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Mike Powers (Peter Burnell) assured Penny Davis (Julia Duffy) that she did not cause any of his troubles.

1979: General Hospital's Laura and Scotty were married. 1984: Guiding Light's Bert gave Josh a pep talk. 1985: Santa Barbara's Julia smuggled Amy and Brick onto a train. 2006: All My Children's Annie arrived in Pine Valley.

"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...

1952: On The Guiding Light, Trudy (Helen Wagner) and Meta (Jone Allison) discussed Meta's plans to leave New York and return to California. At home, Papa Bauer (Theo Goetz) and Bill (Lyle Sudrow) played chess as Bert (Charita Bauer) prepared the baby's bottle. Papa told Bill he spent too much time away from home on business trips. Bill received a telegram from Meta announcing her impending return.

1986: Another World's Cass was determined to see Kathleen. 1991: Days of our Lives' Jack and Jennifer saw a familiar star. 2002: Passions' Theresa begged for help during her execution. 2003: All My Children's Bianca burned her clothes after the rape.

"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...

1946: Mary-Ellis Bunim was born. She produced daytime soap operas Search for Tomorrow, As the World Turns, Santa Barbara and Loving before moving into reality television with The Real World. She died in 2004 at age 57.

1954: On Search for Tomorrow, Joanne Barron (Mary Stuart) was threatened by Hazel Tate (Mary Patton).

1968: On Another World, Rachel Matthews (Robin Strasser) apologized for not being nice to her mother, Ada, or husband, Russ.

1969: On The Doctors, after Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell ) asked Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) why he was still wearing his wedding ring, he took it off.

1967: The widows called Dark Shadows' Elizabeth.  1987: Guiding Light's Lacey & Cam left the Bauer Barbecue via hot air balloon. 2008: Cyndi Lauper visited As the World Turns' Oakdale. 2013: Theresa returned to Days of our Lives' Salem.

"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: Radio soap opera The Man I Married premiered on NBC Radio. Van Heflin starred as Adam Waring.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) heard the voices of the widows calling to her.

1966: Dark Shadows premiered on ABC. 1984: Guiding Light's Bert stood after losing her leg. 1995: One Life to Live's "Tommy" was enraged. 2003: Passions paid homage to the musical "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...

1952: ABC Radio aired the final episode of Lone Journey after a 12 year run on multiple networks with multiple sponsors.

1955: On The Brighter Day, Lydia Hamilton (Murial Williams) struggled with her conscience after taking a silver clock.

1963: On Ben Jerrod, Agnes (Jeanne Baird) lost her temper for the second time.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1966: Dark Shadows premiered on ABC. The show opened with Victoria Winters on her way to Collinsport and the following voice over:

"My name is Victoria Winters. My journey is beginning - a journey that I hope will open the doors of life to me, and link my past with my future. A journey that will bring me to a strange and dark place - to the edge of the sea high atop Widow's Hill - a house called Collinwood. A world I've never known, with people I've never met. People who tonight are still only shadows in my mind, and who will soon fillthe days and nights of my tomorrows."

Six months into the Dan Curtis-created show's five year run, ghosts were introduced and then other supernatural elements which helped the afternoon soap opera become a favorite among younger viewers.

1978: Days of our Lives' Steve arrived in Salem. 1983: Loving premiered in primetime on ABC. 1992: Guiding Light's Bridget had bad news for Roger. 2007: Passions' blackmailer wanted Theresa murdered.

"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: NBC Blue aired the final episode of short-lived radio soap opera Orphans of Divorce. Margaret Anglin starred as Nora Kelly Worthington.

1946: On radio soap Rosemary, Rosemary (Betty Winkler) stopped at a drug store to use the telephone to call Dr. Jim (Bill Adams) about Bill's memory return.

1963: On Ben Jerrod, Ben (Michael Ryan) cross-examined the witness.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1968: On Another World, Sam (Jordan Charney) was suspicious of his niece, the social climbimg Rachel (Robin Strasser). He smiled when she said they could be friends now that they were traveling in the same high-class circles (Rachel married Russ earlier in 1968 on January 3). Sam moved to Somerset in 1970 with his wife, Lahoma.

1971: The final episode of A World Apart. 1990: General Hospital's P.K. Sinclair was really Cesar Faison. 1999: The final episode of Another World. 2010: The funeral of Alice Horton 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...

1963: On Ben Jerrod, Judge Abbott (Addison Richards) was infuriated by a young man's rudeness,

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1968: Humbert Allen Astredo debuted as Nicholas Blair in Dark Shadows.

1971: ABC aired the final epsiode of daytime soap opera A World Apart, starring Susan Sarandon. The show, created by Irna Phillips' daughter, Katherine Phillips, ran for 15 months.

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 left Maggie frustrated in the cell.

1980: Edge of Night's Raven kidnapped Jamey. 1992: Y&R's Sheila pulled a gun on Lauren. 1994: GH's Luke found out Laura was having a baby girl. 1995: As the World Turns celebrated 10,000 episodes.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Bill (Joseph Gallison) accused Missy (Carol Roux) of not liking him.

1966: On Peyton Place, Ann agreed to let Allison help out in the therapy room.

1980: On The Edge of Night, Raven (Sharon Gabet) and Eliot (Lee Godart) kidnapped Jamey (James Noseworthy).

1979: Ryan's Hope's Maeve reminisced. 1984: Guiding Light's Mindy was rushed to the hospital. 1989: The original Dynasty ended its run. 1990: Dallas' J.R. was double-crossed by James.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Jim (Leon Janney) questioned Pat (Susan Trustman) about her date with Tom Baxter (Nicholas Pryor).

1970: On Dark Shadows, William Loomis (John Karlen) continued to interview Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) for his book.

1985: Nancy Lee Grahn debuted as Julia on Santa Barbara. 1985: GH's Rick began to suspect Derrick was Mike's biological father. 1987: Dynasty's Alexis drove her car off a bridge. 1999: AMC's Erica made her first public appearance since being disfigured.

"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...

1965: On Peyton Place, Claire (Mariette Hartley) stunned her mother, Grace (Edith Atwater), with the news that Dr. Vincent Markham (Leslie Nielsen) was actually Claire's husband. After learning Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson) knew Constance (Dorothy Malone) as an orderly in the hospital where 4she was born, Allison (Mia Farrow) decided to return home and ask Connie point-blank if Connie wanted her when she discovered she was pregnant. Connie removed her "wedding band" from "Mr. MacKenzie." Rodney (Ryan O'Neal) was unable to tell Norman (Christopher Connelly) the truth about their mother. Paul (Richard Evans) was angry that Matt (Warner Anderson) published a story that cleared Leslie of murdering Elizabeth. Norman read Matt's story and told Rodney never to mention their mother's name again when Rodney insisted she was mentally unbalanced.