danfling

Taro Meyer (or Mayer possibly) Leon Russom (unless you have already posted about him) Michael Shannon John Danielle Anne Revere Margaret Barker Helen Schneider (I THINK that she appeared on at least one soap opera) Gale Sonderggard Kasey Arnold Peter Brandon Louise Troy Neva Small Richard Baccus (again, you may have already posted about him) Nancy Franklin Roni Dengle Michael Comforti Frank Schofield (unless his appearance have appeared above) Bernie McInery Madelyn Sherwood

Tom came to Pine Valley. I can't remember if he was just passing through, or if he intended to open the Goalpost there. Anyway, some kidnappers were holding Little Phillip, and Tom rescued him from them. The Martin family was extremely grateful and held a big family dinner on his behalf.

On the subject of Tom, his best pairing was definitely Erica! Although, upon his arrival in Pine Valley, I though that he and Tara were going to be fall in love.

Joseph Gallison appeared on Where the Heart Is after he had left One Life to Live. I have also read that Where the Heart Is wanted Carol Roux to play a role on the show. I suspect that the producers and writers wanted to pair them romantically again. Ms. Roux declined the role, and she later returned as Missy, on Another World-Somerset this time.

That last scene featured Candy Brown. (I had thought that she was played by Donna Bullock, but I am evidently wrong.) That summer, Richard Shobert came to where I was with the actress who played Hillary. He asked the audience if they preferred Tom with Erica, Brooke, or Donna. None of the three got an overwhelming majority. He then asked who they would love to see him in a romantic location. The audience replied Candy. Mr. Shoberg said that he was going to let the producers know of her popularity.

Actor Joseph A. Campanella, who played Joe Turino on The Guiding Light in 1959 and 1960, has passed away. His New York Times obituary follows: Joseph Campanella, 93, Ubiquitous Character Actor, Dies By Richard Sandomir May 17, 2018 Joseph Campanella, a versatile actor whose television career began in the 1950s on anthology series and continued for decades on shows like “Mannix,” “The Bold Ones” and “One Day at a Time,” died on Wednesday at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. He was 93. His wife, Jill Campanella, said the cause was complications of Parkinson’s disease. For many years, Mr. Campanella appeared to work to the point of ubiquity. Tall and lean, with wavy hair, he played doctors, lawyers, criminals, cops and judges, including one named Judge Joseph Camp on the TV show “The Practice” from 1998 to 2001. He starred in “The Bold Ones: The Lawyers,” with Burl Ives and James Farentino, and “The Doctors and the Nurses,” with Michael Tolan. And he was a regular on the first season of “Mannix,” the long-running detective series starring Mike Connors, but left in 1968 when he was told that his role would be reduced. Mr. Campanella found his stride as a frequent guest star. He was a crafty criminal suspected of planning a prison break in a 1966 episode of “The F.B.I.”; a cattleman on “Gunsmoke” in 1968; and Mary Richards’s hard-to-forget ex-boyfriend on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” five years later. And in eight episodes of the sitcom “One Day at a Time,” from 1976 to 1982, he played the ex-husband of Ann Romano, the character played by Bonnie Franklin, the star. His workload was noticed in 1972 by one viewer who, according to an article in TV Guide, wrote to an executive producer asking, “Why must we see him or hear him everywhere else, wherever we turn on our TV set?” In response, Mr. Campanella told the TV Guide interviewer, “An actor, like everyone else, must make bread for his family — and my wife and four sons eat a lot of bread.” Joseph Anthony Campanella was born in Manhattan on Nov. 21, 1924, to Sicilian immigrant parents. His father, Philip, was a pianist. His mother, Maria (Onofria) Campanella, was a homemaker and dressmaker. Joseph graduated from Manhattan College in the Bronx with a bachelor’s degree in English literature, studied drama at Columbia University and served in the Philippines as second in command of a Landing Craft Infantry ship. A skillful baseball player, Mr. Campanella was offered a contract by a low-level New York Giants minor-league team in Georgia, but turned it down, preferring to pursue an acting career. After nearly a decade of television work, he had roles in three Broadway shows in the early 1960s. For one, “A Gift of Time,” with Henry Fonda and Olivia de Havilland, he was nominated for a Tony Award as best featured actor in a play. And while appearing in another, the short-lived musical “Hot Spot” (1963), he met Jill Bartholomew, a singer and dancer in the chorus of the show. They married in 1964. In his review, Howard Taubman of The New York Times called Mr. Campanella “engaging” in a role that required him to sing. “An Ezio Pinza, I wasn’t,” he told TV Guide, referring to the opera singer who starred in “South Pacific.” “But at least I got the girl.” In addition to his roles in theatrical films like “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” (1967) and “Ben” (1972), Mr. Campanella did television commercials for BMW, Maybelline, Napa Auto Parts, Quaker State Motor Oil and Dash dog food; narrated “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau” and various National Geographic documentaries; and hosted a revival of “This Is Your Life” in the 1983-84 season. He also appeared in several soap operas, including “The Guiding Light,” “Days of Our Lives” and, most recently, from 1996 to 2005, “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Among his last acting roles was as an arbitrator in a 2001 episode of “Star Trek: Voyager.” In addition to his wife, Mr. Campanella is survived by his sons, Philip, Robert, Joseph Jr., Dominic, Anthony, John and Andrew, and eight grandchildren. His brother, Frank, also an actor, died in 2006.

The Robert Cenedella-created Somerset was WONDERFUL. He was succeeded on the show by Henry Slesar, who used the already-created characters to be used in one of his best mysteries (Who had murdered Jasper Delaney). Mr. Cenedella later succeeded James Lipton as the head writer of Return to Peyton Place. Didn't Mr. Shaw co-created (with Irna Phillips) Our Private World? Again, I cannot now determine if Gabrielle Upton/Gillian Houghton was good or not. She made each episode seem self-contained, yet there was continuity at the same time. I understand that Jada Rowland (Amy #1) and Stephanie Braxton (Laurie #2, who later became a writer herself) would complain about the quality of scripts.

Who is the actress playing Myrtil? (is her name Myrtil or Margo?) I recognize Lawrence Weber. I thought that Helen Wagner played Trudy (or was on The Guiding Light?). Here, she is called "Jane." Does she have a last name? Is she supposed to be an Eve Arden-type character?

I do not know exactly who created Belle, but it possibly could have been Ira and Jane Avery. (I am not quite sure at which point they stopped writing The Secret Storm and succeeded Ms. Phillips on Love Is a Many Splendored Thing. I do know that Bethel Leslie and Gerry Day were writing the show during its best storyline: the introduction of Sean Childres. Gillian Houghton/Gabrielle Upton was the final writer of the show. At first, I thought her scripts were dreadful. Later, I thought that she was innovtive. Now, forty years later, I am not sure. There was a time, though, that I loved her work.

What became of Ellen Spenser, who played the daughter of Stuart and Marge on Search for Tomorrow?

May we discuss the various writers of the soap operas? Who are your favorite writers? My ten favorites are (not listed in order): 1. Irna Phillips 2. Agnes Nixon 3. Art Wallace 4. Robert Cenedella 5.C. David Cherrill 6. Gary Tomlin 7.Eugenie Hunt and Ralph Ellis 8. Jane and Ira Avery 9. Wisner Washam 10. Peggy O'Shea

That was Jack Staffer (Chuck #1 on All My Children) in the Polaroid Cool-Shades commercial.

Geroge Lefferts, who seems to have written many scripts for Modern Romance, was later the original producer of Ryan's Hope. He only produced it for several months and was replaced by the great Robert Costello.

I think that Phoebe Dorin also played a role on How to Survive a Marriage (interestingly enough, which also starred Rosemary Prinz).

Today is May 1 - the birthday of Penny Hughes.... Chris would send her flowers, but, after Chris's death, Bob sent the flowers.

I never cared much for Love of Life, but I did watch it for a while. I was in elementary school at the time. I have some questions about a storyline. I have asked this before (so forgive me for the repetition), but, if this was answered, I missed it. Barbara (daughter of Bruce) was a single woman. I think that she was either a widow or divorcee. She lived with her child (?) or maybe alone in an apartment. There was a single older man who had an obsession with Barbara. I am almost sure that the man was European (German, perhaps). This was probably between 1963 and 1965, I do positively remember that Lee Lawson was playing Barbara. Can someone share information about this storyline? What was the man's name? What actor played him?

Could you also add Dennis Cooney?

No, Steve Fletcher changed his name to Steve Blizzard during his run on One Life to Live. It lasted around six months or less. Chip Loggia was playing Tony Lord (the third actor in the role). Tony had gotten involved in car racing. Ileen Kristen played his girlfriend, Georgia Whitman. However, ABC wanted to get Ms. Kristen back on Ryan's Hope, so the two shows made a swap: Nana Tucker left her role on Ryan's Hope (where she had replaced two other actresses as ballerina Nancy Feldman, who had been paired with Dr. Patrick Ryan) and assumed the role of Georgia, and Ileen Kristen retunred to Ryan's Hope playing Delia (following Robyn Millan in the role). I don't know if Mr. Fletcher and Ms. Tucker already knew each other or if they met while both were on One Life to Live. For some reason (I am not sure why), both of these performers (who had become a couple) changed their name. I gather that Ms. Tucker was more dedicated to whatever reason there was for the name change because she still is known professionally as "Nana Visitor." However, Mr. Blizzard changed his name back to Steve Fletcher a few months later. He continued on the show for many years, while Ms. Visitor and Mr. Loggia left the show (marking the death of "Tony"). Brad, the character that Mr. Fletcher played, had been married to "Jenny." He later married the middle O'Neill daughter (who, after having been written off the show, was replaced by Teri Donohue). He was one the show much longer than Naomi, Will, or Samantha. Finnally, his character was written off, returned for a funeral, and was seen for the final scene. ABC then recast him as Matt on All My Children. He was also on Ryan's Hope (I think as Matthew Strand), who was somewhat obsessed with Jillian, and then on Loving (if I am not mistaken). Ms. Kristen later rejoined One Life to Live in the role of Roxanne Balsom Holden. I do not know why Charles Flohe changed his last name. Deborah Morehart married her co-star on All My Children (who was the original Matt), so that is why she changed her last name. I don't know why she changed her name from Deborah to Hunter. At least three actreses on All My Children changed their name upon marriage. (professionl names) Who can name this trio?

I could not remember which of the three Ninas it was who was paired with Benny. I was thinking that it was the second, but I stand corrected. Nina and Benny became servants in the Chandler mansion. I do not remember Devon and Cliff together. I do remember her with Dr. Chuck Tyler. David Canary originally wanted his real-life brother, John Canary, to play Stuart. However, the show did not think that they resembled each other enough to fool or confuse the other characters, so David Canary was persuaded to play both roles (and he played them well). The brother, John Canary, was hired instead to play the doctor who was sexually harassing Angie in the Pine Valley Hospital, and Linda Cook played his disinterested wife, whose name, I think, was Lucy. Lucy, at first, was interested only in making money. I think, though, that the show decided to use the character to flirt (or maybe proposition) Cliff. Steve Fletcher was a recast, and he wrapped up the Matt character. He, of course, had been on One Life to Live for a number of years. After that character was written off (with one of the O'Neill daughters), ABC placed him on All My Children, on Ryan's Hope, and on Loving. Later, he had a small role on the primetime NBC series Dark Shadows.

I had been told that the Bruce Martin on Love of Life was not the same actor who appeared on The Edge of Night. After he completed his roles of Keith (aka Jonah), Mr. Martin worked as a crew member of The Edge of Night. This information (on that it was a different person on Love of Life) may be incorrect, but it is what I was told.

I have been thinking of actress who could convincingly have played Gillian. I have come to the conclusion that all of the actresses listed above have pros and cons. The one actress who I think only had one con (which I will mention in a moment) is Laurie Heinemann (As the World Turns, Another World). The only con that I know of is that she may have been under contract to Another World at the time of Ryan's Hope's premiere. Also, Jane Elliott could have played Gillian, but I think that age would have proven a problem.

Could you list the roles of Denny Albee? Also (if you have done so) Dan Hamilton?

Jillian had grown up in Manhatten. I think that actresses who grew up in New York (as had Nancy Altman) would have had an advantage. Of course, ethnic looking actresses or actresses with Brooklyn or Bronx accents would not be the type of actresses who would normally be considered. Barbara Rodell comes to mind. Other New York natives are Alberta Grant (whose acting ability, I feel, would have been good enough), Kelly Wood (whose work I have not seen in many years, and whose talent I cannot really remember), and Leigh Lassen (who was actually related to royality). Ms. Parker was a Southern actress, and another possible Southerner would have been Sherry Mathis. Susan Sullivan certainly has the talent for the role. Maybe even Katheryn Leigh Scott. Ms. Altman was a beauty, and I envision a beautiful actress in this role. Ms. Rodell may not have been pretty enough. Susan Harney (Alice #2 on Another World) had beautiful looks, and she also possesses a lot of talent. If you think that some of these actress would have been too old or possibly too young, please comment.

Although I am not all that familiar with the work of Marcia Kavanaugh (and she created the role of the reporter on this show), I think that she could have handled the role of Jill. Also, I think that Lara Parker is a good enough actress to have played this role successfully. Does anyone know which actresses auditioned for this role?

I cannot remember any of the co-stars with whom Taylor Miller had chemistry. She was paired with Benny Sago, but, as I recall, the audience hated it! (I think that she was playing Nina at the time.) She later married Matt, and I think that they may have been good together. However, Mr.Tylo left the role, and it was recast with Steve Fletcher (not the greatest actor in the world in my opinion). By that time, she was beginning to go back to Cliff for a third marriage. I never wanted Nina and Steve Jacobi together. I never cared for Peter Bergman, and I would have liked it better if Sybil Thorne had taken him away from Nina. I agree with the above comments about Peter Bergman being a wooden actor. I know that he auditioned for the role of Jeff originally. The show tried pairing him with both Liza and Angie. Up until the departure of Marcy Walker, there was not much romance. Liza was inwardly scheming, I think, of going after him. After Liza was recast, Alice Haining (a wonderful actress) was cast into the role. There was no chemistry. As I stated, Miss Haining was a wonderful actress, but the soap operas tended to miscast her in bad roles, when I (who saw her in a number of plays as well as attending high school with her) know that sweet, ingénue roles are the best roles for her. I don't think that the show ever intended for Angie and Jesse to be apart long. He also had two other leading ladies (briefly). One was a doctor. I seem to recall that she and Steve was both killed in an accident. There was also a character played by Catherine Christian who was not on for very long. They even tried Bitsy Davidson (Ann Flood) with Cliff. He was her physician, and she was simply flirting with him. I wish that this storyline had lasted longer. I feel that a veteran such as Ms. Flood may have been capable of bringing out his talents. Didn't Linda Cook's character (the wife of the doctor who was sexually harassing Angie in the hospital) have a crush on Cliff?