I thought RN was really good!

It was great to see him again but I was a little taken back by his appearance with a shaven head and a clean shaven face--it was a rarity to see Josh without some sort of goatee or beard. Aside from that he looks really good for his age.

Edited November 9, 201015 yr by soapfan770

From the July 1971 Daytime TV. Sterling's Magazines, Inc

Edited November 22, 201015 yr by CarlD2

Erik Howell, GIVE HIM A WEEK, AND HE'S OFF ON A JET

"I was born in Dothan, Alabama - population, 30,000, and for Alabama, it's no small town. It's the home town of Johnny Mack Brown, once a movie star. but when I was 3, we moved to New York."

Erik Howel, whose mother and stepfather (Karen and Jack Camp Jr.) now live in Ocala, Florida, is a New Yorker because New York is the right place for an actor. "But New York is too fast and too frantic for me. I wouldn't want to live here for the rest of my life," he says.

He's been to Hollywood a few times and wouldn't mind getting into the movies. When he joined Guiding Light, he played a good friend to Don Scardino and, then a month later, on April 28, 1967, he took over Don's Johnny Fletcher role and Don went off to make four movies in a row. If Don could do it, so can Erik, who has done Broadway and off-Broadway plays four years and is making his mark as a fine, versatile actor.

Little did Erik dream when he was a kid in Dothan that some day he'd be a world traveler; but that's just about what he's become.

Lynne Adams (who played Leslie Bauer) and Fran Myers (who plays Peggy Fletcher, his wife) always kid Erik: "Give Erik a week, and he's off on a jet!"

And Erik does just that. He's always hopping jets for fast trips. Maybe he just wants to get away from New York.

He's been to Europe several times during the past two and a half years. "I went to London and Rome in May, 1970," he says. "To Jamaica November 1969...I have friends in London and Hollywood, and I stay with them, so it doesn't cost so much. In fact, it's less costly for me to go abroad than to stay in New York, because I run around in New York and spend just as much on a trip."

When he was in Hollywood last, someone gave him tickets to the opening of the Huntington Hartford Theatre. "And when I got there, alone, the photographers yelled, 'Get him a girl!' and someone brought Carol Jones to me, and we posed for photos. And the photos came out in a magazine with the caption, 'They're thinking of marriage.' And no one had even bothered to introduce me to this girl."

Much of his life has to do with the nice people he's met on Guiding Light. During summers, he usually rents a beach house on Long Island with Fran Myers, Lynne Adams and friends.

Erik told us, "I've known Lynne since she was 16, and I've known Fran before she came to the show. On the show I've been remarried to Fran for more than a year. I used to be married to Vicki Wyndham (Charlotte), and then Fran married Chris Wines and has a baby from that marriage. Lynne handles a real baby on the show...Complicated?

"I've had two marriages last year and gone through four years of college...and I've sure grown up!" he adds, grinning.

Some of his passion for traveling must have rubbed off on Lynne, who went to Spain last August for three weeks and who is always taking trips, like the camping trip to the mountains recently. Frank visited Hollywood and San Francisco last summer.

"Fran has been on Guiding Light since she was 14, and now she's 19, but people think of her as being much older. As for Lynne, she's 22 or 23, and Fran and myself and four or five friends recently gave her a birthday dinner at a Japanese restaurant."

Lynne and Fran, who are now roommates in a midtown New York apartment, have had Erik over to their place for dinner, and he's had them over to his place. He admires both girls so much.

"Fran is one of the brightest girls I know. She has a marvelous capacity for enjoying life. She's a marvelous pianist, and she studies piano with Charles Paul, the organist on our show. Charles composed the theme for Guiding Light. He's often urged me to write lyrics for this theme, and I might do so some day."

Erik has been working on a musical show, doing the adaptation, and he says there may be a role in it for Don Stewart, who's a fine singer, and for Carole Demas. Erik who can sing, isn't sure he'll be in the cast too.

He often flies to Ocala, Florida, just to play golf with his parents for the weekend. "They're very good golfers. Mother started golf only last year, and won the award as Most Improved Golfer of the Year at the country club."

He and the girls on the show are all aware of astrology. "I'm a Cancer," says Erik. "Fran is a Virgo and Lynne is Leo. We know a lot about astrology, but we're not ruled by it."

And they're all bound by their love of traveling. "I'm returning to Hollywood this summer," says Erik. "That trip to St. Thomas and Puerto Rico last October was great. I had a great time!"

One byproduct of his traveling is that he picks up languages and accents almost instantly.

"And the best part of having a running role on a serial is that I can just take off and go! You can't do that in most conventional occupations."

And then he gets misty-eyed. "Next year," he sighs, "I'll go to Africa...or maybe Singapore." Sigh, sigh. "Or maybe New Zealand..."

From the September 27, 1994 Digest. K-III Magazine Co

Edited November 22, 201015 yr by CarlD2

From the July 1976 Soaps and Serials.

shining example of forthrightness would think of beginning an affair. And yet, all signs appeared to be pointing one way. What else can a woman believe when her husband comes home later and later and is so totally preoccupied with work? Even for Mike, such devotion seemed unusual. Leslie, finding herself with too much time on her hands, began to see possibilities presenting themselves.

The lady in question is Ann Jeffers, an attractive woman seeking help. She came to Mike in hopes he would be able to locate her son. Her finances being in shaky straits, she wondered how she would be able to pay Mike for his services. Mike's idea was to hire her as a part-time receptionist, thus enabling her to pay on an installment plan. Although nothing has been declared, the situation gets cosier and cosier. For Mike, the line between business and pleasure is indeed fine.

And so, for the first time in their seemingly perfect marriage, the firm relationship between Mike and Leslie Bauer might be in jeopardy. Leslie is beginning to doubt her husband, particularly since she walked in on Ann and Mike engrossed in conversation at the Metro Cafe. Pangs of jealousy flashed through her and she began to think twice about taking courses at the college, especially since Mike had expressed doubts about it.

Mike was greatly upset at Leslie's restlessness and he though perhaps what she needed was a child. When they discussed it, however, Leslie was less than enthusiastic. The next day, she saw things in a different light. Nothing like catching your husband fascinated by another woman to make you change your mind. Leslie is beginning to think that perhaps a young Bauer is just the thing to fill the empty spaces in her life as well as guarantee Mike's presence.

But Mike's purpose in being at the Metro with Ann were perfectly innocent. He had word that her son might be in Alaska and naturally he wished to discuss the possibility with his client who happened to work at the club. While there, Mike also managed to discuss college with his daughter Hope who had been working as a waitress. She did not want to go back to school because of an emotional entanglement with a married professor there. Mike just could not understand and he found, to his dismay, that a rift was steadily growing between him and his daughter.

Ann decided to talk to Hope about the situation and, because of the advice she gave her, Hope decided to return to college. Naturally, Mike felt grateful and it is just one more reason for him to feel close and appreciative of Ann.

After an up and down relationship, Peggy Fletcher and Roger finally married. Peggy thought she would never be able to forgive him when she found out that his stepsister Holly's baby is Roger's daughter. She was very angry that he had not told her sooner, before she became so involved with him. Roger decided to leave Springfield and, when he went to say goodbye to Peggy, she realized how much she loved him - enough to forgive him.

But Holly's husband Ed could not turn the other cheek the way Peggy did. When he discovered that Christina was not his daughter, he could not handle it. In a fury, he decided to leave Holly. Holly went to live with her mother Barbara Norris Thorpe. It was inevitable that Barbara would find out about her daughter's secret life, particularly after reading Valerie's Story, written by Holly's brother Andy. In reality, it tells the story of Holly's plight and it was only a matter of putting the pieces together to come up with what had taken place.

When Holly realized that her mother knew about her affair with Roger, she begged her not to say anything to Adam, Holly's stepfather. A growing stiffness between Barbara and Adam made Holly decide to leave Springfield with her young daughter.

Ed Bauer, Holly's estranged husband, isn't in the best of shape either. His hand is still paralyzed. The operation could not be done due to complications and so Ed is embittered at losing, not only his wife, but his source of comfort, his surgery practice. Ed is battling with the desire to go back to drinking but his mother Bert is helping him fight it. The news that Holly plans to leave and take Christina with her has sparked Ed's interest. It is beginning to sink in to him what leaving one's family is all about.

From the September 1977 Digest (SOD Publishing Inc), a profile on Roger Thorpe.

Roger Thorpe - What Kind of Man Is He?

The Development of a Character

by John Davenport Kropinski

Roger Thorpe, a leading character on Guiding Light, can no longer be easily classified in the black-and-white categories of villain or hero. Throughout the past few years, his character has fluctuated from one extreme to the other. Recently, however, he's developed into a most believable character, whose complex personality and strong combination of character traits have made him seem even more human.

To fully appreciate just how much Roger's character has developed over the years, one must go back and examine how he grew from a selfish young playboy into the responsible family man that he is today.

Roger Thorpe was once a young, carefree playboy who loved to entertain young beautiful ladies in his Springfield bachelor pad. Holly Norris, a rich (and beautiful) airline hostess was one of his favorite guests. For Roger it was only a brief and casual fling - but young and naive Holly mistook his intentions for those of true love. Holly fell head-over-heels in love with Roger, a feeling that, unfortunately, was not reciprocated.

Adding to Holly's unhappiness was the fact that Roger had his eye on another Springfield beauty...Janet Norris. Ignoring the fact that Janet was married - to Holly's brother - Roger stopped at nothing to win over the woman he wanted.

It was an emotionally crushing experience for Holly when she discovered that it was her own sister-in-law and best friend (Janet) whom her beloved Roger was interested in. In a dramatic confrontation, Holly went to see Janet and discovered that Roger had been there before. Feeling betrayed by both her boyfriend and her best friend, young Holly Norris aimlessly walked the streets in desperation. It was a dark, rainy night, and Holly let her mind wander. Suddenly, there was a scream. Brakes screeched. Holly was rushed to Cedars Hospital, struck by a car.

From that point on, Roger Thorpe was despised by the residents of Springfield. He had ruined two lives: Holly lay crippled physically and emotionally in the hospital, and Janet Norris' marriage had suffered a serious blow. When even Roger's own father, Adam, scorned his irresponsible son, to everyone's pleasure the "villain" left town.

Things did work out...later. Holly Norris married doctor Ed Bauer, whom she had met at the hospital. Janet Norris moved to California. roger went to Texas, where he got involved with a beautiful young woman named Rita Stapleton. He was working on the luxurious Granger estate where Rita worked as private nurse and companion to the wealthy lord of the manor, Cyrus Granger.

Time went by and the past was slowly forgotten. His father married Holly's mother, and Roger Thorpe sheepishly returned to Springfield for the wedding. Adam confessed that he was happy to see his son again, and Roger convinced everyone that he was repentant and eager to change his old ways. Springfield was ready to give Roger a second chance.

Roger decided to begin his own business. But things didn't work out and he soon found himself in serious financial trouble. Trying to save his business, Roger borrowed money from local loan sharks. Things only got worse. Finally, he was forced to declare bankruptcy.

To help pay off his large debts, Roger went to the one person in Springfield who he knew could help him financially: Holly. As benefactor of her late father's fortune, Holly Norris Bauer could afford to be generous if she wanted to. She did. She lent Roger the money he needed.

Earnestly trying to work off his debt to Holly, Roger took on two jobs at once. He worked round-the-clock as cab driver and waiter, until he practically dropped from exhaustion. Holly discovered that she still had strong feelings for Roger - in site of all that had happened before.

Roger became ill at a time when Ed Bauer was out of town. Holly took advantage of the situation. While her husband was gone, she nursed Roger back to health and helped him to decorate his apartment. One thing led to another, and Roger and Holly soon rekindled their earlier relationship. But nothing had changed. He realized, however, that it was wrong to lead her on again...especially now that she was married. Ed Bauer returned home and Holly and Roger agreed that their affair must end.

The end of Roger and Holly's affair signalled a turning point in Roger Thorpe's life. Shortly thereafter, he met and fell in love - for real - with nurse Peggy Fletcher. At first, Peggy was reluctant to get involved with him because of all she had heard about his scandalous past. But, after a while, she could no longer deny her true feelings. Peggy was in love with Roger Thorpe. Everyone in Springfield soon noticed the chance in Roger's personality. He had finally grown up.

Roger's big break came when he was offered the job of manager at a successful restaurant in town, The Metro. At home, he became a substitute father to Peggy's young son, Billy, from a previous marriage. Roger and Peggy's romance blossomed, and he slowly gained acceptance into Springfield society. Roger seemed ready and willing to accept the responsibilities of marriage and parenthood.

Just as his life seemed to be running smoothly, more problems arose. Holly confessed to Roger that the baby she was carrying was not Ed's...but his. And, the loan sharks whom Roger had dealt with before demanded to be paid. They terrorized Peggy and threatened her son. After some difficult times, Roger confided the truth about Holly's baby to Peggy, and was able to pay the loan sharks their money. Being an understanding young woman, Peggy accepted Roger's explanations and forgave him for his past mistakes.

The problems and long delays at last passed, and Roger and Peggy were able to marry. they looked forward to a good life together. Roger tried to be a good father to Billy and a doting husband to Peg. At long last, he had earned the respect of the good people of Springfield.

But Roger's past continued to haunt him. Nurse Rita Stapleton surfaced at Cedars Hospital.

Several days before his death, Cyrus Granger (who both Roger and Rita had worked for in Texas) had changed his will to include a substantial inheritance for Rita. Cyrus' son, Malcolm, abused Rita physically when she rejected his advances. Cyrus realized what had happened to Rita, and never forgave his son for mistreating her.

Rita moved to Springfield to start a new life. Malcolm Granger tracked her down and threatened to accuse her publicly of causing his father's death. But before he could carry out his threats, Malcolm suffered a stroke and died in the hospital. Rita was the last person to see him alive.

Though a medical board voted her innocent in Malcolm Granger's death, Malcolm's wife was determined to press the matter further. She hired Raymond Schaefer, an attorney, to investigate the circumstances surrounding her husband's death. Schaefer took his case to the district attorney. Rita was arrested and a long trial began. She deliberately lied about knowing Malcolm prior to his admittance to Cedars Hospital and her trial quickly turned against her.

Rita's movie for murdering Malcolm, alleged the DA, was to keep him from exposing her part in Cyrus' death. Her own alibi - that she was on an errand for the elderly Granger at the time of his death - was disproven in court, and the only key to her innocence lay with Roger Thorpe.

At the time of Cyrus Granger's death, Rita had been in a motel room with Roger. Rita had promised him, that under no circumstances, would she reveal her involvement with him, knowing that it would mean the probable end of Roger's happy marriage to Peggy. To complicated matters even further, Rita knew that Roger had fathered Christina Bauer while Holly was still married to Ed. Ed was now divorced from Holly and loved Rita. But, with all the hurt she had already caused him, Rita knew that the truth about her and Roger would be the last straw in their troubled relationship.

Roger Thorpe was tormented by the guilt his silence had caused for Rita. He knew that he did not deserve his wife's trust in his honesty and his father's pride in the "new man" he had become. Breaking under the pressure, Roger took the first step to help in Rita's acquittal: he went to his father and confessed that he was the man Rita was protecting. Roger cried that he was tired of destroying other people's lives...of hurting and being hurt in return. He realized that he had to tell Peggy the truth, knowing full well that she probably would be unable to accept yet more skeletons from his closet.

As the storyline progresses, we can't help but feel some empathy for Roger. The happy life that he has worked so long and so hard to establish is about to fall apart around him. His character again is coming to a crisis of change: Will he go full circle and come out the villain again?

Only time will tell what the future holds for Roger Thorpe, a man torn between a dark past and the prospect of a brighter tomorrow.

Reading that article, you get the sense that Holly's affections for Roger were never fully reciprocated. That isn't how Michael Zaslow and Maureen Garrett played their characters' relationship, though, especially in the years after Roger's resurrection and MZ's return to the show.

Also, say what you will about Roger, but in a way, he was right: Ed Bauer could do (and in some cases, did do) the same things he did, yet he (Roger) always came out more as the villain, while Ed was always forgiven.

Thanks for getting through all that.

I think the first time around they played it up more as obsession and anger than love, but you're right, it was not that way when MZ and MG returned. They never mentioned Peggy when Roger returned, did they?

I loved Maureen's work so much but I do wish we could see Lynn Deerfield. I know very little about her work on the show. My prevailing memory of her is Maureen saying that Lynn used to show up in the studio and watch her tape, which made her very nervous.

They never mentioned Peggy when Roger returned, did they?

As far as I can recall, they never did. Nor they did mention Rita very often, if at all. And though I think it's unfortunate they never brought either woman back (which they could have done through their kids, Billy and Rita's mystery child, respectively), OTOH, I can understand not referring to them often, since they would've complicated Roger's tangled backstory even more.

You're right - although I do think that bringing Peggy back when Roger and Holly finally got together again would have been more interesting than the Mr. Tashewa crapola.

There is so much of GL that I wish we could see...

I was going to ask if there are any articles or anything on any particular GL actors or characters you were interested in. If you want me to find anything and post it I'll try.

You're right - although I do think that bringing Peggy back when Roger and Holly finally got together again would have been more interesting than the Mr. Tashewa crapola.

Word. Of course, Fran Myers, who'd been an enormous fan fave as Peggy, had long since retired from acting to write full-time - but that didn't stop her husband, the late Roger Newman, from returning to GUIDING LIGHT for awhile as Ken Norris, now did it?

There is so much of GL that I wish we could see...

For me, the era I'd love to revisit most is 1975-85. Many wonderful writers, directors and actors passed through the show's doors during those ten years, and I think it'd be a real kick to see it all, or see it all again, depending on whether I was alive to see it the first time around.

I'm not making any demands on you, Carl. Whatever you've got to post, I'm more than happy to read, lol.

Of what is available I most want to see the Marland years, as those seem very special. And then after that I would love to see the early stuff with Alan/Elizabeth and Jackie and Diane.

I also wish we could see the early material for the Norrises, and since I was always so fond of Caroline McMorris on Benson and Soap, I'd like to see something of Janet.

For whatever reason, aside from the Bert/Bill marital tumults, most of what I've read of the show in the 50s and 60s doesn't jump out at me, although the clips posted of Gillian Spencer's Robin, I devoured.

I'd like to see the Norris stuff obviously. I'd like to see what it was about Stanley that was so awful and not just read about. Basically from modern era (when it went to 30 minutes through the 80s that I haven't seen)...

So would I. I know Stanley went nuts and didn't he secretly tape Janet and Ed or something?

I haven't seen a lot of your posts -- who were your GL favorites?