Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Suzanne Rogers Chats On Her 40 Years in Salem … From Being "Killed-Off" Once to Her Historic Emmy Win!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
This week on July 13th, Suzanne Rogers celebrate 40 years of playing Maggie Horton on Days of our Lives. TV Guide Magazine’s Michael Logan chatted with Suzanne about this amazing milestone and her longevity in the soap medium and in Salem. Some of the topics discussed include: Suzanne being the first actress to ever in the Outstanding Supporting Actress award at the Daytime Emmys, the “death” of Maggie during DAYS PR campaign then Marlena was on a murder spree where everyone was later found out to be alive and well, if the pass has been torched to her to be the matriarch of the show since Frances Reid (Alice) had passed away a few years ago, and Rogers real life battle with Myasthenia Gravis that was later incorporated into the soap. Here are a few excerpts below!
Suzanne on winning the first Supporting Actress Daytime Emmy and what it meant: “That was a very moving and memorable night. Funny thing is, after I won the award, I didn’t exist. For the next three or four years I didn’t have much to do on the show. Instead of capitalizing on the Emmy, they did the reverse. I never understood what happened there. [Laughs] But that award is mine! They can’t take that away from me!“
Suzanne on when she found out that the killing off of many characters, including hers, was a ruse to generate ratings: “Well, I did say, ‘Ken (Corday), I was about to put my house on the market! What are you doing to us?’ Oh, Lord, may we never have to go through that again! It’s still all so vivid in our minds. I was off the show in September or October of that year and they didn’t call me to return until the following March. It really destroyed me. You know us actors. We think we’re only as good as the last episode we did. It was all so bizarre.“
Suzanne on of she is ready to take on the role of being known as the matriarch of DAYS: “Oh, no, no, no. That was and always will be Frances Reid. I walk onto the Horton family set and still see her sitting in that chair. I don’t ever want to sit there. I have too much reverence for that. I don’t like to see anyone in that chair! [Laughs].”
DAYS fan, what do you think about the fact that Suzanne and Maggie have been around for 40 years on DAYS and in Salem? What do you think about the time they “killed-off” Maggie? And, what story would you like to see Suzanne have now as one of the veteran characters of the series? Share your thoughts below!
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Suzanne Rogers is an exceptional person. I had the honor to meet her at 2 Days events. I have watched her since Mickey and Maggie Red Shoes story in early 70s. ( I was only 7 or so. LOL)
She has not been fully utilized when Deidre Hall has been on the canvas. It was a disservice to add the missing egg story just a few years ago. The show appeared to try to leverage reverence of the maggie character to less popular characters like Daniel and Melanie. No offense to the actors portraying Daniel and Melanie.) I do think it has hurt the character of Maggie because the Egg story was so convuluted and generally rejected by many long term viewers.
The love story of Maggie and Victor in their twilight years has helped Suzanne and her iconic role. I hope the show focuses on that aspect of her character.
Portraying Daniel’s mother is not credible and backs Maggie’s stories into a busybody role. She shold have been promoted into a more beloved matriarch role. But that time may have passed on DAYS.
All respect for the lovely and gracious Suzanne Rogers who has not always been respected by the writing and producing teams over the years.
I was a teen when Mickey met Maggie at her farmhouse and she was crippled from a car accident that killed her parents…Mickey called himself Marty Hansen back then after having a stroke and leaving Salem…those scenes of theirs at Maggies farm was some of the best moments on Days…
I agree with you. I like that “Maggie” is still a regular on the serial. Her character is mature and helpful. She is still an emotional gal. How I wish I could see John Clarke as “Mickey” be with “Maggie” one more time. Perhaps as an angel wanting to visit “Maggie” again in her hour of need.
I agree with every word Libby wrote. Suzanne is a beautiful lady, a wonderful actress, and so loyal to the show, that has not always treated the character of Maggie that well.
The eggbaby story was awful, and yes, her “interest” in whatever Daniel is doing does nothing but make Maggie appear to be a really nosy busybody. (I hate when he calls her mom, she is not his “mom”. )
But her love story with Victor…that should get more attention.
thank you for the interview, and a big Thank You to Suzanne Rogers. Congratulations on the 40th anniversary.
Congratulations to the always classy, ever cheerful and endlessly talented Ms. Rogers! Wishing you many more years on DAYS!
Keep her and Victor Involved in whatever is going on in Salem. Love these two together. What a stroke of genius to pair up Victor and Maggie.
I remember that story line very well. Everyone was furious because they thought the show was getting rid of so many characters. I believed it too until they “killed” off Alice. Then I knew it was a gimmick because there was no way they would get rid of her.
As for Maggie, I like the character with Victor, just wished they had more screen time. Didn’t like they made her Daniel’s mother, because now that he is related by blood to a Horton he will be on that show FOREVER— yikes.
As for SR– she just gets better with age- a real class act. I hope she stays with the show for many more years to come.
Daniels not related by blood to the Hortons…Maggies maiden name is Simmons…she was only related to the Hortons by marriage when she married Mickey Horton…Anyway Maggies two daughters Sara and Melissa(Linda Anderson was really Melissas mom) didnt stay with the show forever so there is still hope Daniel wont stay around as well. Too bad Daniel wasnt a true Horton…then he could go upstairs in the Horton home and disappear like Tommy Horton did as well as other Horton family members.
I was under the impression Maggie’s eggs were already fertilized when implanted into Lillian Jonas– which would make Mickey the bio-dad, sorta like what happened with Vivian and Kate with Phillip, and that is why I thought he was a Horton by blood. But I bow to your expertise on all things Days- so the eggs were not fertilized when stolen– which makes more sense– I stand corrected, he is not a Horton by blood– what a relief
As for Tommy if he was a Brady I would say he was on one of Stefano’s islands somewhere– but I check the who’s who’s section on soap opera central and they have Tommy Jr leaving Salem in the late 70’s, with Alice mentioning he was living in Hawaii sometime in the 80’s, but hasn’t been mentioned since. Does he have a Christmas ornament with his name on it ? If he does, then he hasn’t been totally forgotten-
Mickey was sterile…so he couldnt have children of his own…had he been Daniels bio dad Daniels relationship with Jennifer(who is a true Horton) would be gross being that it would make them first cousins and i dont like their relationship as it is. Now that you mention Tommy in Hawaii that does sound familiar…thanks for the reminder…however, i was actually refering to the early 70s when Tommy went upstairs in the Horton home and finally reappeared about 2 years later. Sadly, John Lipton who played Tommy and Margaret Mason who played the original Linda Anderson passed away in the 1990s as well as Richard Gutherie who played Julies son David(another forgotten character). In recent years i dont recall seeing Tommys or Davids or Julies brother Stevens ornaments on the Horton tree…maybe they are on the back of it…who knows? Also, youd think Julie wouldve made an appearance when Gabis baby was born and also have a talk with J.J about shoplifting being Julie was a shoplifter herself when she was a teen in the very first episode.
Shes been there for 40…i been watching longer than that…i have seen days since i was 5 years old!…back in 1965! i miss those farm scenes between Maggie and Marty/Mickey…nice to see characters not living in a mansion…i consider the 1970s Days best decade…the serial killer storyline never bothered me…it was predictable…the worse time in Days history was during its mass firings in 1980s…we lost so many great actors and characters at that time…im suprised i still watched over 30 years later after that almost unforgivable moment in daytime history. As for what i want for Maggie…i want her to stay away from Daniel, remeber Melissa and Sara, and have a life of her own with Victor instead of worrying about DAMINFER!!!
Those poor actors, not finding out for so many months that their characters were not really killed off! Imagine how Frances Reid must’ve felt. Her “death” was so lame, and then to have to go through that!
All I know is I love this woman & her character-LOVE HER with Victor. I was not watching much when she was with Mickey-I was really little & don’t rem. much about them together. Maggie can be a bit pushy where Daniel & Jenn are concerned but OMG do they need pushing but that’s another story. Love Suzanne-any story they give her is fine with me.
P. S. I absolutely HATED when they were “killing” everyone off. As Suzanne said WAS BIZARRE. I did not like it at all.
What a Lovely person.
“reverance, for” – duly noted. however… Suzanne Rogers – you deserve and are besotted as such…. Mother Horton.
You remained steadfast with… DOOL.
I love you with Victor.
I love that you are carrying the Horton legacy. and Salem is all the better for it.
and, one small criticism… ease up on Daniel…. we all know he is your son.
Suzanne Rogers is one very classy lady. I wish I had seen all her DAYS,but
did not start watching DOOL until 1984. I seem to recall her quitting around
1985 for a year or two because of her illness. I’m glad she is healthy, wealthy
and wise.
I would like to see Maggie lose her battle with alcaholism, possibly over the
loss of a loved one.
Okay… I’m officially OLD. I remember Maggie Simmons and her boyfriend Jay Livingston on that farm where amnesiac Mickey Horton showed up in 1974. I also remember when Suzanne was written off for a year or so sometime in the mid-1980s. Not a smart move on the part of the powers-that-were at the time…
I think that Suzanne Rogers is a class act. I love the pairing of Maggie and Victor. Suzanne is a wonderful actress and if you ask me, only gets more beautiful and talented with age.
I was so upset when they Killed off Alice and Maggie that I didn’t watch for about 3 months. then I found out they were coming back. I actually thought it was one of the dumbest storylines ever, but I guess it did what it was meant to do.
Congratulations to Suzanne on 40 years with Days — and Happy Birthday!!
Love Suzanne and her character with Mickey and now Victor!
I love Maggie and the actress who plays her. While the “egg” story” was wierd I like that she is Daniel’s mother. It gives her a storyline. Maybe he shouldn’t call her Mom but it does give Daniel a reason to be a main character. I love he and Jennifer. They are the new “It couple”. I can see them being the next matriarch couple in the coming years. The show needs it – now that John and Marlena aren’t together and Beau is not on the show right now. I think that even a baby might be in Jennifer and Danile’s future. All that aside I thnk Maggie is one of the best characters on the show and I don’t care if she is meddlesome – she is one solid nice person on the show and the show doesn’t need to be all bad characters.
Breaking News
47th Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: GH Scores Most Nods, DAYS Follows
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced today the nominees for the 47th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, which will be presented in a two-hour special on Friday, June 26 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Awards will be presented in leading categories during the telecast, with recipients and other special guests appearing from home in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional categories will be announced simultaneously on Twitter (@DaytimeEmmys), and others will be presented in a separate ceremony in July.
The awards are presented to individuals and programs broadcast between 2:00 am and 6:00 pm, as well as certain categories of digital and syndicated programming of similar content and that originally premiered in calendar-year 2019.
Show to show, and leading all daytime programming: General Hospital received the most nominations overall with 23, followed by Days of our Lives with 22. The Young and the Restless was next with 21, followed by The Bold and the Beautiful with 13. They were followed by the digital drama series, EastSiders and Studio City who scored 8 nominations, along with The View, Ghostwriter and Sesame Street.
Now below are the nominees in all the daytime and digital drama categories and congratulation to all of the nominees. Here we go, and the nominees are ….
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
Days of Our Lives NBC
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
After Forever Amazon Prime Video
The Bay The Series Amazon Prime Video
DARK/WEB Amazon Prime Video
Eastsiders Netflix
Studio City Amazon Prime Video
Photo: ABC
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Finola Hughes as Anna Devane General Hospital ABC
Katherine Kelly Lang as Brooke Logan The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
Heather Tom as Katie Logan The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
Maura West as Ava Jerome General Hospital ABC
Arianne Zucker as Nicole Walker Days of Our Lives NBC
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTRESS IN A DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
Rowin Amone as Ester Issa Rae Presents King Ester YouTube.com
Mary Beth Evans as Sara Garrett The Bay The Series Amazon Prime Video
Jade Harlow as Lianna Ramos The Bay The Series Amazon Prime Video
Cady Huffman as Lisa After Forever Amazon Prime Video
Shanti Lowry as Yolanda Rodriguez Bronx SIU UMC / Amazon Prime Video
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Steve Burton as Jason Morgan General Hospital ABC
Thorsten Kaye as Ridge Forrester The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
Jon Lindstrom as Kevin Collins/Ryan Chamberlain General Hospital ABC
Thaao Penghlis as Tony DiMera Days of Our Lives NBC
Jason Thompson as Billy Abbott The Young and the Restless CBS
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTOR IN A DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
Kristos Andrews as Pete Garrett The Bay The Series Amazon Prime Video
Alex Hurt as Adam The Rehearsal rehearsalseries.com
Brad James as Cameran Jr. A House Divided UMC / Amazon Prime Video
Sean Kanan as Sam Stevens Studio City Amazon Prime Video
Brian White as Jimmy Blue Bronx SIU UMC / Amazon Prime Video
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Tamara Braun as Dr Kim Nero General Hospital ABC
Rebecca Budig as Hayden Barnes General Hospital ABC
Susan Seaforth Hayes as Julie Williams Days of Our Lives NBC
Christel Khalil as Lily Winters The Young and the Restless CBS
Annika Noelle as Hope Logan The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
Tina Benko as Helen The Rehearsal rehearsalseries.com
Veanne Cox as Lenora Indoor Boys vimeo.com
Patrika Darbo as Violet Studio City Amazon Prime Video
Carolyn Hennesy as Gloria Studio City Amazon Prime Video
Janet Hubert as Mignon Issa Rae Presents King Ester YouTube.com
Photo: IMDB
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Mark Grossman as Adam Newman The Young and the Restless CBS
Bryton James as Devon Hamilton The Young and the Restless CBS
Wally Kurth as Justin Kiriakis Days of Our Lives NBC
Chandler Massey as Will Horton Days of Our Lives NBC
James Patrick Stuart as Valentin Cassadine General Hospital ABC
Paul Telfer as Xander Kiriakis Days of Our Lives NBC
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
Willam Belli as Douglas / Gomorrah Ray Eastsiders Netflix
Leith M. Burke as Derrick Eastsiders Netflix
Tristan Rogers as Doc Studio City Amazon Prime Video
Lenny Wolpe as Carl After Forever Amazon Prime Video
Gregory Zarian as Nate Venice the Series vimeo.com
Photo: ABC
OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERFORMER IN A DRAMA SERIES
Sasha Calle as Lola Rosales The Young and the Restless CBS
Olivia Rose Keegan as Claire Brady Days of Our Lives NBC
Katelyn MacMullen as Willow Tait General Hospital ABC
Eden McCoy as Josslyn Jacks General Hospital ABC
Thia Megia as Haley Chen Days of Our Lives NBC
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMER IN A DRAMA SERIES
Elissa Kapneck as Sasha The Young and the Restless CBS
Michael Knight as Martin Grey General Hospital ABC
Eva LaRue as Celeste Rosales The Young and the Restless CBS
Jeffrey Vincent Parise as Simon Black The Young and the Restless CBS
Chrishell Stause as Jordan Ridgeway Days of Our Lives NBC
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMER IN A DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
Rene Heger as Zack Sullivan DARK/WEB Amazon Prime Video
Mary Beth Peil as Helen After Forever Amazon Prime Video
Scott Turner Schofield as Max Studio City Amazon Prime Video
Lin Shaye as Diane Eastsiders Netflix
Graham Sibley as Zack DARK/WEB Amazon Prime Video
OUTSTANDING WRITING TEAM FOR A DRAMA SERIES
The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
Days of Our Lives NBC
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING WRITING TEAM FOR A DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
After Forever Amazon Prime Video
The Bay The Series Amazon Prime Video
Eastsiders Netflix
Issa Rae Presents King Ester YouTube.com
Studio City Amazon Prime Video
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING TEAM FOR A DRAMA SERIES
The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
Days of Our Lives NBC
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING TEAM FOR A DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
The Bay The Series Amazon Prime Video
Bronx SIU UMC / Amazon Prime Video
DARK/WEB Amazon Prime Video
Issa Rae Presents King Ester YouTube.com
Studio City Amazon Prime Video
OUTSTANDING MUSIC DIRECTION AND COMPOSITION FOR A DRAMA OR DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
DARK/WEB Amazon Prime Video
Days of Our Lives NBC
Pillow Talk YouTube.com
The Young and the Restless CBS
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING MAKEUP FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Days of Our Lives NBC
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN FOR A DRAMA OR DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
The Bay The Series Amazon Prime Video
The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
Eastsiders Netflix
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Days of Our Lives NBC
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL TEAM FOR A DRAMA SERIES
The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
Days of Our Lives NBC
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
OUTSTANDING MULTIPLE CAMERA EDITING FOR A DRAMA OR DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
Days of Our Lives NBC
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING LIVE AND DIRECT TO TAPE SOUND MIXING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
Days of Our Lives NBC
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
OUTSTANDING ARTDIRECTION/SETDECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN FOR A DRAMA OR DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
After Forever Amazon Prime Video
Days of Our Lives NBC
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DIRECTION FOR A DRAMA OR DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
DARK/WEB Amazon Prime Video
Days of Our Lives NBC
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR A DRAMA OR DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES
The Bold and the Beautiful CBS
Days of Our Lives NBC
Eastsiders Netflix
General Hospital ABC
The Young and the Restless CBS
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG
“The Bad Guys?” Brainwashed By Toons funnyordie.com
“Everything Changed” The Feels YouTube.com
“North Star” General Hospital ABC
“A Holiday Carol – The Holidays Are Here”
93rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade NBC
“Hooray Hooray, We’re On Our Way”
93rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade NBC
Photo: ABC
OUTSTANDING SPECIAL CLASS SPECIAL
93rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day NBC
Hate Among Us Popstar TV
Sesame Street’s 50th Anniversary Celebration HBO
This Old House: 40th Anniversary Special PBS
The Young and the Restless: Kristoff St. John Tribute CBS
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME PROMOTIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT –TOPICAL
Days of Our Lives “Flash Forward” NBC
Dr. Phil “Rodney Reed” SYNDICATED Jeopardy!
“Jeopardy! All Star Games” SYNDICATED
Nick Jr Paw Patrol Ready, Race, Rescue: Trailer Nickelodeon
Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas
“Launch” Netflix The Star Wars Show
“Stars Wars Animals: The Trench Run” YouTube.com
The full list of nominees in all categories is available at https://theemmys.tv/daytime
So, who are you thrilled to see nominated from your favorite daytime and digital dramas? Who do you think is MIA? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Breaking News
47th Annual Daytime Emmys To Be Broadcast On CBS; Nominations To Be Announced Tomorrow On ‘The Talk’
Breaking news on Wednesday, the Daytime Emmys are back on and in a major way returning to broadcast television and CBS on Friday night, June 26h beginning at 8 p,m, ET/PT in a two-hour special.
The announcement was made by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and this marks the 14th time CBS had aired the Daytime Emmys throughout its history.
Photo: NATAS
The June 26 telecast will be produced by the National Academy and Associated Television International (ATI), which previously produced the Daytime Emmys Awards on The CW in 2009 and CBS’ most recent broadcasts in 2010 and 2011.
In addition, nominations in major categories will be revealed for the first time tomorrow May 21st on the CBS Daytime afternoon series, The Talk as well as ETOnline.com’ there are 100 categories in all that comprise the Daytime Emmys this year. This year’s awards honor content from more than 2,700 submissions that originally premiered in calendar-year 2019, judged by a pool of 1,000 peer professionals from across the television industry
“The Daytime Emmys are coming home,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “For generations, daytime television has been a source of comfort and continuity that’s never been more important. We’re delighted to join with CBS in celebrating the programs and professionals who never cease to brighten our days.”
“As a leader in Daytime, we are thrilled to welcome back the Daytime Emmy Awards,” said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events for CBS. “Daytime television has been keeping viewers engaged and entertained for many years, so it is with great pride that we look forward to celebrating the best of the genre here on CBS.”
“In these challenging times, daytime has been a primary influence in staying connected with its audience, entertaining them, and keeping them informed,” said 47th Annual Daytime Emmys® executive producer and director David McKenzie of Associated Television International. “We are honored to be a part of it. We are also excited for the challenge of introducing a new format that will celebrate the contributions of daytime television.”
Awards will be presented in leading categories during the telecast, with recipients and other special guests appearing from home in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional categories will be announced simultaneously on Twitter (@DaytimeEmmys), and others will be presented in a separate ceremony in July.
So, what do you think about the Daytime Emmys returning to primetime and CBS? Who do you think will score a nomination tomorrow? Comment below, but first check out The Talk’s Daytime Emmy announcement below.
Big announcement on @TheTalkCBS today: The 47th ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY® AWARDS will return to CBS Friday, June 26 at 8pm ET/PT. Join @TheTalkCBS and @ETNow tomorrow when they announce #DaytimeEmmyAward nominations. pic.twitter.com/sQ9gqbh2wC
— CBS (@CBS) May 20, 2020
All My Children
ABC and PEOPLE’s ‘The Story of Soaps’: What Was Your Review Of It?
Tuesday’s night airing of ABC and PEOPLE’s two-hour special The Story of Soaps featured many notable daytime and primetime soap stars, past and present, clips from backstage to classic memorable moments, and some participants who were providing commentary on the erosion of the daytime soaps in our culture. Still others, maintained and realized that everything today is serialized from the news we watch, to some of Netflix’s most binge-watchable series, and of course, the birth of reality-programming.
Throughout the airing of the special, The Story of Soaps was trending on Twitter and social media either at the #2, #3 or #4 spots for the entire duration of the broadcast presentation, and the cancelled and beloved All My Children was also at one point trending.
However, known soap writers, journalists, ardent fans, and actors of the genre, were all on Twitter last night live-tweeting their thoughts as the special went down, and there was definitely mixed reactions and reviews, when all was said and done.
What the special did not shy away from, but tackled, was Luke’s rape of Laura at the campus disco on General Hospital. and how that moment now, as Genie Francis (Laura), so eloquently put, would be considered as ‘date rape’ in our culture. The series even included a pivotal moment where Laura addresses Luke (Tony Geary) about the rape years later, after helping Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) through her rape ordeal.
John Stamos (Ex-Blackie Parrish, GH) got a bevy of “Right On’s!” for his comment that the soaps do not get the credit that they deserve and clearly came through as one of the soaps greatest supporters, as did former The Doctors and Knots Landing star, Alec Baldwin.
However, throughout the two-hours, Andy Cohen’s commentary was thread throughout; mostly citing soap’s demise and the creation of reality-programming and his “Real Housewives” franchise, that the special touted as the new soap operas. It continued on the narrative that people preferred to see real-life drama then made-up drama on a fictional soap. And while, that has been a trend in American culture for decades, the commentary came off as often out of place in a celebration of the soaps; and bringing in a lot of negativity to the special that soap fans were tired of hearing.
In a lighting rod moment, Cohen stated: “I know Susan Lucci doesn’t agree with me, but I think that the Housewives have replaced soap operas because truth is stranger than fiction. Soaps became kind of unnecessary because you could do it with real people, and they’re writing the drama themselves.”
The special did also address the cancellations of All My Children and One Life to Live, (which many were not sure they were going to do – given this special was airing on ABC), where One Life’s leading lady and six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Erika Slezak (Ex-Viki) said what we all wanted to sa ywhen the ax fell on the towns of Llanview and Pine Valley, “People were horrified”.
Clearly, OJ Simpson and his murder trial and reality-programming were also given a chunk of time to show where the once mighty landscape of daytime soaps which once had 13 shows on the air, dwindled town to 4. But, it would have been nice to see more time spent on how in this day and age, the people in this current landscape of the genre work so hard to get episodes done at an unbelievable pace, and how in that climate the performers still deliver gut-wrenching performances.
Photo: ABC
Former Loving, OLTL and Breaking Bad star, Bryan Cranston, did point out how the once powerful soaps, just don’t have the dollars they used to, and need to, to help with production costs and their taping schedule.
Viewers were reminded of soaps’ socially relevant storylines including hankie-inducing moments from: Robin (Kimberly McCullough) and Stone’s (Michael Sutton) HIV/AIDS storyline on General Hospital, to Billy Douglas being a gay teen coming out on One Life to Live, played by a young Ryan Phillippe.
There also did not seem time spent on the contributions of William J. Bell; one of the most prominent writers of the soap genre of all-time.
For many commenting on social media last night, there seemed to be a feeling of some glaring omissions of participants who could speak on this genre, who have been in the trenches as soap producers, soap writers, pundits, actors, and more, who were not included in the special.
So, what was your review of The Story of Soaps? How would you grade it? Do you feel it accurately reflected the history of the genre? Were you happily surprised, or when it came to the end where you over it, or somewhere in between? Sound off in the comment section below. Below are some tweets from notables who have worked as an actor, a writer, and a journalist in the soaps.
What started as a love letter kinda dissolved into a lover kicking you out of bed.
Ummm ok well I guess I appreciate the effort. But that definitely took a turn.🤷🏻♀️😬🤪 #TheStoryofSoaps— Chrishell (@Chrishell7) May 20, 2020
OMG so I’m still watching/catching up on #TheStoryofSoaps. Why does it suddenly feel like a death knell for the genre?! Why can’t it be a celebration? We’re hanging tough with no new episodes IN THE MIDDLE OF A FREAKING PANDEMIC! Why not celebrate our resilience? I’m done!
— Michele Val Jean (@MicheleValJean) May 20, 2020
Here’s the thing: The reason we’re down to 4 soaps is because network execs messed with time slots, cut budgets and interfered with storytelling. ABC can’t admit that so they have to get @Andy to trash them. But #TheStoryofSoaps was still a fun watch. Long live #AMC, #OLTL & #GH! https://t.co/pqR0Gx3cnf
— Carolyn Hinsey (@CarolynHinsey) May 20, 2020
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47th Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: GH Scores Most Nods, DAYS Follows
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ABC and PEOPLE’s ‘The Story of Soaps’: What Was Your Review Of It?
47th Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: GH Scores Most Nods, DAYS Follows
Dominic Zamprogna Reveals He’s Ready to Come Home to General Hospital
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47th Annual Daytime Emmys To Be Broadcast On CBS; Nominations To Be Announced Tomorrow On ‘The Talk’
TODAY: General Hospital Rebroadcasts Masterful 52nd Anniversary Episode
All My Children Cast Reunites For #UnitedAtHome Series In Week-Long Event
Justin Deas, Beth Ehlers & Company Set For Guiding Light Cooper Family Reunion
Y&R Alum Max Ehrich Big Smooch with Demi Lovato in Arianna Grande & Justin Bieber’s New Music Video ‘Stuck With You’
Soap Vet Debbi Morgan’s Emotional Words On How COVID-19 Has Affected the Black Community
WATCH: ‘Venice the Series’ Gregory Zarian Talk Daytime Emmy Pre-Nom, Bullying & Staying Safe During COVID-19
Tony Geary Opens Up About His Iconic Role as GH’s Luke Spencer on Nancy Lee Grahn’s ‘Soaps In Quarantine’
Soap Stars & Jake Gyllenhaal In All-New Episode of Tonight Show’s ‘The Longest Days of our Lives’
WATCH: Nancy Lee Grahn’s Birthday Celebration Replay With Her Drive-By GH Friends & Co-Stars
Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong Continues To Lobby To Be On Y&R & We’d Be All For It
Brandon Barash On His DAYS Return: “The Reveal Is Going To Be Fun!” But, Who Will He Ultimately Be ?
FRIDAY ON Y&R: Paul and Christine’s Honeymoon Circa 1996
ABC and PEOPLE Announce ‘The Story of Soaps’ Two-Hour Prime-Time Television Event
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Breaking NewsMay 20, 2020Andy Cohen On His ‘Story of Soaps’ Backlash: “I Went To The Interview As A Soap Fan Prepped To Talk Soaps & They Asked About Reality TV … Sue Me!”
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General HospitalMay 24, 2020GH’s Steve Burton and Maurice Benard Deliver “The Power Performance of the Week”
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All My ChildrenMay 20, 2020ABC and PEOPLE’s ‘The Story of Soaps’: What Was Your Review Of It?
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Breaking NewsMay 21, 202047th Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: GH Scores Most Nods, DAYS Follows
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General HospitalMay 19, 2020Dominic Zamprogna Reveals He’s Ready to Come Home to General Hospital
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InterviewsMay 20, 2020OLTL Icon, Erika Slezak Talks On Her 42-Year Run As Viki, Her Llanview Co-Stars & Husbands, and Life Now
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Breaking NewsMay 20, 202047th Annual Daytime Emmys To Be Broadcast On CBS; Nominations To Be Announced Tomorrow On ‘The Talk’
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General HospitalMay 22, 2020TODAY: General Hospital Rebroadcasts Masterful 52nd Anniversary Episode