Daytime Drama News reveals that soaps have entertained generations of fans, with many carrying fond memories of watching with a mom, grandma, or aunt.
It’s a testament to soaps, and the stars who inhabit them, that the genre has survived intact over many decades. Some stars have spent year after year on their shows, and we’re here to celebrate some of the dedicated actors who have brought warmth and drama into our homes for 40-plus years. Some on this prestigious list have passed, some are no longer on the air, and some continue to bring the entertainment to this day.
Superstar Soap Heros
Ray MacDonnell was the longest-running original cast member on All My Children. He starred as Dr. Joe Martin until retiring in 2009 and died on June 10, 2021, of natural causes at age 93.
Frances Reid portrayed the incredible Salem matriarch Alice Horton on Days of Our Lives from its 1965 debut until 2007, when she exited the soap at age 93. Like the diva she was, the late actress won a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. She died on Feb. 3, 2010, at the age of 95.
Speaking of DOOL, Susan Seaforth Hayes continues to portray feisty Julie Williams. Not only did she launch a stellar career on set, she also met her husband on DOOL!
Susan joined the DOOL in 1968 and in 1974, she married costar Bill Hayes, who played her on-screen husband. Hayes told USA Network “I have the best husband, the best family, and the best job in entertainment. And best of all, as I once sang, ‘I’m still here!'”
Bill debuted on as Doug Williams in 1970 and four years later married his leading lady. In 1976, they were the first daytime stars to appear on the cover of TIME magazine. Bill remained on the show up until his death in 2024 at age 98. The couple co-wrote the memoir, Like Sands Through the Hourglass.
Soap Opera Stars Who Acted For Decades
Genie Francis will forever be remembered as one half of the first soap supercouple, “Luke and Laura.”
She debuted as Laura Spencer in 1977 and continues to be a strong presence on the show today, playing the mayor of Port Charles, New York.
In addition to Genie, there were two other outstanding actresses who spent at least 40 years on the ABC soap. One was Leslie Charleson who debuted as Dr. Monica Quartermaine in 1977. Sadly, Charleson died earlier this year, and the show is set to play a tribute this month to her and her beloved character.
Jacklyn Zeman debuted as nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital in 1977. During her stint, she earned four Daytime Emmy nominations, three for outstanding supporting actress and one for outstanding lead actress. Sadly, the dynamic actress passed on May 9, 2023, at the age of 70.
Speaking of heroic female daytime stars, we need to mention Deidre Hall who debuted as Dr. Marlena Evans in 1976. She told PEOPLE, in honor of her 5,000th Days episode in 2023: “It’s a big moment for me. I said to my agent, ‘I want a regular job. I want a home.’ Days happened and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh.’ It’s the family I always wanted.”
She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016.
Outstanding Male Soap Vets
There are also a legion of fan fave male actors who have spent decades on the small screen. One of them is James Reynolds who plays Abe Carver. An October 2021 episode of Days of Our Lives was dedicated to Honest Abe, in celebration of his 40th anniversary with the show.
Kin Shriner debuted on GH as Scott Baldwin in 1977. He also starred on the ABC spinoff, Port Charles, which aired from 1997 to 2003. Shriner also appeared as Harrison Bartlett on The Young and the Restless in 2004 and as Keith Morrissey on As the World Turns from 2005 to 2006.
Tristan Rogers debuted as Robert Scorpio on General Hospital in 1980 and also starred on the 2008 spinoff, General Hospital: Night Shift. Rogers passed away this year after a battle with cancer.
Eric Braedan debuted on Y&R in 1980, a role he continues to inhabit today. He told PEOPLE in 2021 “I feel very loyal to The Young and the Restless, very beholden to Victor and very beholden to the audience who has supported us for all those years. I intend to stay as long as I can.” He earned For a Daytime Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1988.
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The post Legendary Soap Vets Who’ve Spent 40 Years+ Entertaining Hardcore Fans first appeared on Celeb Baby Laundry.
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