Courtesy/PaleyCenter
On Wednesday, those known in the soap opera genre took to social media to pay tribute to All My Children and One Life to Live creator Agnes Nixon, who passed away this morning.
For it was Nixon, who was responsible for some of the most iconic characters in the annals of soap opera, the casting of some of the biggest names associated with those roles, and brought her iconic storytelling abilities to TV that touched the hearts of millions of viewers for decades. The outpouring of love and ‘thank you’s’ on the passing of Nixon has been nothing short of remarkable and just thinking about how Agnes impacted so many greats in the industry.
Robert Iger, chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Co., said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart I mourn the passing of television pioneer Agnes Nixon, someone I was proud to call a friend. Agnes’ impact on daytime television and pop culture is undeniable. She was the first to champion socially relevant topics, and the towns and characters Agnes brought to life leave an indelible imprint on television that will be remembered forever.”
Below are just some of the notable individuals and more who shared their sorrow on the death of this legendary scribe. From One Life to Live’s Erika Slezak and Robin Strasser to All My Children’s Susan Lucci, Josh Duhamel. Cameron Mathison, to former OLTL EP and head writer, Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati and more, everyone took time out to remember this legend.
Photo: SLucciInstagram
Erika Slezak (Viki, OLTL): I am so terribly saddened by the death of Agnes Nixon. She was more than a great writer, producer and boss, she was a warm, loving and wonderful woman with a truly delightful and somewhat wicked sense of humor. It was my very great privilege to have known her and to have worked for her. When she hired me to play Viki on One Life To Live, she changed my life and my career and I will forever be grateful to her. I wish her peace and angels all around her. She deserves that!
Susan Lucci (Erika, AMC): I am devastated to learn that we have lost Agnes. I adored her and admired her–and I am forever grateful to her! May this liveliest and loveliest of women rest in peace.
Josh Duhamel (Leo, AMC): Sad to hear of the passing of Agnes Nixon. I’m thankful everyday that she created ALL MY CHILDREN and the character that gave me my first shot in the business. She will be missed.
Robin Strasser (Dorian: OLTL): I once asked Agnes Nixon about the Afterlife-she said she believed that someday she’d be reunited with her beloved husband…RIP Mrs. Nixon. Few can match the accomplishments of Agnes Nixon Her genius was a gift to many! She was generous, exacting, imaginative! Truly incomparable!
Photo: ERiegelTwitter
Alicia Minshew (Kendall, AMC) Just heard the sad news about the passing of the sweet and incredible genius #Agnesnixon. Makes me so sad. This is the last time I saw her. On the last shooting day of #AMC almost exactly 5 years ago. I was lucky to spend that time with her. She was a class act and a true talent. She helped give me the life and friendships I have today. And for that I am truly grateful to her. We all miss her stories and now will miss her as well. Thoughts and prayers are being sent to her family. RIP sweet Agnes. ❤️
Sarah Michelle Gellar: (Kendall, AMC) RIP Agnes Nixon One of the classiest ladies, I ever had the honor to meet. And so talented.
Rebecca Budig: (Greenlee AMC, now Hayden GH) Agnes created one of the best characters I’ve ever played and was brilliant and KIND. Love and prayers to her family.
Eden Riegel: (Bianca, AMC): So sad to hear that Agnes Nixon has passed away. She told stories that made the world better. She touched our humanity. I will miss her.
Cameron Mathison (Ryan, AMC): RIP Agnes Nixon. It was such an honor to know you and be part of your All My Children family.
Aiden Turner (Aidan, AMC): Sad to hear of the passing of #agnesnixon. It was an honor to be “one of her children” thank you for all the memories.
Photo: RCarlivatiTwitter
Scott Evans (Fish, OLTL): My heart goes out to Agnes Nixon and her family. She changed countless lives, mine included, and she will be missed. RIP
Melissa Archer (Natalie, OLTL) RIP Agnes Nixon. 🙁 Honored to have been One of your Children.
Frank Valentini (Executive Producer OLTL, now EP, General Hospital): So sorry to hear about #AgnesNixon. I knew her & loved her very much. She was a fantastic, incredible person. Rest in peace. Thank you for creating two amazing shows. Your contribution to the daytime community is unparalleled. You will be sorely missed.
Ron Carlivati (Former head writer, OLTL): Heartbroken to learn of the passing of Agnes Nixon, the legendary creator of All My Children and One Life to Live. Not only was she one of my biggest inspirations, she was also one of my biggest champions, always there for me throughout my career with her support, advice and encouragement. I will treasure the memories of the time we spent together, particularly one night that she took me to dinner at the 21 Club. Imagine being a lifelong soap opera fan and getting to spend the evening with this iconic woman in this iconic place. Another time, at the final celebration for One Life to Live on The View, she pulled me up on stage with her on live TV to make sure I was acknowledged. Thank you, Agnes, for your generosity, your wisdom, your sense of humor, and most of all your stories. You will never be forgotten.
Andrea Evans (Tina Lord, OLTL): RIP. @agnesnixon You were one of a kind & I owe you so much! @OfficialOLTLFC we will miss you!
Nancy Lee Grahn (Beverly, OLTL now Alexis, GH): 1st pro acting job was on #OLTL Where would I’ve begun without her? #AgnesNixon May she live on after death like any great soap character.
Dena Higley (Former head writer, OLTL, now co-head writer, DAYS): A tiny lady but a force of nature. A talent like no other. The time I spent in her presence a treasure. Rest peacefully Agnes Nixon.
Photo: ABC
Melissa Claire Egan (Annie, AMC, now Chelsea Y&R): So sad to hear about the passing of Agnes Nixon. I owe her and #AMC so so much. A true trailblazer. May she rest in peace.
Jean Passanante (Former co-head writer AMC and OLTL, now co-head writer, GH): Devastated by the death of Agnes Nixon, brilliant woman and pioneer who brought substance and humor to daytime. Grateful for her mentorship. Agnes Nixon was a petite woman with a giant heart, a wicked laugh and a head full of stories. Thanks for all you taught me.
Angelica McDaniel (Executive Vice President, Daytime Programs and Syndicated Program Development, CBS Entertainment and CBS Television): Daytime has lost Agnes Nixon, a pioneer in the soap genre. My thoughts are with her family, friends and fan.
Walt Willey (Jack, AMC): Oh, the irony! I’m pretty sure Agnes would approve. When I opened my Facebook page just now to say something in memory of the marvelous Agnes Nixon I found that I had typed a post regarding the anniversary of All My Children’s final show on September 23 but had neglected to hit “Post.” So let me make this post a combined tribute to the show that meant so much to so many of you on which I gladly toiled for almost 25 years, and the incredible woman that created this daytime juggernaut. Agnes Nixon was, to me, the epitome of class, erudition, and grace. Though tiny in stature, her creative genius filled her with a glow that fairly shown around her. She always had time for her actors, her “children,” and truly loved them. She was tough and honest and I cherish every moment I ever spent in discussion with Agnes or just observing her as everyone in the room came to her as if to a most benign monarch. Agnes, you honored and delighted me every time we had anything to do with one another. You will be greatly missed.
Photo:FValentiniTwitter
Cady McClain: (Dixie, AMC): It is so sad to hear of Agnes Nixon’s passing today. She was a great woman who really changed the world and made a great difference in my life and the lives of many women. I always appreciated how “All My Children” was so moral. In it’s heyday, this was what defined it from other soaps. The good guys always struggled but won. We had a little church, and the characters prayed. Dixie did wrong things, but had a deep goodness to her.
CBS Daytime: CBS Daytime mourns the loss of a true original and queen of daytime hearts, Agnes Nixon. Her contribution to the soaps will live on forever.
Andy Cohen: (Bravo, Watch What Happens Live, and huge fan of AMC): Rest in Peace Agnes Nixon!!! Mother of so many great soaps!! And Erica Kane!!!
Jessica Collins (Dinah Lee, Loving): Very sad to hear about the passing of Agnes Nixon. She gave so many of us our start on #LOVING
Eric Nelsen (AJ, AMC): Rest In Peace #AgnesNixon!! We lost a real legend. I consider myself extremely lucky to have have known and worked for you. @allmychildren
Bryan Cranston (Douglas, Loving): I am saddened to hear of the passing of #AgnesNixon. Talented and kind, she gave me my start 33 yrs ago on “Loving.” Sweet passage dear one.
What did you think of the heartfelt posts from some of your favorites in daytime and more paying tribute to Agnes Nixon? Let us know in the comment section below.
