As The World Turns
Martha Byrne, Ellen Dolan, Elizabeth Hubbard & Colleen Zenk Talk ATWT Reunion, Memories & Mementos!
Courtesy/CBS
On a recent episode of The Talk that aired on October 12th, the afternoon series welcomed stars from As the World Turns as part of a special broadcast honoring CBS Daytime’s 30 years as the number one daytime television network.
Four powerhouse actresses who kept fans on the edge of the seats during their storylines were part of the ATWT reunion: Martha Byrne (Lily), Elizabeth Hubbard (Lucinda), Ellen Dolan (Margo) and Colleen Zenk (Barbara). Before these soap opera MVP’s were brought out in front of the live studio audience, a short retrospective of ATWT clips was shown reminding us all what made the town of Oakdale so special for 54 years.
Sadly, As the World Turns was canceled, and aired its last episode on September 17th, 2010. It has now been six years since its loyal audience saw the characters whose lives they followed for decades, or a major television reunion featuring some of them.
Following this fab four’s appearance, On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman sat down with Martha, Elizabeth, Ellen and Colleen backstage for our own sentimental and heartfelt reunion. All Emmy-nominated and Byrne and Hubbard having won multiple Emmys, these ladies looked back on the incredible time in their careers, collaborating with each other, and shared their appreciation for being part of an iconic piece of television history. In addition, they also are well-aware what a loss it was for fans when ATWT when off the air. Here’s what these terrifically talented ladies shared!
It was very emotional watching each of you come out in front of the studio audience and take your place on set. I especially noticed Martha. You had tears welling-up in your eyes. What was going through your mind at that moment?
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
MARTHA: It was so emotional while we were up there, and especially when we were backstage and the clips came on, and they were so good! Those were really good scenes they showed from As the World Turns. That was some good stuff we put out there, and it just reminded us that there are hundreds of hours of this show!
ELLEN: I didn’t recognize myself in the Christmas scene when it played! (Laughs) I remember going, “Who is that?” Then, I went, “Oh, that’s me!”
What has been the most memorable part of this reunion, seeing each other and representing the iconic ATWT, in this CBS 30 years at number one celebration?
COLLEEN: Just being together …
MARTHA: … And also we have all evolved as human beings We have all had our personal stuff that we have been through in our real lives. But, I think our growth since that time is tremendous. So we can look back at it now, and come here, and we can really appreciate first of all, that we were even asked. The show was canceled, and it was so painful for so many people, and it was such an abrupt ending. Then shows were canceled after that like All My Children, and thus lots of people were out of work in New York.
ELIZABETH: There was a wrap party at a bar at Eighth avenue and 49th street in New York. I got to this bar and I said, “I’m looking for the party.” And this man tells me, “It’s up the stairs!” So when I get there this other guy says, “Welcome to a room full of unemployed people!” There were the producers, the directors, the actors, the hair and make up people, everyone.
Courtesy/CBS
MARTHA: It was sad. So to have this moment on The Talk, and to be embraced by the head of CBS Daytime, Angelica McDaniel was special. They treated us so well.
COLLEEN: We were celebrated!
Let’s not forget As the World Turns was the number one show there for awhile starting in 1958 through 1978.
COLLEEN: Yes. We were number one in the 70’s from 1970-1978!
ELIZABETH: And then I came on and ruined it. (Laughs) We had wonderful directors on our show. I was talking about this with Grant Aleksander (Ex-Phillip, GL), who directed on ATWT too. You could go to the directors and say, “This is my problem!” They would understand what you’re talking about, and not think you are some creep, or a sociopath, or whatever they think actor’s are.
ELLEN: When I came out to Los Angeles for a couple of years, I did enough work, but I thought, “It’s not enough for me.” We’re workhorses on the soaps, we’re in there every day. We spew out so much story. I thought, “I have a strong character- she’s funny, she’s rock em, sock em. What am doing here? I’m going back to New York and do my character. ” You know, people mostly are lucky if they get to do two films a year, and they get to do five scenes in a year. On ATWT, we did 5 scenes in one morning!
ELIZABETH: I did one sitcom, Hope & Faith. I loved it, because it was so fast and the writers are right near you, and they are on your side during the tapings . They are not in a room some place making up stories, and so they can tell the actors to make changes quickly, and we did it. I think in the story, Kelly Ripa kicked my character’s ass in the end, and it was perfect. But I did like that experience.
Courtesy/CBS
Where do each of you see your ATWT character right now at this point in her life, since the audience can’t see them, and has to also use their imaginations on what happened to these wonderful women that they loved?
COLLEEN: Barbara’s definitely In a dance hall!
MARTHA: Lily would hopefully be single. She was never alone. She always had a man around.
ELLEN: I think Margo would still be the police lieutenant. She would still be ordering people around and no one would listen. She would be making mistakes, and coming home to Tom. She would ask the proverbial question, “Well, why?” (Laughs) I think Margo would be that gruff older rascally lieutenant and she would take over Dan Frazer’s (Dan “Mac” McClosky) role. Margo was such a beautifully constructed character. She had just a little dash of everything, and I don’t think that much would change. You would now be watching someone age, and becoming their true selves.
Courtesy/CBS
When you look back on the final episode of As the World Turns, do you think it did it justice? It is an extraordinarily difficult task to wrap-up a show that is 54- years-old with so much rich history, characters, and story.
COLLEEN: I felt that it really captured everything. There was a lot they had to leave on the floor, a lot of scenes, because there was so much shot for the finale. But, it made me weep.
ELLEN: You got the sense that these lives are still going to go on.
ELIZABETH: I was doing a Dutch soap at the time, so to have John (Larry Bryggman) and Lucinda deported was a good way to get us out of Oakdale. (Laughs)
On the last day of taping, did you take any mementos or keepsakes with you?
Courtesy/CBS
MARTHA: Kelly Hensley (Emily) gave to me Lily’s wedding ring when the show went off the air. Noelle Beck (Ex-Lily) did not wear my ring. So, they had put it in a box somewhere.
COLLEEN: I took the giant crystal rock chandelier that was in the nightclub, where Barbara and Henry (Trent Dawson) did their famous dance. I took the barrel back silk Damask chair that Barbara would always hide in when she was going through her evil era. I also have the marble plaque of the mausoleum, some Stenbeck documents, but in the end the show sold everything off.
ELLEN: I took the clown on Hal (Benjamin Hendrickson) and Margo’s desk.
ELIZABETH: The last day everything had already been sold, but there was a thing you put a vase on. I said “I will take that.” There was a second one and I said to the stage hand, how much will it be to deliver it to my house? And he said, “Oh, no. It’s free. Your the only one who gave us Christmas presents.” That was nice.
Photo Credit: MF Soaps Inc.
If another network soap came calling, would you jump at the chance to do a role on daytime drama at this point in your careers?
MARTHA: Listen, we are actors! When the phone rings you pick it up, and you go to work. I’m doing a play in New York right now, because I love what I do. That’s in our DNA. It doesn’t go away.
ELLEN: You say, “yes” to every job, and if there is a ever a job like we had on ATWT that can be recreated, you say, “Yes, absolutely. I will do it!”
For more on CBS Daytime’s 30 years at number one celebration, The Paley Center For Media in Beverly Hills, California now through November 27th continues to feature an interactive exhibit of one-of-a kind memorabilia and original set pieces from some of the most popular daytime shows of the last thirty years. This special exhibit honors CBS’s five current shows—The Price Is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Talk—as well as legacy programs, including As the World Turns and Guiding Light.
So, what did you think of Martha, Ellen, Elizabeth and Colleen’s thoughts on their time with ATWT, being at this televisied reunion with each other and their memories and mementos of their time in Oakdale? What soap opera would you like to see these four ladies on now? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and let us know if you miss ATWT!
Thank you VERY MUCH for this interview. I enjoyed it a lot.
Now, why haven’t any of the remaining soaps hired any of these experiences actresses?? They know what they are doing and they surely have fans who would not otherwise turn on the soap??
They would not be hard to cast: Elizabeth Hubbard as Dina Abbott on Y&R; Colleen Zenk as an age-appropriate romantic partner for Eric on B&B ……….
Hi Barbara, I totally agree with you. Sadly, the soaps are too focused on youth, with a few exceptions and with the shoestring budgets they now have in place, these great actresses would probably be priced out of roles.
Liz Hubbard-Dina Abbot-Y&R…Martha Byrne-Sarah Webber-GH…Ellen Dolan-Sandy Horton-GH and love interest for Roman…Colleen Zenk…Derricks overprotective mom-Days… who helps Derrick keep Sonny and Paul apart!!!
Yes, Jim that’s what I said about 3 weeks ago on this site. They need to hire Elizabeth Hubbard as Dina Abbott.
After six years I still say shame on CBS for canceling these great actors in favor of the cheap empty talk shows. I wish all these talented ladies lots of new roles. They deserve to be working a lot.
Thank you for continuing the interview, four minutes just couldn’t do them justice. ATWTforever
Funny..people claim to boycott abc for cancelling their soaps but not cbs…
Amen to you Jim, totally agree with your comment.
Jim I have never once turned on the talk for that exact reason. ATWTs was my fav show. What replaced it is dead to me. I never forget. or forgive.
These were four of my favorites . the EP who ended the show made me hate him forever. Lily and Craig with imposters playing them for no reason. never forget, never forgive.
Actually, ATWT was number 1 rated soap from 1958 – 1978 – that’s 20 years at the top.
I think all my children knocked it off the top when cliff and Nina were in full swing.
Kelly Hensley (aka Emily) is a powerful actress and would be a excellent addition to Y&R for Jack Abbott to give Phyllis a run for her man. Or put her with Dollar Bill on the Bold & Beautiful because Brook s/b with the arrogant Ridge Forrester.
Colleen Zenk can be a powerful billionaire who will get under Victor’s womanizer skin and give Niki something to wine about again.
Ellen Dolan (aka Margo) can be Paul newest detective on the force since Dillon is leaving Y&R soon and bring Margo husband Tom Hughes as Y&R needs another lawyer or DA.
All of the above-mentioned actors/actress will be great. Any roll they play. Hopefully some one will pick them up.
I was never a fan it always overshadowed GL which was a better show completely but I’m glad CBS is showing stuff like this maybe they have realized what a mistake they made. I miss GL terribly.
Man do I miss Guiding Light, Reva the slut from Springfield was a wonderful character. Y&R need to call Kim Zimmer and hire the lady. she can act. Peter Bergman needs Reva Shayne LOL.
It was so awesome and yet so sad to see these ladies from ATWT—I met Liz and Colleen at a fan club gathering in Manhattan the year before the show left the airwaves. I had so much fun with them that day and I never forgot how gracious they were to me even though I was so tongue-tied. All I could say to Liz was that I had loved her almost all of my life and how I had been watching her since she was Dr. Althea Davis on “The Doctors”. When I met Colleen, she just kept poking a finger at me because I was just so star-struck with her. she was so beautiful and I got to talk to her along with my partner who told her that her then-husband Mark Pinter would make a great Craig. She told us that she had been after them for years to do that. Anyway, I loved seeing these 4 ladies again and even moreso, it was great to see how beautiful they still are!!!
I hope the exhibit at the Paley comes to the Museum of Television and Radio in NYC
LOVED seeing them on ‘The Talk’! Miss them and their former co-stars so much! What a wonderful opportunity to see them and get an update on their lives.
We may be a smaller community, but we are loyal and vocal. I, for one, would love to see more of this type of thing happen on TV. Lord, knows, they should never have cancelled the show!
What a small segment on the very show (The Talk) that replaced As The World Turns. CBS made a mistake but will never admit to it. Colleen Zink is absolutely beautiful! Her story was sad but a miracle. God answers prayer! Too little time with the GL actors too. Miss them any day that I am at home in the afternoon.
Oh how I miss ATWT!!! I’d watch any of these ladies on anything. I recently saw Scott Holmes in a play. He was fabulous!!
I was heartsick when ATWT was cancelled. Would ❤❤❤ for it to come back! Wish these four ladies were on Bold and Beautiful. Elizabeth Hubbard and John McCook would be a power couple. I can just imagine the storylines between Hubbard and “Quin Fuller.”
UPDATED: Heartbreaking news to report this Sunday evening, July 13. Two-time Daytime Emmy nominee and beloved soap veteran and television actor Scott Bryce (ex-Craig Montgomery, As the World Turns) has died at the age of 68.
Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, Bryce’s longtime friend and former co-star announced his death via her Facebook under an hour ago (in a post that has now been deleted, but see below). Arnaz expressed, “a wonderful actor, a beautiful man and a terrific husband and father, Scott Bryce, passed tonight. I am going to miss his eyes, his smile, his wit, his brain, his intelligence, his talent, his bravery, his laugh and his hugs. Dearest Jodi, dear Jackson, he’s watching over you now from a place of pure joy and will always be your guide. But, I hate these goodbyes. Rest in peace you marvelous, magnificent man”.
Previously, Bryce was diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal and stomach cancer back in October of 2024. He had credited early detection as a vital part of his journey. He had underwent medical treatment and had since reported being “on the mend.”
Photo: JPI
SCOTT BRYCE’S RUN AS CRAIG MONTGOMERY WAS MEMORABLE
However, Lucie Arnaz shared on her Facebook post in the comment thread section when asked, that Scott’s cancer had returned. She has appeared in two projects with Bryce, the Indie film, The Pack and the TV series, Sons and Daughters.
Jackson Bryce, Scott’s beloved son, shared a beautiful tribute to his father after his passing on his Instagram where he shared that, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”
Scott was the son of actor Ed Bryce, who was best-known for his role on the soaps as Bill Bauer on Guiding Light from 1959 to 1983. On As the World Turns, Scott had a significant run as Craig Montgomery, and at one point was initially paired on-screen with Meg Ryan (ex-Betsy Stewart). Bryce had appeared on the CBS soap opera from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008.
AS THE WORLD TURNS CO-STAR PAYS TRIBUTE
On As the Word Turns, Scott’s on-screen romance was with Finn Carter, who played Sierra Esteban was a fan favorite for longtime viewers.
Carter expressed her grief on Instagram following the news of Bryce’s passing sharing, “My sadness knows no bounds. My gratitude for Scott knows even fewer. Scott was the best husband a woman could ask for. As an actor he was fearless, kind, generous and forever looking for ways to grow. And what a sense of humor! It is so difficult to write this as I can not stop crying . Scott , you were a gift that I did not deserve and one the world was freely given . All of my love to you – ah, just can’t stop crying. See you soon ( not too soon) and look forward to recalling our days on As The World Turns . You patiently taught me so much . XO”
It was during his initial run that Scott received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as the manipulative Craig Montgomery. Bryce was nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in both 1986 and 1987.
Bryce exited ATWT in February of 2008 and by December of that year, Jon Lindstrom, (Beyond the Gates, General Hospital) was brought in as the final Craig from 2008-2010 as the soap went off the air. Over the years, Hunt Block and Jeffrey Meek also played the role of Craig.
FROM OAKDALE TO PRIMETIME
In addition, Scott appeared in numerous episodic comedy and drama series throughout his career with roles in: Murphy Brown, The Facts of Life, ER, Law & Order, Reba and Sex and the City and Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, Homeland, 30 Rock to name but a few. On the soaps, Bryce also appeared on One Life to Live in the role of a psychiatrist, Dr. Ed Crosby, from 2006-2007.
Scott is survived by his wife Jodi Stevens and their son, Jackson.
Michael Fairman TV will bring you further updates on this developing story.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Scott Bryce via the comment section below. But first check out these scenes featuring Scott in moments from As the World Turns with Cady McClain and Marie Wilson.
Photo: LArnaz Facebook
As The World Turns
‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Alum, Colleen Zenk Arrested for Third DUI Since 2010
UPDATED: Fan favorite, Colleen Zenk (ex-Barbara, As the World Turns, ex-Jordan, The Young and the Restless) found herself in trouble with the law when she was arrested for a DUI in Naples, Florida near where she lives.
The incident took place back on May 15 at 7:35 pm, when the actress was charged with a DUI resulting in damage to property or person of another with a with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher, above the legal limit of 0.08. Both misdemeanors carry a bond of $1,000.
Soap Opera Network was the first to report the news after they had obtained records from County Sheriff’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office in Collier County.
Photo: JPI
Zenk posted bond on May 16, 2026, and court date that was set for June 10, 2026. Although she did not appear in person at the hearing after filing a Waiver of Appearance at Non-Mandatory Court Appearances, she pled not guilty through her attorney, with a continuance scheduled for July 29, 2026, for pre-trial.
Now, according to PEOPLE.com, Zenk’s attorney shared on June 30, “The charges are being defended. Ms. Zenk has not been convicted of anything. The truth will be played out in court.”
According to the arrest report, a witness told deputies they saw Zenk backing out of a handicap parking space near a Tommy Bahama store when her vehicle struck another parked car. The same witness alleged Zenk continued moving after the collision before being stopped a short distance away and claimed she appeared unsteady after exiting her vehicle.
In addition, after Zenk greed to perform field sobriety exercises, the arresting officer notated that Zenk showed multiple signs of impairment, including balance issues, swaying and difficulty following instructions.
Photo: JPI
PREVIOUS DUI TROUBLE
This is not the first time Colleen has been arrested for DUI. This is her third. She was first arrested in April 1, 2010, when she was pulled over by police in Wilton, Connecticut, for erratic driving and crossing into the oncoming lane of traffic, resulting in charges of DUI and improper lane usage. The second time was back on May 28, 2017. Zenk was charged with a DUI, marking her first offense and arrest in Collier County.
Zenk made her daytime debut as Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns in 1978 and remained with the series until its final episode in 2010. Viewers will recall, Barbara dancing with Henry Coleman (Trent Dawson) to “Last Dance” in the finale.
Along the way, Colleen earned three Daytime Emmy Award nominations for taking the once girl to a bad girl and eventually a fully evolved character. Then in November of 2023, Colleen made her triumphant return to daytime as the villainous and oft-kilter, Jordan Howard who had more than nine lives! The character was eventually killed off in 2025.
Jordan was the creation of departing head writer, Josh Griffith, who has brought Zenk and Hayley Erin as “Claire” to Y&R to shake things up for the Newmans.
Share your thoughts on the latest DUI charges for Colleen Zenk via the comment section below. Do you hope she gets the opportunity to appear on another soap? Let us know.
As The World Turns
ATWT Alum Martha Byrne Pays Tribute to Eileen Fulton: “The Original Soap Star Who Paved the Way for the Likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans”
Tributes and remembrances are pouring in for the the late Eileen Fulton, who passed away on July 14th at the age of 91. Fulton broke the soap opera mold back in the early 60’s when she was cast to play Lisa Miller on As the World Turns, who would turn out to be the first villiainess, vixen, and homewrecker of daytime television.
Fans of the soap loved to love to hate her for how she destroyed many lives in her quests to nab a husband; especially one she had set her sights set on. In fact, Lisa was married 8 times during the history of the show. Fulton was with ATWT on and off until the final year of the show in 2010.
Martha Byrne, who has been Fulton’s castmate for a time (Bryne played Lily Snyder from 1985 to 1989 and then again from 1993-2008 where she also played Rose D’Angelo), took to her account on x to share her thoughts on what Eileen meant to the genre, and also spoke on how Fulton handled not being as front and center on the soap operas as the years went by.
Photo: JPI
“What can I say about Eileen Fulton. The original soap star who paved the road for the likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans,” began Bryne. “Since Eileen started on ATWT when the show was live, there aren’t enough pieces of history for us to truly grasp the enormity of her stardom and presence in the entertainment business. I remember being so impressed that she was a writer. The best part was she would use real stories from behind the scenes and change the names. Maybe that was her way of giving the audience a wink to include them even more.”
Photo: CBS
Bryne went to share, “She (Eileen) loved her fans and she had many. I went to her one woman shows and the place was always packed. As the years went on and her role wasn’t as prominent as it had been she took it with class. I never heard her complain as many did who were frustrated they didn’t have a storyline. She was always a class act and a true pro who knew a storyline or another opportunity was only around the corner. She knew her value and was secure in herself. A national treasure who shaped the entire industry. Thank you Eileen. I’m sure there was a pink feather boa waiting for you just inside the pearly gates.”
So, what did you think about the sentiments shared by Martha on the legendary Eileen Fulton? Would you agree, as we have previously noted, that Lisa as played by Eileen, was really the prototype for all soap opera “bad girls” to follow? Did you appreciate the fact that while having a more diminished role over the last few decades of ATWT, Eileen took it in stride? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
What can I say about Eileen Fulton. The original soap star who paved the road for the likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans. Since Eileen started on ATWT when the show was live there aren’t enough pieces of history for us to truly grasp the enormity of her stardom and presence… pic.twitter.com/bN3skb2Rws
— Martha Byrne (@MarthaByrne10) July 20, 2025
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