"Secret Storm" memories.

[danfling]

Also, my understanding is that The Widening Circle would have been a spin-off from The Secret Storm that would have featured the family of Judge Stevens.

I could imagine that Ken would have had a selfish, hateful sister.

[FrenchFan]

#3911 – Monday, February 10th 1969

At Nick’s, Nick was afraid Amy would feel lonely at her place after the divorce papers were signed. She assured him she couldn’t wait for the divorce to be signed. At Amy’s, Paul sent Mrs. Giddens over to stay with Lisa. He couldn’t cope with the fact that Amy was pregnant. Paul phoned Jill to learn if Amy was at her place but she said she wasn’t. After they hung up, Jill wondered why Paul was at Amy’s. When Sam appeared, Jill asked him if people could be happy forever as a married couple. She was clearly thinking about her and Ken. Sam answered he was but didn’t know if he would be again. Jill wondered if he was talking about Valerie. Sam smiled but didn’t answer.

Nick drove Amy back home and they were surprised to find Paul inside. Nick was curious Paul wanted to be alone with Amy but Nick left. Paul confronted Amy with what Mrs. Giddens said. Amy had to confess she was pregnant. Paul realized that’s the reason Amy had symptoms and consulted with Dr. Hadley. Amy admitted she didn’t want an husband who didn’t love her and was only staying with her because of the baby. Paul said he couldn’t divorce her. After Paul left, Amy cuddled Lisa. She knew Paul didn’t love her anymore and she said she had to keep him away from her.

#3912 – Tuesday, February 11th 1969

The following morning, Paul called Jill and asked her to cancel whatever appointments he had on the morning. After they hung up, Jill told Ken about how weird the situation seemed to be with the Brittons. Ken said he would work with Laurie on another song at Val’s. He wanted to ask Laurie to dinner in order for Jill and Laurie to meet.

Paul visited Belle. He told her the news : Amy was pregnant with his child. Belle was shocked and couldn’t understand why Amy would have kept the news from Paul. When Belle asked Paul what he would do, he said he could only go back to Amy. Belle suggested it could be a ruse but Paul dismissed her. Belle told Paul he should see Amy’s doctor to be sure.

Jill called Laurie and invited her to dinner with Valerie, Judge Stevens and Ken. Laurie agreed and told Nola that her father would not be as suspicious if Jill could become her friend too. Wilfred arrived and Laurie told him about the dinner invitation. Wilfred said he disapproved his old friend’s attitude. He couldn’t understand he allowed Sam to work as a bartender. Wilfred would never be at his daughter’s mercy like Sam was with Ken.

#3913 – Wednesday, February 12th 1969

Amy phoned Grace and told her Susan would bring her at Amy’s to have some news. Jill arrived and Amy told her Paul learned she was pregnant. Amy had invited her grandmother to tell her the truth. She had invited Valerie but Valerie was not in Woodbridge for the day. Jill was surprised as Ken and Laurie had planned to work at Valerie’s for the day. After Jill left, Susan entered with Grace. Grace found out quite quickly that Amy was pregnant. Amy admitted she knew before Paul left her. After Grace excused herself, Susan asked Amy how she flet. Amy assured she still didn’t want an husband who didn’t want her.

Val had left the key under the doormat for Ken and they could begin working on music. Laurie felt good enough with Ken to tell him about an incident in her past. She only had one friend in her life, Nancy, but Wilfred said she was a liar and he drove her away from Laurie.

Paul called Dr. Hadley and asked for an appointment. Dr. Hadley was surprised to realize Paul wanted to confirm Amy’s pregnancy. Paul explained the situation. Dr. Hadley didn’t know what ethics could say as he never faced this situation before but he confirmed that Amy was indeed expecting a child.

#3914 – Thursday, February 13th 1969

Sam was in an hurry to have dinner with Ken, Jill, Valerie and Laurie he would meet for the first time. When Eleanor learned Ken and Laurie worked at Val’s during the day and Val was absent, she wondered if Ken could be trusted with Laurie. Sam was offended and Eleanor left to go back home. Her new neighbour was supposed to move in today. Meanwhille, Joan entered her new flat, ready for her new life.

Jill, Val, Laurie and Ken were at the Stevens’. They had a nice talk and Laurie and Ken excused themselves to find a book in Sam’s study they could have the use to write lyrics. Valerie tried to ease Jill’s increasing jealousy.

Eleanor brought a cake to her new neighbour and was shocked to realize she was Mrs. Kane. Joan corrected her – she was Mrs. Borman. Joan didn’t recognize Eleanor who said she was Judge Stevens’ secretary. Joan realized Eleanor must know about the trial and every naughty lie she made about Valerie. Joan tried to say she was having a new life and Eleanor agreed to share cake with her.

Sam arrived and Laurie made a good impression on him. Val suggested that Sam try to have Laurie and Ken perform one night at the club. After Laurie and Valerie left and Sam retired, Ken asked Jill about her opinion on the evening. She probably had seen there was no reason for her to be jealous of Laurie. Jill said it was complicated to see someone share something so close with her husband while she didn’t.

#3915 – Friday, February 14th 1969

Amy visited Nick at the Hearld. He was curious to learn what happened with Paul. Amy said that since Paul assured he would come back to her as she was pregnant, she hadn’t heard from him. Maybe Belle made him change his mind. Nick asked Amy what she would do if Paul wanted to come back. She said that she might accept it to avoid scandal and for Lisa’s sake. She hoped that Nick would remain her friend no matter the outcome.

At Belle’s, Paul told Belle that she was wrong : the pregnancy was real. Belle made it clear that she would leave Woodbridge if Paul came back to Amy. Paul assured he only wanted Belle but his sense of duty pushed him to go back to Amy. Belle and Paul shared tearful goodbyes.

Dr. Spencer Hadley visited Amy. He said he was very uncomfortable when Paul came to his office to have Amy’s pregnancy confirmed. Amy was furious – Paul didn’t trust her. He thought she was trying to trap him with her pregnancy.  Paul arrived after Dr. Hadley left. He was ready to come back for Amy and her unborn baby. Amy lied to Paul : if she didn’t tell him she was pregnant it was because she was unsure he was the father !

#3916 – Monday, February 17th 1969

Paul couldn’t believe Amy’s revelation. He told her she should name the name who supposedly made her pregnant. Valerie called and Amy told her she couldn’t talk at the moment but Val noticed the great agitation Amy was in. Amy refused to name the man. Unlike Paul, she didn’t make her private life public. She added her lover’s kindness made her go through Paul and Belle’s affair. Paul skeptical but Amy threw him out and told him to sign the divorce papers.

Karen was surprised to find her sister Belle at her door. Belle told her that Paul had gone back to his wife. Even if Karen thought Paul did the right thing, she didn’t want to see her sister sad. Belle asked to remain for the night and Karen agreed. Meanwhile, Paul tried to reach Belle at her apartment but nobody answered.

Val arrived at Amy’s. She had learned from Dr. Hadley that Paul had the pregnancy confirmed. Val agreed that Paul shouldn’t have distrusted Amy but Amy shouldn’t overreact. Amy said it didn’t matter, she led Paul to believe he was not the father of her baby. Valerie was shocked but Amy admitted it was good riddance.

#3917 – Tuesday, February 18th 1969

On the morning, Jill told Ken that Amy was pregnant. She couldn’t tell him before as she was sworn to secrecy. Paul thought it was nice that Amy didn’t want to depend on Paul like too many women do, for instance Nola Hollister.

Laurie told Nola she told nearly everything about the « Incident » to Ken. She didn’t repeat the charge Nancy made about Wilfred but she would tell Ken about the outcome soon. He was a good friend to her. Ken arrived. He thought Wilfred should be told about Laurie and Ken’s plans to perform at the Country Club as Val suggested. Nola said Wilfred once had a heart attack and they should be careful.

In his office, Paul dialed Information and tried in vain to find Karen’s phone number. Jill arrived and told Paul she appreciated his decision to come back to Amy. Paul asked Jill if Amy told her everything : has Amy been unfaithful to him ? Jill was shocked but Paul said that Amy said it herself. Paul tried to reach Belle again. He admitted to Jill he was worried about her as he left her in a state of despair.

Wilfred appeared and Ken told him of the idea of a performance at the Club. Wilfred reacted coolly but he agreed not to oppose the idea. After Wilfried and Nola left, Laurie was impressed at Ken’s ease to handle her father. Laurie wished she was able to handle her father. She admitted that because of the Nancy Crawford incident, she tried to kill her father and was sent to a mental institution.

#3918 – Wednesday, February 19th 1969

Nick was in Tom Austin’s office and asked him if the divorce between Paul and Amy had been cancelled. Austin assured it was not and Paul had to sign some papers before Amy went to Mexico. Nick hoped the divorce could be as smooth as his with Joan. He knew she was back in Woodbridge. Tom Austin had realized the day Nick brought Amy in his office that his interest in Amy was not only friendly. Nick didn’t answer. Amy called and was glad when Austin told her the papers would be ready in a few days. He lent the phone to Nick who seemed happy to learn reconciliation was not on the way for the Brittons.

Eleanor brought Joan some bill that was in her mailbox by mistake. Joan needed to find a job and was interested in a job offer at the Country club as an accountant assistant. Eleanor told Joan that Valerie and Sam were often at the Country club and could block her. Eleanor mentioned Alex Lockwood, the handsome owner of the club and aroused Joan’s curiosity.

Jill stopped at Amy’s and asked her what was this unfaithfulness lie she made up. Amy said it was the only way to get rid of Paul who did not trust her. She was sure Belle would convince Paul this was not a lie.

After Eleanor left, Joan called the Country club and asked to call to Alex. He was cool at first because he told Joan that the ad in the Herald explained it all but after Joan talked about her recent Mexican divorce, Alex agreed to have an appointment with her.

#3919 – Thursday, February 20th 1969

Sam stopped by Val’s on the evening. She was very upset with Amy’s situation but didn’t want to talk about it. Sam then talked about Ken and Laurie’s plan and told Val that Ken convinced Wilfried Hollister not to oppose. Valerie finally told Sam about Amy’s situation – that Amy was pregnant with Paul’s and when Paul learned, he was ready to get rid of Belle but Amy lied he was not the father.

At the club, Ken and Wally waited for clients. Ken told Alex about his plan for him and Laurie to perform. Alex was not sure Wilfred Hollister and Sam Stevens would like that but once Ken assured they okayed the idea, Alex relented. Ken called Laurie to tell her the good news. Nola arrived at the bar. She told Ken she learned from Laurie she told him what happened three years before and she hoped she could trust Ken. Ken assured he would never do anything to hurt Laurie. After Nola left, Wally teased Ken about how close he was to the Hollister ladies. Did he know what Laurie was sent to a mental institution ? Did he have feelings for her ? Ken told Wally he shouldn’t start spreading false rumors like he did with Alex and Nola.

Nola had rushed to Alex’s cottage. She knew they had to be discreet but she missed him very much.

Sam was shocked that Amy would pretend the baby was not Paul’s. He told Val she had to convince Amy to tell the truth. Even if she wanted Paul out of her life, Amy had to be honest.

#3920 – Friday, February 21st 1969

Paul called Belle’s apartement but couldn’t reach her. Karen and Belle arrived at the apartment just after he hung up. Belle assured Karen she didn’t need to say with her. Belle was assured Paul would never be back and she could deal with it. Karen reluctantly left. Paul went to Belle’s building and tried to get information on Belle from the superintendent who only agreed to help Paul once he was given $10.

Nick arrived at Amy’s. He apologized for getting to her lawyer because he was worried about the situation. Amy explained she drove Paul away and was happy about it. She wanted to have her divorce as soon as possible.

The superintendent opened Belle’s door and Belle fell into Paul’s arms. Paul told her he was frantic because he couldn’t find her. He explained Amy gave him some news he couldn’t believe. After Paul told Belle that Amy pretended to have a lover, Belle was sure it could be true and she even suggested who the lover was : Nick Kane. 

#3921 – Monday, February 24th 1969

On the morning, Jill was uneasy with Amy’s lie. She told Ken she didn’t know how she could lie to Paul when he asked about Amy’s supposed affair. Ken assured Jill she needed to respect her friend’s choice and Jill agreed. Sam came down for breakfast and Ken told him how happy he was to perform with Laurie at the club. He was to meet her at Val’s.

Paul had spent the night at Belle’s. He still couldn’t accept the fact that Amy had a lover and even worse, Belle’s suggestion that Nick Kane was the man in Amy’s life. Belle reminded Paul of the time Amy recuperated in Nick’s motel room. She said Paul was too proud to accept his wife betrayed him. After Paul left, Karen came to check on her sister. She found an overjoyed Belle. Karen didn’t understand – what about Amy and Paul’s baby. Amy and Nick Kane’s baby, Belle answered. Karen couldn’t believe it. After Belle explained the situation to Karen, Karen pointed out that Belle didn’t believe Amy and Nick were lovers. Belle said it didn’t matter as long as Paul believed it.

In Paul’s office, Paul questioned Jill about Amy. Did Jill know if Amy really had a lover ? Jill said she couldn’t be caught in between her friend and her boss anymore and as Ken suggested, she said she would no longer talk about Amy’s private life.

#3922 – Tuesday, February 25th 1969

In the judge’s chamber, Valerie and Sam talked with Eleanor about her new neighbour. Eleanor said Mrs. Borman didn’t make her too bad an impression. She added that Joan was to apply for an accountant job at the Country club and Joan hoped neither Sam nor Valerie would try to oppose it.

Alex admitted Joan in his office. She succeeded in talking Alex into hiring her after she talked about her divorce and how difficult that was for her. Nola arrived in Alex’s office and was intrigued by Joan.

Ken and Laurie were working at Valerie’s. Ken questioned Laurie about the Nancy Crawford incident. Why didn’t Nola leave Wilfred when Nancy made accusations towards him ? Laurie assured her mother was soft-hearted. When Valerie came back at her place, she talked with Laurie who said Ken was absolutely charming with her. Valerie remembered some of Sam’s words and wondered if Sam’s doubts about Ken and Laurie’s relationship might be founded.

#3923 – Wednesday, February 26th 1969

At her apartment, Joan received a phone call from Paul. He found her phone number through her mother. He asked to meet her. She was surprised. Then, Eleanor arrived. Joan told her she got the job at the Country club. Joan hoped she could meet some eligible bachelors at the Country club. Eleanor admitted she hadn’t thought about marriage since forever.

Nick visited Amy. She hoped he didn’t come to lecture her as Val or Jill did before. He assured not. Jill arrived and met Nick for the first time. They all had a friendly chat but Jill realized the way Nick looked at Amy. Jill told Amy that thanks to Ken’s advice, she didn’t tell Paul she was lying about her affair. Amy thanked her. When she left, Jill was sure Nick was in love with Amy but Amy was unaware of it.

Paul arrived at Joan’s. He wanted to prove Belle’s theory and he asked her if Nick had an affair with Amy. Joan remembered she once called his motel room and it was clear a woman was there but that’s all she knew.

Back at the Stevens’, Jill discussed Amy’s situation with Sam. Sam was sure Amy’s attitude would be very destructive – her child would be illegitimate, she couldn’t find a man to remarry her… Jill disagreed on the last point : she was sure a man was interested in Amy despite the situation.

#3924 – Thursday, February 27th 1969

Sam visited Valerie and invited her to dinner. He told her of Jill’s theory that Nick Kane was in love with Amy and would be very willing to marry Amy if she and Paul divorced. Val admitted she thought of it too and she hoped it wasn’t true for Nick’s sake.

At the Country club, Joan introduced herself to Ken and Wally as a new employee. As she had finished her day, she asked for a drink but Alex approached and said it was inappropriate. He would offer Joan a drink in his office instead. Nola and Laurie arrived as Ken and Laurie were supposed to talk with Alex about how they would perform. Nola tried to hid her jealousy when Ken told her that Joan Borman was in Alex’s office. In Alex’s office, Alex offered Joan to go out one night he would have less work. She gladly agreed. He insisted they should keep it secret.

Sam and Val arrived at the Country club and talked with Nola while Ken and Laurie were summoned to Alex’s office. Val said that maybe even Wilfred would enjoy the performance of Ken and Laurie. Ken and Laurie came back from Alex’s office and confirmed the performance would take place. Laurie was frightened but excited. Nola went to see Alex and asked her if he tried to make her jealous with Joan.

Sam brought Val home. He asked her why she meant when she said she hoped for Nick’s sake that he was not in love with Amy. She said she was convinced Amy was still in love with Paul and it would break Nick’s heart.

#3925 – Friday, February 28th 1969

At Belle’s, Paul told her he had no reason to believe Amy’s lie – neither Joan Borman not Jill Stevens corroborated her supposed affair with Nick Kane. Paul told Belle that his application for research in Europe had been accepted. Belle was happy. If Paul divorced soon, they could leave for Europe. Paul wanted to find out the truth about Amy’s pregnancy first.

Amy went to Valerie to apologize as she was rude to her the last time they talked. Apologies were accepted. Nick arrived and was surprised to find Amy. Amy asked Nick to go dinner together and he thought it was a lovely idea. After Amy excused herself, Valerie dared asking Nick if he was in love with Amy. He admitted he was but didn’t want Amy to know. Valerie agreed she wouldn’t say anything.

When Val was alone, she received a phone call from Paul who tried to reach Amy. It was an emergency. Then, Val told him she had went to dinner with Nick Kane. Belle asked Paul when he would be back but Paul assured he had to see amy.

At the Cellar club, Amy told Nick that whatever Paul decided – he believed her or not – their marriage was over and she would have a divorce even if it could take time. Amy stopped talking when she noticed Paul entering the restaurant. Paul came to their table and adressed to Nick : was he the father of Amy’s unborn baby ? There was a long silence. Nick looked at Amy and finally told that he could be.

#3926 – Monday, March 3rd 1969

Sam arrived at Val. She told him she wondered if she did right when she told Paul where Amy was. Sam thought she did right – Paul was still Amy’s husband. As a confidence, Val told Sam that Nick admitted to her he had fallen in love with Nick. Sam and Val then talked Laurie and Ken. Val had finally understood why Sam was uneasy with Ken and Laurie’s association. Laurie totally hero-worshipped Ken.

After Paul left the Cellar club, a shocked Amy asked Nick why he lied to Paul this way. Nick thought that what Amy wanted : an easy way to convince Paul to get a divorce. Amy said Nick didn’t realize the troubles ahead for him for a child who was not his. Nick was sure Paul would only sign the divorce papers. Amy was worried about the consequence of the lie and she said she would need Val’s advice. Nick agreed.

Paul arrived back at Belle’s and told her Nick admitted he was the father of Amy’s child. Belle didn’t see what was so surprising. At least, nothing should stop the divorce then.

#3927 – Tuesday, March 4th 1969

Nola called Alex. She would be alone for the day and he said he would come to see her. Laurie arrived and said Nola she was impressed Wilfred didn’t do anything to stop her performing with Ken at the Country club. Wilfred arrived and said he felt dizzy, like when he had his heart attack so would stay at home.

Ken and Laurie visited Alex in his cottage. They wanted the key of the ballroom to practise. After they left, Joan stopped by. It was clear her business questions were only a pretext to her to see Alex’s cottage. He said he would love to have lunch with her but he had plans. Nola called and told Alex she had to cancel because Wilfred was not leaving after all. Then Alex offered Joan to join him for lunch.

At the Hollisters’, Wilfred poured himself a drink to relax. Nola said that if he hadn’t drunk so much, the incident with Nancy wouldn’t have occured. Wilfred asked Nola if she still believed he went to the girl’s room with questionable purpose. Nola dismissed the discussion.

After working at the Club, Laurie asked Ken if he noticed she didn’t stammer when Ken was there. Thanks to Ken, she was feeling safe, a thing she never did she would feel again once she had been committed. Ken went to the cottage to give the key back to Alex. He came upon Alex making a clear pass on Joan. Alex was upset but Joan was sure Ken wouldn’t say anything.

#3928 – Wednesday, March 5th 1969

From his office, Paul called Amy. He said that he asked his lawyer to meet hers and draw the papers. He added that he wouldn’t tell anybody – except Belle – about Nick’s revelation. Amy coolly thanked him. Jill only heard the end of the conversation. She was disappointed Paul was giving up on a pregnant woman and she quit her job.

Nick was with Tom Austin when his secretary told him Paul Britton didn’t contest the divorce. Tom told Nick that Amy could leave for Mexico in a few days to get her divorce. Tom told Nick he shouldn’t hide the fact he was happy.

Jill went to Amy’s and told her she had quit. She asked Amy what convinced Paul to finally agree to the divorce. Amy answered Paul was sure he was not the baby’s father but she didn’t give more details. Nick arrived after Jill had left. Amy told him that Paul promised secrecy so Amy should get her divorce and after that she would tell Paul the truth.

In Paul’s office, Paul was talking with his immediate superior, Dean Martin Conroy. Paul asked for a few days to go to Washington for his project. Dean Conroy agreed but was not happy when he realized that if Paul got the green light in his project, he would be gone for a year in Europe. Belle arrived in Paul’s office. She realized Paul was still shaken by the whole situation but she had promised him she wouldn’t tell anybody Nick was Amy’s child’s father. She kind of resented Paul’s concern for Amy and Lisa.

#3929 – Thursday, March 6th 1969

Val had invited Susan and Grace for dinner. She thought it would be great they all attended Ken and Laurie’s performance at the Country club. Amy phoned and asked to come to talk later. Val tried to elude Susan and Grace’s questions. After Grace went for a nap, Susan asked Val why Paul would divorce if he finally knew Amy was pregnant. Val admitted Paul didn’t think the baby was his.

Nola had brought Laurie at the Country club because Wilfred was drunk at home and Laurie was afraid of Wilfrend when he was drunk. Wally told Laurie that Ken had been summoned at Alex’s cottage. In the cottage, Alex asked Ken if he would not mention Joan’s presence in his cottage to anyone. It was an innoncent luncheon but Ken admitted he already told Laurie. When he came back to the Country club, Ken told Nola and Laurie what happened with Alex. He wanted him to keep mum that he saw Alex and Joan Borman, the new accountant having lunch at his cottage. Nola tried to conceal her anger.

Amy arrived at Val after her sister and grandmother left. She explained Val that Nick lied to Paul he was the father of her baby. Val tried to make Amy realize that Nick was in love with her but she couldn’t. Amy might have understood though.

Nola let herself in Alex’s cottage. She made it clear she wouldn’t compete with Joan Borman for his affection. She realized he was more interested in the Hollister money than in her so it was clear she didn’t want to see Joan around him.

#3930 – Friday, March 7th 1969

After dropping Amy at her obsterician’s, Valerie visited Nick’s new apartment. She liked how it was styled and Nick said it was all Amy’s. Val told Nick he had to admit to himself his feelings for Amy pushed her to lie to Paul he was the father of the baby. Nick asked Val if she told Amy. She said she didn’t but Amy must have understood somehow.

Amy told Dr. Jerome she felt kind of punk. She hoped he would tell her she was okay because she had to go to Mexico for a few days. After he checked her up, Dr. Jerome told her she needed rest, at least until the end of her 3rd month so her trip to Mexico had to be delayed for the moment at least.

Belle noticed Paul was still upset at the idea that Amy could have been unfaithful. It was absurd as he did the same but his pride was hurt. After lunch, Paul drove Belle back to her office. She was worried about his state of mind and she asked him if he only felt betrayal and not love anymore for Amy. Paul assured Belle he would never leave her.

Amy came to Nick’s after her appointment. She told him she had to delay her trip to Mexico. She said she had the impression at Valerie’s that she suggested Nick had feelings for her. Nick assured he would have lied to Paul no matter what but he was forced to admit he had fallen for her. Amy answered she liked Nick but she was not in love with her. They could keep on seeing each other only if he could accept that.

[skylark]

Does anyone have any info/clippings about the fan clubs that were active during the show's run? I'm super curious about them. Since I'm in a small group of david gale fans, I'd be especially interested to see if he had one mentioned in any magazines during the last few years of the secret storm.

[danfling]

Thrke only one that I remember is the Diana Millay Fan Club.  She played Kitty Styles #`1 on The Secret Storm and Laura on Dark Shadows.    I tried to join, and the president (who seem to be a juvenile) wrote back to me and told me that the club has disbanned.    Ms. Millay had plans to move with her son to Rome.    I don't know if she ever re-located, but she was later living in the United States.  

I do not know much about the fans of David Gale (Father Mark Redin).

[danfling]

Actor Peter White, who playe Jerry Ames on The Secret Storm, has passed away

 

Here is an obituary:

0

Peter White was an actor known for a longtime recurring role on “All My Children,” as well as for roles in such TV shows as “Sisters” and “Dallas.” 

• Died: November 1, 2023 (Who else died on November 1?) 
• Details of death: Died of melanoma at the age of 86. 
• We invite you to share condolences for Peter White in our Guest Book. 

 

Peter White’s legacy 

An early career success for White came in the late 1960s, when he starred Off-Broadway in “The Boys in the Band.” Playing Alan McCarthy, he received critical acclaim, and when the play was adapted into a 1970 movie, White returned to play Alan again. A few years later, White took on a TV role that he’d play sporadically for the next 30 years, joining the cast of “All My Children” as Lincoln “Linc” Tyler. His character was the son of matriarch Phoebe Tyler Wallingford, played by Ruth Warrick (1916–2005).  

Linc was one of several soap opera roles for White. He also had recurring roles on “Falcon Crest,” “Dynasty,” “Knots Landing,” “Dallas,” and “The Colbys.” In 1991, he joined the cast of “Sisters” in a prominent recurring role as Dr. Thomas Reed, the deceased husband of Bea, played by Elizabeth Hoffman (1926–2023). White’s many other TV appearances included “The Jeffersons,” “Matlock,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Mad About You,” “The West Wing,” and “NYPD Blue.” He also had roles in such movies as “Mr. Wrong,” “Armageddon,” and “Thirteen Days.” 

[danfling]

The noted actress Frances Sternhagen has died.   She played Jesse, the mother of Mark and Stace Reddin on The Secret Storm.  

Here is the obituary from The Secret Storm:

Frances Sternhagen, Tony Award-winning actor who was familiar maternal face on TV, dies at 93

 

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FILE - Actress Frances Sternhagen holds her award for best featured actress in a play for her performance in “The Heiress” during the Tony Awards in New York on June 4, 1995. Sternhagen, the veteran character actor who won two Tony Awards and became a familiar maternal face to TV viewers later in life in such shows as “Cheers,” “ER,” “Sex and the City” and “The Closer,” has died. She was 93. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

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FILE - Actress Frances Sternhagen attends the premiere of “Julie & Julia” in New York, on July 30, 2009. Sternhagen, the veteran character actor who won two Tony Awards and became a familiar maternal face to TV viewers later in life in such shows as “Cheers,” “ER,” “Sex and the City” and “The Closer,” has died. She was 93. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, File)

 

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FILE - Actors Tom Aldredge, left, and Frances Sternhagen celebrate the opening of their play “On Golden Pond” in New York on Feb. 28, 1979. Sternhagen, the veteran character actor who won two Tony Awards and became a familiar maternal face to TV viewers later in life in such shows as “Cheers,” “ER,” “Sex and the City” and “The Closer,” has died. She was 93. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett, File)

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BY MARK KENNEDY

Updated 4:29 PM CST, November 29, 2023

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NEW YORK (AP) — Frances Sternhagen, the veteran character actor who won two Tony Awards and became a familiar maternal face to TV viewers later in life in such shows as “Cheers,” “ER,” “Sex and the City” and “The Closer,” has died. She was 93.

Sternhagen died peacefully of natural causes Monday her son, John Carlin, said in a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday. “Fly on, Frannie,” he wrote. “The curtain goes down on a life so richly, passionately, humbly and generously lived.” Sternhagen’s publicist confirmed the death and said it occurred in New Rochelle, New York.

Sternhagen won a Tony for best featured actress in a play in 1974 for her role in Neil Simon’s “The Good Doctor” and a second one in 1995 for a revival of “The Heiress.” Her last turn on Broadway was in “Seascape” in 2005.

 

 

FILE - Actress Frances Sternhagen attends the premiere of “Julie & Julia” in New York, on July 30, 2009. Sternhagen, the veteran character actor who won two Tony Awards and became a familiar maternal face to TV viewers later in life in such shows as “Cheers,” “ER,” “Sex and the City” and “The Closer,” has died. She was 93. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, File)

She was nominated for Tonys four other times, for starring or featured roles in “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window,” “Equus,” “Angel” and “Morning’s at Seven.” In 2013, she played Edie Falco’s mother in the off-Broadway play “The Madrid.”

“I have been very fortunate,” Sternhagen told the Daily Breeze of Torrance, California, in 2002. “And I think a lot of that is because I’m considered a character actor — which really means you can do a variety of things. It doesn’t mean that you can’t do leading parts, because I have. But you’re not limited to playing yourself.”

 

 

In a 2005 review of “Steel Magnolias,” then-Associated Press drama critic Michael Kuchwara called Sternhagen “one of the treasures of New York theater, able to invest any role she plays with considerable sympathy. Here, she turns what could be a throwaway part into one that provides much laughter — and applause.”

 

FILE - Actors Tom Aldredge, left, and Frances Sternhagen celebrate the opening of their play “On Golden Pond” in New York on Feb. 28, 1979. Sternhagen, the veteran character actor who won two Tony Awards and became a familiar maternal face to TV viewers later in life in such shows as “Cheers,” “ER,” “Sex and the City” and “The Closer,” has died. She was 93. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett, File)

 

 

She kept up a flourishing career while at the same time raising six children. She always said her family came first — commuting from her suburban home in New Rochelle while acting on Broadway — but admitted that touring and movie and TV work sometimes took her away from home.

“I remember telling my older daughter when she was about 13 that sometimes I felt terribly guilty that I wasn’t home all the time,” she told a Gale Group reporter. “And my daughter said, `Oh, Mom, you would have been impossible if you were home all the time.′ I’m sure she was right.”

TV viewers knew her as played the rich grandmother of Dr. John Carter (Noah Wyle) in the long-running “ER.” On “Cheers” she was the know-it-all mother of postman Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger). “She was just impossible and great fun to play,” she told The New York Times. The role brought her two Emmy nominations.

More recently, she had a recurring role in “Sex and the City” as Bunny MacDougal, the strong-minded mother-in-law of Charlotte (Kristin Davis), which brought her her third Emmy nomination, and played Kyra Sedgwick’s mother in “The Closer.” Soap opera fans in the 1960s knew her in “Love of Life” as Toni Prentiss Davis, who carried a gun and went mad.

“I must say it’s fun to play these snobby older ladies. It’s always more fun to be obnoxious. I have known women like that, and I can imitate them, I guess,” she told the Los Angeles Times in 2002.

 

Playwright Paul Rudnick on Wednesday called her “a wonderful actress, capable of the highest comedy and deeply moving drama.” She was, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “an indelible presence.”

In “Equus,” opposite Anthony Hopkins and Peter Firth on Broadway in 1974, she originated the role of the mother of the troubled youth whose shocking act of violence against horses sets the drama in motion, earning her a Tony nod.

In 1979, she appeared in the original Broadway production of “On Golden Pond” in the role of Ethel Thayer that Katharine Hepburn won an Oscar for in the film version. “I feel very close to Ethel,” Sternhagen told the Times. “She reminds me of my mother and I took to her immediately.”

Sternhagen was one of three actors to handle the title role over the long off-Broadway run of “Driving Miss Daisy,” another stage role that became an Oscar-winner on screen, this time for Jessica Tandy.

She made her film debut in “Up the Down Staircase” in 1967. Among her other movies: “Hospital,” “Two People,” “Fedora,” “Bright Lights Big City,” “Misery,” “Doc Hollywood,” “Raising Cain” and “Curtain Call.”

 

Sternhagen was born in 1930, in Washington, D.C., where her father was a tax court judge. As a child she loved to perform — she recalled herself as “a shameful show-off” — but she never considered an acting career. She entered Vassar as a history major, but a friendly teacher suggested another direction: acting.

“Even though I was acting in college,” she told the New York Daily News, “it hadn’t occurred to me to major in drama.” But when it was noted that she was doing “C” work in history, Sternhagen switched to drama.

After graduation she taught drama, modern dance and singing outside Boston, earning $2,000 for the year before deciding to pursue work in the theater.

“I thought I would try it, see if I liked it, and then get out,” she told the Times in 1981. “But you never get out. It’s an addiction, because it touches your emotions, because it’s where you want to live. ... I think those of us who can stay in it are just plain lucky.”

She met her husband, actor Thomas A. Carlin, while appearing in a production in Maryland. He died of heart failure in 1991.

 

She didn’t let her pregnancies interfere much with her work schedule, explaining that as an only child, “I always longed for a big family.’

“I was lucky,” she told the Times. “I usually didn’t show a pregnancy until the sixth or seventh month. I was afraid to stop acting, because if I stopped I would never start again.”

“I can’t say it’s been easy. There have been quite a number of things I haven’t done. You make choices and have to stick with them.”

She and Carlin had four sons, Paul, Tony, Peter and John, and two daughters, Amanda and Sarah. She also is survived by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“A celebration of her remarkable career and life is planned for mid January, near her 94th birthday,” said a statement from her family. “We continue to be inspired by her love and life.”

[te.]

Episode from 1957 has popped up, not sure if it's been available before:

 

 

[DRW50]

Thanks! I don't remember it, but others might. I'm always so surprised when anything new to me pops up.

@vetsoapfan @FrenchFan @Paul Raven @soapfan770 @Vee @Soapsuds @danfling @slick jones@dc11786 @soapfave06 @Matt @will81

Edited January 27 by DRW50

[Paul Raven]

@te. @DRW50

Thanks for this. I have never seen it online before. Let's hope 2024 uncovers more treasures.

First I've seen of Jada as Amy that young. Poor Mr Jiminez didn't get a credit. Maybe someone will recognize the actor. 

How many calendar bracelets were purchased from that promo? I wonder if this sort of promo was used often?

Edited January 27 by Paul Raven

[DRW50]

That was fascinating to me. I associate this type of shilling more with radio soaps. The only other one I remember is I think a Search episode ended with a mention of Mary Stuart's album but that's not quite the same.

[vetsoapfan]

Thank you, @te. and @DRW50. This episode is new to me on youtube. 

I just watched it and enjoyed it thoroughly!

[robbwolff]

Thanks for sharing this! What a treat to watch this and to see Jada as a child. What really struck me was the announcer inviting the audience to listen to The Secret Storm during the closing credit as opposed to watch it.

[DRW50]

That's a good catch. I didn't even notice. And I don't think Secret Storm ever even aired on radio. Those little moments are what make finding episodes instead of just reading about them all the better.

[All My Shadows]

That was a nice, quick episode, and it really shows the strength of the 15-minute format. When those soaps were good, they had to be so easy to watch on a daily basis. Even working people could schedule a coffee break around one preferred show and never miss anything.

Remind me - why is Pauline's last name Harris and not Tyrell? Was she Grace's daughter from a previous marriage? I've always seen Grace listed online as "Grace Harris Tyrell," so I assumed that was her maiden name.

[dc11786]

Pauline was married and divorced prior to the premier of the series. Her first husband was John Harris. Pauline and Ellen were sisters. As you probably know, Pauline was engaged to Peter before he broke it off and married her sister. My guess is there was some consideration of introducing John Harris down the line in the 1950s as an antagonist in Pauline's manipulation or maybe Pauline divorced John after Ellen died as so little of that first year seems documented. 

Watching this episode, it makes me wish that Pauline had been retained as a character even after Hailia Stoddard decided to focus on producing/directing. If she was still acting, Barbara Becker (who played a similar role on "Road of Life" might have been a good choice.)

The business intrigue seems like it would have played out well in the "Dynasty"/"Dallas" era. I believe NBC bought rights to "Love of Life" and "Secret Storm" in the early 1980s and I have always pondered what a "Secret Storm" airing on NBC in January, 1983, after the cancellation of "Texas"/"The Doctors" might have looked like.