As The World Turns
Remember and Watch: Four Years Ago Today AS THE WORLD TURNS Aired Its Final Episode!
Courtesy/CBS
It’s hard for us to fathom that it has been four years since we saw the town of Oakdale, and the indelible characters and beloved actors who comprised the final cast of the iconic series, As the World Turns.
The CBS soap ended its run on September 17th, 2010 and now four years later, many in the cast have gone on to new roles on other network soaps, some are continuing to perform and finding success in original web series, and still others are hitting the Broadway stage and can be seen in feature films, and Primetime television.
How to wrap-up a 54-year-old soap was going to be one of the hardest things the writing team would have to do. They chose to do it via an “Our Town” type vehicle narrated by long standing cast member, Don Hastings (Dr. Bob Hughes). And as Bob was retiring from his medical practice, others in the community were settling down with their new families, new loves in their lives, or rekindling old ones.
Courtesy/CBS
The two scenes that get us to this day, in this reach for the hankies final, were the final scenes between Holden (Jon Hensley) and Lily (Noelle Beck), where while talking about Lucinda (Elizabeth Hubbard) and John (Larry Bryggman) getting another shot at love, were really talking about themselves.
Jon Hensley gave one of the most touching performances of his soap career in this episode. And although, Luke (Van Hansis) was the one character left romantically alone, after the untimely death of Reid Oliver (Eric Sheffer Stevens), the moment where he listened to Reid’s heart beating inside Chris Hughes’ (Daniel Cosgrove) chest, was another stand-out.
There was a lot to take in on this final episode and you can watch it below with a box of Kleenex handy! And on this day, do you miss ATWT? Share your thoughts below!
I miss it and many others: AW, E.O.N., S.B., Passions, Peyton Place, DS, OLTL,…too many to list!!!
Remembering the last scene …in Dr.Bob Hughes office, him shutting the light and the “world” globe lit up and “turned”! Boy did I CRY!!!
I bet had Helen Wagner(Nancy) hadnt past away a few months earlier she wouldve been in the last scene…Nancy said the opening line: ‘Good morning, dear,’ to husband Chris Hughes in the very first episode…if Nancy had been in the very last scene im certain she wouldve been shown in bed and smiling lovingly at a framed picture of her late husband Chris on the night stand next to her bed, said ‘Goodnite, dear!’ then turned off the lamp…fade to black!
I, too, shed some tears that day. Beautiful closer.
Still miss it, but miss Guiding Light more.
I LOVED ATWT! I was so sad when it went off the air. But at the same time, after losing AW and GL, I was growing numb to it all. I have said it before and will continue to do so, soap actors are the hardest working actors in the business. They get one shot, rarely two, to get it right and they deliver day in and day out. The ATWT cast were outstanding!
When Helen Wagner died, my hope that she would utter the last words, as she did the first, were dashed. However, having Don Hastings say them was a huge plus. I still remember the Hughes, the Snyders, the Ryans, the Stewarts and Walshes; the whole gang in Oakdale with great fondness and miss them terribly.
I am so happy that so many of them are working to this day in other venues. Best wishes to them all!
I SO miss this show!!! I wonder if it was still on, what Jack and Carly would be up to?? Uggh I miss Craig and Rosanna, Dusty and Lucy, I personally loved the Molly/Holden/Lily triangle……I hated when Holden slept with Carly!!!! and poor Luke, hopefully he’s out in LA with Noah!!!!!
I still miss this show,It’s really sad that they would take this off the air only to be replaced by mindless chatter. I can honestly say that I can’t remember the last time I watched afternoon T.V. It was a nice little break in the day to spend time in Oakdale. Thanks for posting the video.
I miss Guiding Light and Another World more than ATWT.
Do I miss ATWT? Gosh, yes! It still saddens me that there are no more daily visits to Oakdale. I still mourn the loss of this legacy daytime drama/broadcast pioneer program. I still harbor a hope that some entity will resurrect ATWT in a back-to-basics 30-minute format but I am sure that will ever remain a pipe dream.
God bless Oakdale and all the actors, technicians, writers, directors, producers and craftsmen who entertained and enlightened us for so long. I, for one, am forever grateful.
It has only been four years– seem like it has been gone longer than that. Perhaps I feel like that since that last couple years of the show was only a shadow of the great soap it once was. I missed it but I miss Another World more– that show went off in 1999, so it has been fifteen years and I see by posts here I am not the only fan who hasn’t forgotten what a wonderful place Bay City was— still have their final show on VCR tape– and still have a working VCR– maybe I will dig out that tape this week and watch it since Mr. Fairman has gotten me all nostalgic for my old soaps
This is the one I miss the most.
This one should have been saved. It was the number one show from the 58/59 season through 1978. Only YR has been number one for more years.
Sooooo much history wasted, and its ratings hadn’t tanked for so long that it couldn’t have been reversed, similar to what happened with GH about two years ago.
Such a shame.
AMEN!! I totally agree.
Of all the shows (including the ones still on the air!!), ATWT was the one with the most going for it —- tons of history, still anchored by the original family, and with numerous actors who had remained with the show for decades.
It really was a shame what happened to ATWT. It was a death by a million “cuts” of bad decisions —- focusing on new characters while treating the core, veterans as nothing but breathing props; failing to recognize the importance of some veteran actors (Larry Bryggman; Martha Byrne) and letting them leave the show with little or no effort to keep them; the few attempts to use the history of the show in plots were incompetent; and uninteresting writing.
I really have a hard time putting a lot of faith into Y&R these days when Jean Passanante, the head writer during ATWT’s dying years, is working on the show. I have a low opinion of her writing talent due to what she gave us on ATWT.
I really miss what ATWT was for decades. Of course, I don’t include its last 5-10 years in that group. Moreover, I miss seeing Eileen Fulton, Don Hastings, Kathryn Hayes, and Elizabeth Hubbard on television. I watched them for years and, with the cancellation, they simply vanished (probably due to retirement). Even a site likes this rarely mentions any of them and gives us no updates. I’m dreading the day that I see a news item that one of them has passed away.
Barbara, like a lot of folks I started watching with my Grandma when she took care of us growing up. She watched religiously until the late 70’s when she said it got too “sexy”!
My favorite years were the mid/late 80’s when Douglas Marland took over writing and refocused the show on the vets. I did like his introduction of the Snyders.
It really had become a bit of a mess by the time it ended, but it could have been refocused again with the right writers.
I’m nervous about Jean P on YR as well, however, recently just this year I’ve noticed a return of some of YR’s trademarks, so I hope that means Angela McD and Margot Wain are watching closely. Too bad no one did that for ATWT…
I grew up watching As The World Turns with my Mom. I really miss it!
I never watched ATWT..
I do feel their was a great heartache when it ended, for its’ fans..
The death of soap is very personal..
Long live the remaining 4 soaps!!
Very dark day. Although I was no fan of nuLily and nuCraig, having Larry Bryggman back those final weeks was spectacular! So many wonderful actors I grew up with: Marie Masters (Susan), Kathryn Hays (Kim), Don Hastings (Bob), and Eileen Fulton (Lisa). The show still had life in it and I thought the crop of younger actors was particularly good (Billy Magnussen, Van Hansis, etc.). Like everyone, I took this show for granted — I assumed it would always be there when I would decide to revisit it, like so many times in the past — but not having it there still leaves a void. The surviving soaps simply don’t fill it.
How I miss this show.It brought back so many memories and It made me cry again
As the World Turns ending was devastating. It was truly my favourite soap opera, and still is to this very day. Christmas and Thanksgiving without the Hughes and Snyders is just not right. The coming out story of Luke Snyder (Van Hansis) helped me during a time I was dealing with being outed by my peers, etc. The show, its writers and stars helped me through such a difficult time, and allowed me to escape for an hour of truly magnificent programming. I only wish CBS could’ve given the show another year, or that another network had picked up it.
FOX should’ve given both ATWT and Guiding Light second lives; it would’ve given them an edge to becoming a major network. Alas, everything happens for very specific reasons. I’ll always miss Oakdale and the drama of it all.
I watched As the World Turns from my childhood. There are many fond memories of watching that show with my aunt , sister , and cousin. As Bob Hope would say ,”Thanks for the Memories”.
I don’t think I realised how much I miss until you posted this
One of my earliest memories was that black and white globe spinning around the television. I actually flew home to watch the final episode with my mother! Such a shame it’s gone.
I miss ATWT the most. Today is 5 years for Guiding Light.
Thank you for posting this! So much of our culture and history were tied to that show. I still cannot believe its not on the air and that this country has settled for these silly talk shows!
Sept 17, 2010 is a date that I remember like a birthday or anniversary. What a sad day for ATWT viewers. I still miss Oakdale and it’s residents . . . when I see past episodes, it brings up so many memories about what was happening at that time in my life and stirs up so many feelings. I wish the cast members the best of luck, but find it difficult to see them in other roles since ATWT. In my mind/heart, they’ll always be their Oakdale characters. If I had one TV wish, it would be to see ATWT on my screen again. With the holidays coming up, wouldn’t it be wonderful to see one of those iconic holiday shows with the entire cast showing up at the Hughes’ to hear Bob’s blessing?
I would like to see As The World Turns come back , I miss watching it everyday .
I Also Miss Guiding Light , would like both shows to come back
I miss it and the guilding light wish they would bring them back cant believe they cancled them and left bold and the beautiful on.
It’s a terrible loss for daytime tv to not have atwt and guiding light especially as the work turns Ive watched y&ra as the world turns and guiding light since I was a child
I never had the chance to watch the last episode, (work) I just watched it today and oh how I miss As the world turns, I started watching it when I was young because my mom would have it on…. My favorite daytime show
Funny, the other day I was thinking about being snowed in , wrapped up in a snuggy blanket like I did on snow days in high school, getting caught up on stories I got to see in the summer. I too miss the Christmas and thanksgiving activities on the show. I began watching with Mom, (it was her favorite ) I can r remember Bob marrying Lisa, and Penny and Jeff. So it was like taking friends away.. so sad. Oh well.
Oh, Judy, you could have written this for me. My Mom watched this show from the early sixties to the last episode, and my sister and I watched it when we could, more on than off. I miss the characters, and the people who played them. I hope they are all well. I wish I could thank them all for a story well told. Kim (Kathryn), you are my model of grace and class for my 60’s and beyond.
As The World Turns
Mark Rydell, Oscar-Nominated ‘On Golden Pond’ Director, Who Began Career on ‘As the World Turns,’ ‘The Edge of Night,’ Dies at 97
Mark Rydell, one of the most highly-lauded motion picture directors in Hollywood, and who got his start acting on the soaps, has died. He was 97.
The news of his passing came from Bette Midler, who starred in The Rose, which Rydell also directed. Midler took to her Instagram on Friday, August 14 and shared the news.
Bette expressed, “Mark Rydell, the director or my first film, The Rose, died this morning. He was an actor of note before he became a director, and I was so lucky to have met him when I did; he taught me so much on The Rose and later on For The Boys. Two Oscars nominations both because of him. He was the actor’s whisperer; just a few words was all it took to understand what was needed.”
Photo: JPI
As soap fans know, Rydell got his first big break playing Jeff Baker on As the World Turns. The popular character was involved on-screen with then star of the CBS soap opera, Rosemary Prinz (ex-Penny Hughes). He stayed in the role from 1956-1962. When the producers wanted him to re-up his contract, Rydell decided to leave, and so the writers killed-off the character of Jeff in a car crash. Before ATWT, Rydell played Walt Johnson on The Edge of Night.
MARK RYDELL DIRECTED SOME OF HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST STARS
After a busy career in primetime television roles, Mark began to direct in 1967 with the controversial feature, The Foxes. Because of his acting beginnings, Rydell was known as an actors director. Thus, began an enduring career in Hollywood directing films with some of movies biggest stars at the time including: Steve McQueen in 1969’s The Reivers, John Wayne in 1972’s The Cowboys, and James Caan and Marsha Mason in 1973’s Cinderella Liberty. In 1976, he also directed the pilot episode of the hit ABC domestic drama Family.
It was in 1979, that Rydell directed Bette Midler in her first feature film and lead role in The Rose, in which she was Oscar-nominated, and by 1981, the former soap star was directing the likes of Katherine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Jane Fonda in On Golden Pond, for which he received his only Academy Award nomination as a director. He followed with The River (1984), For the Boys (1991), and many more through the years.
Rydell was previously married from 1962 to 1973 to Joanne Linville who had appeared on Guiding Light, The Goddess, and 1976’s film version of a A Star Is Born. The couple had two children, Amy and Christopher. Later, a second marriage to Esther Rydell produced his son, Alexander, before ending in divorce.
Survivors include Rydell’s three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Sad to hear of the news of the passing of one of the great directors of our time, Mark Rydell? Do you remember him as Jeff Baker on As the World Turns? Let us know via the comment section.
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As The World Turns
Scott Bryce ‘Celebration of Life’ to be Livestreamed for Family, Friends, Near and Far
Scott Bryce’s beloved wife Jodi Stevens Bryce announced on Instagram that a memorial service for her husband will take place this coming weekend and will be able to viewed via livestream for family members, friends and fans who loved the actor, personally and professionally.
As first reported by Michael Fairman TV, Scott passed away on Sunday evening, July 13 at the age of 68. His son, Jackson Bryce took to Instagram to make an official announcement of his father’s passing sharing, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”
As the World Turns fans know that Bryce was smash hit in the role of Craig Montgomery, a part he played for several runs on the CBS soap opera from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008. Along the way, Bryce earned two Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nominations in 1986 and 1987.
Previously, Scott had been diagnosed 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 during a conversation on The Locher Room in July of 2025. At that time, Scott had shared he had undergone medical treatment and had since reported being “on the mend.”
Jodi Stevens Bryce’s message for those who want to view Scott’s ‘Celebration of Life” shares, “To our dear family and friends, both near and far, thank you for surrounding our family with so much love, kindness, and prayer. If you’d like to join us in celebrating Scott’s beautiful life, his memorial service will be livestreamed on Saturday, July 25 10am ET.” She signed the message, “With love, Jodi and Jackson.”
Photo: JPI
AS THE WORLD TURNS CAST SHARES REMEMBRANCES OF SCOTT BRYCE
Over the last few weeks heartfelt condolences on the loss of Scott have poured including from: Finn Carter (ex-Sierra, ATWT), Martha Byrne (ex-Lily, ATWT), Melanie Smith (ex-Emily, ATWT) and many more.
In fact, Bryne made note to TV Insider following the loss of As the World Turns co-star, of just how memorable Bryce’s work with the late Elizabeth Hubbard’s work as Lucinda was, and their unforgettable pairing; “The energy between them, their dynamic, all the play, fun, and the intensity just jumped through the screen. Most actors wouldn’t go down to set just to watch other performers. They’d stay in their rooms. I would go and just watch them work.”
The livestream will be broadcast courtesy of the The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, Connecticut.
We all loved Scott Bryce and his powerful performances as Craig on As the World Turns and his body of work in primetime television as well. Now, it’s time to say our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones. Comment below.
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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
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