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Louise Lasser Star of ‘Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman’ Passes Away at 87

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: NormanLearProds

In sad news, Louise Lasser, who starred in satiric soap opera, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman has died at 87.

The news of Lasser’s passing comes from her best friend, Susan Charlotte who confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that Lasser died on Monday, July 6 at her home in Manhattan on the Upper East Side. Cause of death is natural causes.

Soap opera fans will recall that Lasser became a bonafide star for her leading role in the groundbreaking series that aired from 1976-1977 which was produced and developed by Norman Lear.

Photo: JPI

‘MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN’ WAS MORE THAN A SOAP SATIRE

In Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, the often seemingly slow moving spoof of a soap opera also had heart, and tackled social issues of our time. The title of the show was a mock on how in daytime dramas everything is repeated twice.

The soap opera was released in syndication and was on five nights a week (just like a daytime soap). ‘Mary Hartman’ pushed the envelope on issues such as adultery, homosexuality, venereal disease, exhibitionism, serial killing, religious cults and UFOs.

Lasser’s portrayal of Mary was complimented with her signature pigtails, a collared blouse, and blue smock dress exemplifying an American housewife of the times. Louise was nominated for an Emmy in 1976, in the category of,  “Special Classification of Outstanding Program and Individual Achievement,” because Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman was so different than other programming of the times it didn’t fit in any pre-existing category.

Critics often hailed Lasser’s performance in that she had brought dignity to the role, but the quiet sense of entrapment of the mundane which led to her star turn, when Mary had a mental breakdown at the end of the first season on The David Susskind Show. Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman ran for 325 episodes.

LASSER AND WOODY ALLEN

However, Lasser got her first big break in show business as Woody Allen’s leading lady in several of his motion pictures including: What’s Up Tiger Lily? (1966), Take the Money and Run (1969), Bananas (1971) and Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask (1972). In real life, Lasser married the controversial and Oscar winning filmmaker from 1966-1970.

After Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman ended in 1977, Lasser popped up on guest star roles on the sitcoms Taxi and It’s a Living. She wrote and starred in the 1978 motion picture made for TV, entitled, Just Me and You, plus appeared in numerous TV and film credits over decades.

Lasser is survived by her partner, Michael Citriniti.

Share your remembrances of Louise Lasser in ‘Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman’ and your condolences on the loss of a truly gifted actress and comedienne via the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of the soap opera featuring Lasser below.

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I was a big Mary Hartman fan even though as a somewhat sheltered gay 16 year old living in the Bible Belt, I’m sure some of it was over my head. I have the complete series on DVD which I enjoy watching from time to time.
Louise WAS the show and I lost interest after she left….
I also loved Dody Goodman, Debralee Scott and Mary Kay Place. I had the 45 of Baby Boy.

I also had a crush on Michael Lembeck!

“Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” was astonishingly good. Louise Lasser appeared in 315 out of the 325 episodes, with nine of those episodes being #316-324 so viewers could get used to the idea of the show going on without her (as “Forever Fernwood” for 130 more episodes). She carried the show by having to be in every episode and her performances were spot on, taping every weekday. The series’ comic moments hold up 50 years later, and now also serve as a loving lookback on mid 1970s fads and obsessions. I had been doing a night by night rewatch, watching each episode exactly 50 years to the day after it had originally aired in 1976. On Friday I watched episode 130, originally broadcast on 7/2/76, the season 1 cliffhanger where Louise Lasser acted out Mary Hartman’s nervous breakdown. Just another incredible comic performance from her.

I loved Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. The show was just so hysterical. Louise was perfect as Mary. Her reactions and expressions were perfect. I also loved Greg Mullavey, Debralee Scott, Mary Kay Place, Graham Jarvis and especially Dody Goodman. That was a wonderful program. I missed it so much when it ended. Rest in peace dear Louise.

I was 14 and stayed up until 11:30 to watch the premier. It was weird and I was obsessed. Especially with Loretta Haggers. I loved Mary Kay Place.

Beyond the Gates

2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Men Duded Up – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)

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The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.

The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.

This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.

LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE

Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.

Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei  (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.

Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.

Al Calderon Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.

Jaden Lucas Miller Daytime Emmys Red Carpet 2026

Photo: NATAS

Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.

Eric Braeden Daytime Emmys red carpet

Photo: NATAS

The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.

Alex Cheeks

Photo: NATAS

Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.

Dominic Zamprogna Daytime Emmy Awards 2026

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.

Harrison Cone Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!

Sawandi Wilson 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.

Paul Telfer 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards

Photo: JPI

Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.

Kyle Pryor

Photo: NATAS

Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.

Sean Freeman - Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.

Crew Morrow

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.

Christopher Sean Daytime Emmys Red Carpet 2026

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.

So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.

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2026 Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet: Women in Glam – Who’s Got the Look?

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Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Arrival women

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.

From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.

Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”

Amanda Setton, Daytime Emmys red carpet

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.

Tamara Tunie, 2026 Daytime Emmys red carpet

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.

Hayley Erin 2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.

Kelly Kruger - 2026 Daytime Emmys red carpet

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.

Christel Khalil 2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.

Alexa Havins 2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.

Cherie Jimenez 2-26 Daytime Emmys red carpet

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.

Rhonni Rose Mantilla

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.

Kristen Vagnos, Daytime Emmys red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.

Maura West and Cynthia Watros 2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: NATAS

General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.

Michelle Stafford 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards

Photo: JPI

Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.

Melissa Claire Egan - Daytime Emmys Red Carpet 2026

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!

Finola Hughes 2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

Photo: Hutchins Photo

The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.

So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors

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The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards have just concluded on Friday night, October 30, and it was ABC’s General Hospital who took home the top prize for Outstanding Drama Series for the sixth time in row. Executive Producer, Frank Valentini accepted the award on behalf of the show.

Beyond the Gates scored its first two acting honors in the young history of the show. Veteran actress, Tamara Tunie won her first ever Emmy for Lead Actress a Daytime Drama Series for her performances as Anita Dupree, while Ambyr Michelle took home the gold in the Emerging Talent category.

Scott Clifton won his fourth Daytime Emmy overall, and second Lead Actor Emmy for his heart-tugging performance as Liam Spencer, who believed he was battling an inoperable brain tumor, only for it to turn out to be medical ruse to bilk Liam’s father out of $1 million dollars.

Scott Clifton

Courtesy/NATASYouTube

DECADES BETWEEN BETH MAITLAND AND ROGER HOWARTH LAST EMMY WIN

In the Supporting Actor and Actress categories, Daytime Emmy history was made with Beth Maitland  (Traci Abbott, The Young and the Restless) winning her second Emmy 41 years since she won her first won, and Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) following suit for the men with his coming 32 years after he won in 1994 for One Life to Live.

Roger Howarth

Courtesy/NATASYouTube

Jeff Kober picked up his second Daytime Emmy win for his role as Cyrus Renault on General Hospital in the Outstanding Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series category. He previously won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the role in 2022, following a nomination in the same category in 2021.

The Kelly Clarkson Show, meanwhile, won Outstanding Daytime Talk Series it its final year, while Sherri Shepherd won for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host after finding out her talker had been canceled after four seasons.

Genie Francis

Photo: NATAS/YouTube

THINK OF LAURA

General Hospital star Genie Francis (Laura) received the Lifetime Achievement Award and shared from the stage, “I know 50 years sounds like an awfully long time, but it doesn’t feel like that to me,” she said. “As they say, if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”

Overall, General Hospital, Beyond the Gates and The Kelly Clarkson Show received the most gold statuettes for the night with four wins apiece.

Here’s a look at the honor roll for tonight’s big winners below:

Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
General Hospital

Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree, Beyond the Gates)

Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Scott Clifton (Liam Spencer, The Bold and the Beautiful

Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless)

Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott, The Young and the Restless)

Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas, Beyond the Gates)

Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
General Hospital

Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jeff Kober (Cyrus Renault, General Hospital)

Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
General Hospital

Outstanding Directing in a Daytime Drama Series
Days of our Lives

Outstanding Talk Series
The Kelly Clarkson Show

Outstanding Talk Series Host
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri

Outstanding Lighting Direction for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates

Outstanding Costume Design/Styling for a Daytime Program
The Young and the Restless (Episode 13273)

Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, The Kelly Clarkson Show

So, who were you happy to see win a Daytime Emmy on tonight’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Do you think the right show and actors took home the gold? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section. In case you missed it, you can watch the replay of tonight’s livestream of the Daytime Emmy ceremony below.

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