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Happy 43rd Anniversary to One Life to Live!
Courtesy/ABC
The soap at times labeled, “The Little Engine That Could” for 43 years has captured soap viewers imaginations for decades with its amazing heart and soul, and not to mention unbelievable and stellar performances and storylines. And today, the current cast of One Life to Live celebrates its bittersweet final anniversary on network television in New York City. The only daytime drama still left in the Big Apple has left an indelible impression for fans that will live on forever, whether it be on the small screen or on the web (it’s future home).
Originally titled, by its creator, Agnes Nixon, Between Heaven and Hell, the title got an overhaul shortly before its network television premiere on July 15th, 1968. Although On-Air On-Soaps could (and we just might) put together a tribute for fans of the series before it ends its network run, no compilation could really serve to illustrate what the show has meant to so many people.
From social issues of the day, many daytime firsts, and stars past and present as rich as: Erika Slezak, Robin Strasser, Judith Light, Gerald Anthony, Brynn Thayer, Roy Thinnes, Al Freeman Jr., Robert S. Woods, Jerry verDorn, Hillary B. Smith, Phillip Carey and this amazing list that could just go on and on, OLTL is simply put a rare gem of a show that for 43 years has entertained and made us examine the human condition.
Watch an opening sequence montage of One Life to live through the years after the jump! And then leave a comment with your anniversary wishes, thoughts or favorite all-time moments of the soap.
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
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Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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Days Of Our Lives3 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
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Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
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News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
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Beyond the Gates7 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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News5 days agoY&R Alum Thad Luckinbill Cast in New Thriller ‘Copperhead’
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News1 week agoMatthew Atkinson Reveals New Project ‘Into the Wilderness’
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General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Nancy Lee Grahn Marks 30-Year Milestone as Alexis Davis; Co-Stars Share Heartfelt Video Tributes
I do not have enough words to express what this show has meant to me. I’ve enjoyed for all 43 year’s. Yes, I’m in 50 bracket..
The cast over the year’s, adored Asa.
I’m sorry guys, as said above, I’ve just no words, but I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, for giving us an escape for an hour each day from this crazy world.
The best actor’s in Daytime, the stories. I thank you all for everything and I do look forward to watching on the “net” if that is what it means for now.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY OLTL! You brighten my day!
too hard to better or equal your comment, you have summed up how I feel as well, except i have only been watching since 1981.
i truly hope that OLTL lives on!
you have summed up my thoughts as well – i started watching when erica slazak startes as vicki – just watching these openings has brought tears to my eyes – i am also in the 50 bracket – oltl has always been my favorite
Well, I too am the big, 5-0. I have been watching ever since I can remember. Not sure exactly what year. My earliest memories were when Meredith and Larry lived in the carriage house, which was broken into and Meredith being hit over the head with the gunman’s gun. Of course, Meredith died leaving Larry broken-hearted. I remember Viki living at Llanfair with Victor…and have been a loyal ever since! The talent has been AMAZING…Meredith Chris (Wanda); Michael Storm (Larry); Judith Light (Karen); Brynn Thayer (Jenny); Erika Slezak (Viki) and the three Dorian’s–Nancy Pinkerton, Elaine Princi and of course–Robin Strasser–and on and on and on. To me, Viki and Dorian ARE “One Life To Live” and–the main reason I’ve watched all these years. I stuck it out when Dorian was written off for several years because I still had the true, tried and stable, “Viki”. THANK YOU for these fantastic years of entertainment, great story and wonderful acting. I truly appreciate it and will continue to watch on the net!
Happy Happy Anniversary to my first and favorite soap!
I remember each and every one. My favorite years ( story wise) were the years where they sang the theme song. OLTL was truly “can’t miss” tv back then!! Happy 43rd OLTL. Thanks for the memories!!
The openings gave me goose bumps! Look how many characters and actors we have lost over the years! Bittersweet!!
Just watching the collection of openings (and I remember each one) has made me cry – I can’t imagine how it’s going to be when it last airs on TV. Happy Anniversary, OLTL!
I have so many fond memories of this show.I reaaly am going to miss OLTL.
To the great writer, Agnes Nixon, creator
The grand dames, Erika Slezak & Robin Strasser
To all the residents of Llanview, Pennsylvania,
who have brought such immeasurable joy and pleasure
to so many of us and for so long, here’s wishing you a
Happy 43rd! One Life To Live – and a heartfelt “Thank you”
See you soon on-line in the New Age!
OLTL and GH were the soaps on after school for me and I never strayed far as life went on. And I was so glad for the VCR, Lynda Hirsch, and the internet, so I could keep up with OLTL and my other fave, ATWT.
As for OLTL, I recall the Viki-Steve-Joe triangle, the torrid Dorian Cramer-Mark Toland (Nancy Pinkerton and Tommy Lee Jones) affair as well as the exciting and gut-wrenching Karen Wolek-Marco Dane storyline. (Judith Light was amazing. Gerald Anthony was so sexy!) Oh, I loved the Craigs and Wanda Webb! And Pat Ashley and the bad-boy Tony Lord. We followed Llanview through good and bad and crazy, many of us. I liked the blue-collar storyline with Bo and Didi, her father, and sisters. And the Marty rape that brought her and Todd to the forefront. The storyline with Ryan Phillippe as the gay teen. How well that was done! Watching Starr grow up before our eyes. Blair! And everything Dorian in the person of Robin Strasser. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
On July 15, 1968, I was playing at my friend Rosie Kavanaugh’s house on Silliman Ave. in Lawrence Park, PA. Rosie’s mother told us there was a new soap opera beginning in a few minutes. So the three of us sat down and watched the very first episode of One Life to Live. That I remember where I was, who I was with, and what I was doing that afternoon 43 years ago demonstrates the impact the show has had on my life. Happy birthday One Life to Live, and thank you for the dramatic, romantic, chilling, and suspenseful entertainment you’ve provided me for most of my life.
Happy 43rd Birthday One Life To Live! I was only 10 years old back in 1986 when I started watching OLTL. For the past twenty five years, you have entertained and captivatied me with your innovative storylines, amazing performances and ground breaking drama. No other daytime drama took us to Heaven, the Wild West, Eterna or the falls of Argentina. This was the era I started watching and became an avid viewer. May you live on and continue to tell great stories on line and hopefully be brought back to television for one more life to live.
I suppose I’m “old school” One Life to Live. My favorite memories are all pre-Buchanan era (I never quite understood why boisterous southerners would set stakes in mainline Pennsylvania).
My memories are of the rich tapestry of so-called supporting actors: the eccentric but nurturing Ina Hopkins (Sally Gracie), the lovable Vinnie & Wanda Wolek (most memorably, Marilyn Chris and Antony Ponzini), the radiating warmth of Sadie Gray (the divine Lillian Hayman), the high-strung energy of Eileen Siegel (Patricia Roe, Alice Hirson), the seething sleaziness of Matt McAllister (Vance Jefferis), the no-nonsense, earthy Anna Wolek Craig (Doris Belack was the only one, as far as I’m concerned), and the wise and fatherly Jim Craig (Nat Polen).
Of course, the show gifted with wonderful lead actors: the sublime Ellen Holly (as Carla), George Reinholt (as the fiery Tony Lord), the emotion-packed Jacquie Courtney (Pat Kendall), Nancy Pinkerton (as the icy Dorian Cramer), Bernard Grant (as the commanding and protective Steve Burke), David Reilly & Jill Voigt (as the adorably sweet Richard Abbott & Becky Lee Hunt), the sexy Peter DeAnda (Price Trainor), and Tom Berenger as the determined, lovelorn hero Tim Siegel. In its first 11 years, One Life to Live boasted the strongest acting repertoire ever assembled, and under producer Doris Quinlan, director David Pressman, and headwriter Gordon Russell, one of the most richly entertaining TV shows ever produced!
Some of those posting have incredible memories. I know I have age-related memory loss but now I am beginning to worry about the onset of dementia.
I love everyone (cast and crew) and everything associated with OLTL, even if I can’t remember everyone and everything. One person I do remember but did not see in the opening montage was Michael Zaslow who played David Renaldi. Many people have passed away, but they will not be forgotten.
I can’t thank everyone enough for decades of incredible work. OLTL has always been more entertaining than anything in primetime. It would be wonderful if every past episode could be available on the internet to watch it from the beginning all over again. In a few years, it will probably be completely new to me.