Breaking News
Soap Vet Jed Allan Passes Away At Age 84
He made a career in daytime soap operas over decades, and was beloved by fans of the genre for his performances. Now comes the sad news on Saturday evening of the passing of Jed Allan.
Jed’s son, Rick Brown took to Facebook to share the heartbreaking news of his father’s death, expressing: “So sorry to post the very sad news of my fathers passing tonight. He died peacefully and was surrounded by his family and loved so much by us and so many others. Thank you for all who are part of this wonderful tribute to my dad on Facebook.”
Allan started his soap career on CBS’s Love of Life in 1964 and then on to Secret Storm in 1965-65 He then came into daytime prominence with his role of Don Craig on Days of our Lives and playing opposite Deidre Hall in the Don and Marlena romance. Jed’s run on DAYS lasted from 1971 to 1985.
In one of the most memorable storylines, Don and Marlena’s son DJ died of SIDS (Crib death) in a groundbreaking story for its time. The death of their child, caused a rift in their relationship and they would eventually part ways, and later DAYS eventually wrote out Allan. However, he landed a new primo role on the new NBC soap Santa Barbara as the patriarch of the Capwell clan, CC Capwell from 1986 to 1993.
For a time in the mid=2000’s Allan also played the role of Edward Quartermaine on General Hospital. He also appeared on the GH spin-0ff, Port Charles. In primetime, he appeared on the soapy Beverly Hills 90210 as Rush Sanders; the father to Steve Sanders, played by Ian Ziering.
The actor is survived by his sons, Mitch, Dean, and Rick. At the time of his death, Jed had been living in Palm Desert, California.
Since Saturday night, several of Allan’s former co-stars took to social media to share their grief and remembrances including this very touching post from A Martinez (Ex-Cruz, Santa Barbara: “The actor Jed Allen walked on yesterday. Among his many unforgettable roles was that of CC Capwell, the powerful patriarch around whom the tempests of story swirled in NBC’s daytime drama Santa Barbara for many remarkable years. Jed was a pro’s pro in every sense, and an inspired artist in the moments when the red lights came on — he was fearless, and his work moved millions. I first met him in the early seventies, when his son Mitch Brown and I were cast mates on the TV series, The Cowboys. With his effervescent wife Toby at his side, he quietly asked me to keep a watchful eye out for Mitch, as it was his first gig. Jed was already a star by then, and he was as warm and articulate and charming as anyone I’d ever met. A decade later, when he came to Santa Barbara, the show finally began to find its eventually glorious stride. I LOVED working with him, as did everyone else who got the chance. Years later, he visited me backstage during the difficult run of a play I was doing — offered typically generous support — and then spoke of the loss of Toby, the love of his life, who had passed away shortly before, with literally no warning. (It was hard to imagine a human being missing another more…) In my dream, the two of them are dancing together again tonight — a great comfort to all who’ve known and loved them over the years. Condolences now to their wonderful sons, and gratitude to Jed for his unerring joy in the telling of stories, and for offering always the embrace of his massive heart.”
Wesley Eure, who played Mike Horton during Allan’s time at Days of our Lives tweeted: “It is with great sadness I report fellow DOOL’s actor Jed Allan passed away. He was a wonderful friend! Jed was always my mother’s favorite Actor on DAYS OF OUR LIVES! My mother would always say, “Jed can put his boots under my bed any day!“
Nancy Lee Grahn, who played Julia Wainwright Capwell on Santa Barbara, and is now Alexis on General Hospital said of her former SB star’s passing: “Goodbye for now to one of a kind, #JedAllen. His heart was as big as his fabulous swagger. Lots of laughs shared with him on #SantaBarbara & best of all my Kate was made in his stunning beach house that he let me rent for cheap the summer of 1997. I won’t ever forget that or him.” In a follow-up tweet realizing she misspelled Jed’s last name, Grahn added: “Allan. Allan. Allan. Damn. He’s been yelling at me for that for 30 yrs.”
Another of Allan’s former co-stars, Wally Kurth (Ned Ashton, General Hospital) shared via a tweet: “Jed played Edward on GH for a short stint. We had a lot of laughs. Sending regards to his family at this time. RIP Jed”
Ian Ziering, who played Allan’s son on Beverly Hills 90210 in an emotional post shared: “So sad to hear we’ve lost another 90210 classmate. I had the pleasure of working with Jed Allan from 94 to 99. He played Rush Sanders, Steve’s father. Such a great guy to work with, he will be missed.” Allan’s death came five days after fellow 90210 actor Luke Perry died last Monday at the age of 52 from a massive stroke.
Tracey E. Bregman, who played Jed’s daughter, Donna Craig on Days of our Lives, before heading over to Y&R to play Lauren Fenmore Baldwin shared via Instagram: “When I was 14, I got my first job as the daughter of Don (Jed Allan) and Marlena (@deidrehall_official ) on @nbcdays There were no two better people to learn from. Jed was not only an amazing actor, he and Dei taught me everything With patience and love. I still hear his notes in my ear when I work today. I am so sad to hear that Jed has passed away. He was the nicest man ever. Rest In Peace, I will never forget you.”
Brian Gaskill, who played Rafe Kovich on Port Charles, posted a video of what he believes was Jed Allan’s first appearance on the ABC soap opera, he related in his post: “I believe this is JED ALLAN’s first appearance on Port Charles…and from jump street you see he was my dream acting partner…between the writing and his ace performance this brought me back to pretending I was in the classic films I love so much….this is also an example of why I was so in love with this show that was a dark horse sinking ship that finally decided…”lets just make the show we WANT to make…it dosent have to be “soapy”….and JED was perfect in this….much love to all his friends and family…I am sorry for your loss”
We will keep adding to our coverage on the reaction of the news of Jed’s passing from his former co-stars and colleagues throughout the weekend.
For now, share your remembrances and condolences for Jed and his family via the comment section below. Then, check out this clip compilation from Don and Marlena’s story on DAYS from Athenatious on You Tube, and then from the Santa Barbara page, this tribute to Jed.
RIP Jed, condolences to his family and friends. I’m from Australia and I have fond memories of him in Days Of Our Lives. I hope he had a peaceful death. Thanks Michael for a nice write up, there’s not much on the internet at the moment in regards to Jed.
Poor Don Craig… forever lost in search of his mailbox.
RIP Jed Allen. I saw him first as one of the rangers in “Lassie” in the late 1960’s, but remember him most as Don Craig on “Days Of Our Lives”. The crib death storyline was heartbreaking, and brilliantly acted by everyone including Jed. He also took on a risky storyline when D on married Maggie when everyone though Mickey was dead. He played the heartbeat beautifully when Mickey returned, and Maggie returned to him. A decade late he helped save “Santa Barbara” when he stepped in as the lead, C. C. Capwell. They had been through four actors; Lloyd Bochner, Peter Mark Richman, Paul Burke, and Charles Bateman. When veteran Jed Allen was cast in 1986, they finally had the experienced lead then need. He stayed through the end of the run in 1993, which is a tribute to his popularity and talent.
His role as Ed (really God) on “Port Charles” was left out. I loved that story when it was going on.
I’m heartbroken as I have many fond memories of this sweet man interviewing him, photographing him and just chatting up a storm with him when he was on Santa Barbara. Condolences to the entire family!!!!
My fondest memory of Jed is as host of “Celebrity Bowling”. He really enjoyed that gig and it showed when he interacted with the stars.
Felt bad for him on GH, a situation caused by JFP’s stupidity in thinking John Ingle would stick around off contract. Jed had the tough duty of playing Edward when Lila died and his subsequent relationship with Heather — which would have been tough for any recast, even one with Jed’s acting ability.
RIP.
So agree. He had a hard time to come in on GH, a more young and robust Edward Q than the others but did a great job. Excellent actor. Will be missed sorely.
Could never buy him as Edward…. primarily because he was the same age as Alan & Tracy, and supposed to be their father?? And the Heather thing was just ridiculous.
Ironically, I never really bought John Ingle as Mickey Horton either, so it’s good that he went back to GH and brought Edward back.
It’s just too bad that Jed never returned to Days. Don Craig deserved a better exit than getting lost on his way to check the mail. And the fact that his marriage to Marlena was virtually disappeared by the rewrite of that “Alex North” nonsense didn’t help matters.
My deepest condolences to Jed’s family and loved ones. The soap community is losing a lot of its veterans this year, and we’re only in the third month of the year. Devastating!
Such sad news
Another great gone…liked Don and Marlena…never got the great send off from Days that he deserved…he was very good as CC Capwell
I can not believe that one of my most favorite actors has passed. I’ve seen him in just about every show mentioned, but the one I loved and remember most was Santa Barbara. I thought he was the sexiest man alive, and cannot to this day think of another actor to compare to Jed. He could be as formidable as Victor Newman, but still in a good way. Nancy Grahn and A.Martinez were lucky to have him for their father-in-law on S.B. Most of all Judith McConnell got to be his wife.
We have lost a treasure, as has his family, whom I send my condolences.
When I saw him for the first time on Days I thought he was Burt Reynols’s brother – his voice and swagger so similar but he was his own person. He captivated me immediately. When he left there I missed him so but lo and behold after trying some very good actors to play CC Capwell on Santa Barbara they knew they had the perfect fit. Daytime’s Dynasty was perfect now with the best lead male character. I’ve always wished to see him act again on Days but we have great memories of a great actor. To his family and friends my deepest condolences. Rest my sweet Jed at home with your love.
Barbara,
Your comments really touched me. I felt the same way about Jed. I am two years older, but never thought of him dieing, just assuming he’d be with us forever. I have the 1993 issue of Daytime Magazine, special edition of just S.B, so I look at that from time to time, reliving the good old days.
,
WHAT a “Great” read
have to gavel : Marquee : All Points Bulletin
your post truly “encompassed” his being
thanks for warming the heart, triggering his memory, and bringing it home.
to his sons… your parents are
YES YES YES ! “Thank You” for your excitement
^^^”… I thought he was the sexiest man alive, and cannot to this day think of another actor to compare to Jed”
IF EVER a show should be released on DVD … this is it. according to WIKI, premiered July 30, 1984 – January 15, 1993. it’s a shame all the legalese the behind the scenes that the Dobsons went thru to keep this show. PLUS this show didn’t have much chance out the door.. w/NBC programming BLOCK with it’s markets… after @DAYS and @Another world.. respectively… trying to channel Santa Barbara unfortunately did not take… it’s blindingly staggering to think this happen.
who could ever forget when this show WON !!!! Best Serial three years in a row. OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES : 1988, 1989, 1990. FLOORED !
watching savoring just .. per @Barbara READ … completely captivated by this whole show.
Jed Allan
Judith McConnell
Nicholas Coster
Louise Sorel
BAM !!! it was drawing board crème de la crème
The Capwells
The Lockridges
PLUS
Every trigger imaginable LIVED … Jed Allan , just stood out… so damned handsome. his command; the passion with his family. Oy.. not to mention.. I got to see , every moment of Marci Walker… after she left All MY Children .
I always thought every daytime STAR at that time clamored to be on this show.. as this was truly the show where one feasted
yes, I dreamt right along
Have always been a fan of Mr. Allan. He and Marlena were the couple back in the day. Talk about chemistry!
Loved him as Rush Sanders on Beverly Hills 90210 .. RIP .. that’s 2 in one week for 90210, so sad.
Loved him on both Days and Santa Barbara. He and Marlena when DJ passed broke my heart. As the patriarch of the Capwell family…OMG! I always had wished they brought him back to Days for Maggie after Mikey passed. It would have been a great coupling. He will be so missed. RIP Jed. Heaven is enjoying this new angel. ❤️❤️
So very sorry for the loss of your Dad boys. I loved him on Days and Santa Barbara. He will be missed. 🙁
RIP Jed Allan, I loved you playing Don Craig on DOOL and I had the pleasure of meeting you in Tulsa Oklahoma when I was a teenager and I remember how kind you were, YOU will be missed…Prayer’s for his family….
He was great on Santa Barbara. Also enjoyed seeing him on 90210.
RIP
May he rest in peace.
Breaking News
‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 7. That’s when Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker, also known as beloved Santa Barbara supercouple, Cruz and Eden, will participate in a global two-hour streaming event where they will be in conversation together for the first time in years.
The last time A and Marcy appeared publicly together was back in August of 2024, when both stars were in attendance at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara. Now, host Melissa Braverman, who has also penned the upcoming book, Santa Barbara: The Complete Story, will moderate this special event beginning at 4pm ET/1pm PT.
Fans around the world who continue to celebrate the enduring legacy of Santa Barbara will be able to watch Braverman lead an intimate discussion with the actors and go behind the iconic characters of Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell.
Photo: JPI
In a statement, Braverman shared, “A Martinez and Marcy Walker didn’t just play a couple. They created a cultural phenomenon that resonated across continents. This event is a rare opportunity for fans to hear directly from A and Marcy about their chemistry, their favorite storylines, and the lasting impact of the show’s unique storytelling.”
She added, “A and Marcy’s partnership as Cruz and Eden was unforgettable. Bringing them together for a dedicated conversation about their SB journey is a true event, and a testament to their enduring appeal and the sheer popularity of the characters they created.”
The exclusive event will feature: a moderated discussion exploring the actors’ favorite memories from the Santa Barbara set. Behind-the-scenes insights into the show’s most famous location shoots and dramatic arcs, and a Q&A session where ticket holders can submit questions in advance to the stars.
Martinez, currently starring in AMC’s hit series Dark Winds is known for his multi-decade TV and film career. He won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1990 for his portrayal of Cruz. In the soaps, A has also appeared on General Hospital, One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives and The Bay. Walker, whose unforgettable daytime run began as Liza Colby on All My Children before her definitive turn on Santa Barbara, took home the Outstanding Lead Actress honors in 1989 for her work as Eden Capwell.
Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime reunion are $100, and registration is open now. For additional event information, visit Melissa’s author page on Facebook or www.melissabraverman.com.
So, if you are a Santa Barbara fan and one of the unforgettable Cruz and Eden, does this sound like the event for you? Let us know, and share your favorite Santa Barbara moment and storyline of Cruz and Eden’s via the comment section, But first, in case you missed it, the Michael Fairman Channel shared the arrivals at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara in this video below.
Breaking News
Jennifer Harmon, ‘One Life to Live’s’ Cathy Craig, and ‘How to Survive a Marriage’ Star, Dead at 82
Sad news to report for the One Life to Live family. Actress Jennifer Harmon who was the last actress to play the emotionally troubled Cathy Craig has passed away. Harmon, who also starred on the defunct NBC soap opera, How to Survive a Marriage, died in New York on May 9 at the age of 82. Harmon’s family made the announcement.
Jennifer was the fifth actress to play One Life to Live’s Cathy, following Catherine Burns, Amy Levitt, Jane Alice Brandon and Dorrie Kavanaugh. During her two year tenure with the soap, from 1976 through 1978, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series at the 5th annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 1978. The award that year went to Another World’s Laurie Heineman (ex-Sharlene Frame).
In her soap career, not only did Harmon have major success as Cathy on One Life to Live, but she starred on NBC’s new soap opera, How to Survive a Marriage as Chris Kirby and stayed with the series through its entire run which lasted just over a year from 1974-1975.
Photo: NBC
How to Survive a Marriage told the story of divorced couple as they battle for custody of their daughter, and as the mom enters the workforce. In the span of a year, Chris got divorced, remarried and battled alcoholism. Rosemary Prinz was the featured name in the cast.
On One Life to Live, Cathy was the nemesis of Victoria Lord (Erika Slezak). Cathy blamed the wealthy Viki for the accident that killed her child Megan Craig Riley (even though the baby has a congenital heart defect and her life expectancy was short). So, she set out to make Viki’s life hell by kidnapping Viki and Joe’s child, Kevin.
Later, Jennifer would return to One Life to Live in the 90s to play Viki’s attorney in a new role, went on to play Jean Weatherill on Guiding Light in 1991 and Lucretia Jones on Loving in 1995. Her primetime TV credits included: Barnaby Jones, Dallas, The White Shadow, St. Elsewhere, Homicide: Life on the Street, Oz, Rescue Me and The Good Wife.
Harmon was also known as one of the most accomplished stage actresses on Broadway having appeared over 21 times in different productions spanning nearly 50 years including in plays of the works of legendary playwrights: Noël Coward, Wendy Wasserstein, Lillian Hellman, Neil Simon, Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee and Jon Robin Baitz. Throughout her theatre career she was was known as a reliable actress, and at times was an understudy for the likes of: Stockard Channing, Judi Dench, Jessica Lange, Blythe Danner and Jessica Lange.
Share your remembrances of Jennifer Harmon on One Life to Live, How to Survive a Marriage, and more, in the comment section below.
Our friends from across the pond, BBC One’s EastEnders took home Best Soap honors at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards in London, England on Sunday, May 10.
Just last year, EastEnders celebrated 40 years on television and has seen a resurgence. In attendance were cast members: Michelle Collins, Jessie Wallace, Diane Parish, and Aaron Thiara, as well former executive producer Chris Clenshaw and his successor, current showrunner Ben Wadey.
EastEnders was nominated in the category along with their rivals, Casualty and Coronation Street. Accepting on stage was 20-year veteran of the series, Diane Parish, who paid tribute to all the hard working people in front of the camera and behind the scenes. “It’s not easy doing a soap, but we manage to make it work,” shared Parish.
Courtesy/BBCOne
A BIG RETURN AND MEDICAL CRISIS IN STORY AHEAD
Recently, it was confirmed that in honor of her two decades with the show, Parish’s character, Denise Fox, is set for a major storyline this year, when she is diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a blood cancer.
And there’s more! In the winner’s press room, Ben Wadey shared there is a major return in store teasing,“I would keep your eyes peeled in the next few weeks, there might be some surprises on the horizon.”
On the official EastEnders Instagram account it also shared, “EastEnders has gone and won the Soap award at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards! 🎉🥳🍾🙌What a huge honour, we truly couldn’t be prouder. Thank you BAFTA the whole cast and crew will be holding this one high when it makes it way home to Walford.”
Photo: EastEnders
BAFTA TV AWARD HISTORY IS MADE
Adolescence, the Netflix drama that took home Emmys and Golden Globes stateside, made BAFTA TV history during the ceremony winning four awards for the first time ever. Stephen Graham finally took home the coveted Leading Actor category in what was his 8th attempt to win a BAFTA in the fields of both TV and motion pictures.
The series is Netflix’s second most-watched English-language show of all time, and won BAFTA’s for Limited Drama and Supporting Actor and Actress for Owen Cooper and Christine Tremarco.
For a complete list of all the winners, click here.
So, happy to hear EastEnders won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Soap? If you catch EastEnders, who do you think might be returning on the horizon as teased by the series current EP? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
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‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
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