Guiding Light Discussion Thread

[SoapDope]

That's the truth. In the 80's most of the soaps swept any prior history under the rug when it no longer fit the current storylines. Bill Bell got rid of the Brooks & Fosters on Y&R and rebooted the show as if the first decade never happened.  

AW wiped out most of the Matthews family. 

ATWT the Stewarts were sidelined except for Emily & Betsy. Susan was brought back, but her storylines really got going again around 1990 with her affair with Bob. 

Even night time soaps did that. Look at how much story and characters Dallas, Knots, Dynasty etc... burned through in those early years never to be referenced to again. 

 

 

 

[vetsoapfan]

Long gone are the days when soap producers held true to certain moral principles and had a sense of social responsibility. Now they will do, say, or portray anything on-screen, no matter how depraved.

[dc11786]

Reverend Rutledge of the 2000s was introduced earlier. I believe Millee Taggart had Rutledge first appear as the officiant at Rick and Mel's wedding. He was at somone's wedding. I thought it was established than that the character was supposed to be the grandson of the original, which as stated was a stretch. Dependening on when that Meta speech was (I cannot remember if it was under Labine or under Gold/Dunn/Taggart), there may have been a connection

[vetsoapfan]

It must have been under Labine, because May Merisi (or whatever her name was) could be seen among the group listening to Meta's toast.

Meta specifically referred to Reverend Ruthledge of Five Points, whom she listened to when she was a girl. There was no mention of nor reference to the newer, alleged grandson. I doubt there was supposed to be a connection.

Edited August 9, 2024 by vetsoapfan

[dc11786]

May Merisi, everyone's favorite cigarette girl. Yeah, it must have been Labine. 

I wasn't sure so thanks for clarifying. 

[Contessa Donatella]

I am so impressed that you two recall Mae's last name!

[dc11786]

Reverend Ruthledge delivered the sermon at Ross Marler's funeral: 

I would say that it is Ray Virta.

Here is an episode from May 17, 2007. Reverend Ruthledge appeared with Josh and Reva.

 

I'd say that was Ray Virta. I think Armand Schultz was the original actor earlier in the decade, but I could be wrong. 

Edited August 9, 2024 by dc11786

[dc11786]

Armand Schultz played the role on July 25, 2002, at Richard Winslow's funeral, not Rick and Mel's wedding. I probably thought it was a wedding because of the joy I felt over Richard's death. 

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[slick jones]

 

Thank you @dc11786 !  I'll adjust my info.

[slick jones]

@dc11786

Someone in casting at GL really liked Armand Schultz

Armand Schultz

GUIDING LIGHT       Orson      1990   

                Dr. Jack Sloan    Unknown Year 

             Reverend Ruthledge  7/25/2002

                   Captain Finney     2009

 

 

Still chuckling about that Richard Winslow comment.

 

[vetsoapfan]

I cackled with glee when TGL finally killed off that smarmy Richard. Then I cringed in horror when they brought him back.

Thank you, @dc11786 for all the work you're doing in tracking down these clips.

[dc11786]

It might have been one of Reva's finest moments.

I think Ray Virta appeared more during the Joshua is a minister story, but I could be wrong. I don't recall Schultz being used again as the minister. 

[Contessa Donatella]

My favorite thing about Richard's death is that Cassie read the poem "Wild Geese" by Mary Oliver at his funeral. Favorite poem by favorite poet. 

You do not have to walk on your knees across the sand ... 

[P.J.]

I'm startled every time I catch a bit player in multiple roles across the years. LOL. Eleni's grandma looks exactly the same a decade later on ATWT.

I'm not sorry---Ross deserved better than some dayplayer giving his eulogy. Then again, he deserved better than that death, period. 

*rubs hands together* YAY!

Edited August 10, 2024 by P.J.

[P.J.]

I had completely forgotten that cluster---where Jackie and Justin had each married Alan and Elizabeth ! I get Jackie's motivation, but Justin seems like to much of a red-blooded guy to be interested in the frigid Elizabeth. 

And I agree--former stepsiblings from a marriage from 20 yrs prior, having at it didn't bother me. And I don't ever recall adult Rick and Blake even acting like friends.