Back in Time Today
Remember those dramatic scenes and unforgettable characters from 1980s soap operas? Many of the actors who brought those roles to life are still captivating audiences today. These talented performers have weathered decades of industry changes, survived character deaths and resurrections, and maintained careers spanning 40+ years. Their staying power proves that true star quality never fades.
1. Susan Lucci: Erica Kane’s Eternal Elegance
The queen of daytime drama redefined what it means to be a soap diva. After 41 years as the unstoppable Erica Kane on “All My Children,” Lucci has gracefully transitioned to primetime roles in “Devious Maids” and “Hot in Cleveland.”
At 77, she still radiates the glamour that made her famous, recently walking the runway at New York Fashion Week. Her 19 Emmy nominations before finally winning became legendary in the industry.
2. Eric Braeden: The Mustache That Never Quits
Known for his commanding presence as Victor Newman on “The Young and the Restless” since 1980, Braeden continues to dominate storylines with his intimidating charisma. His character’s ruthless business tactics and complicated love life have kept viewers hooked for over four decades.
Born in Germany, Braeden brought gravitas to what was initially planned as a three-month role. Now 83, he recently released his memoir “I’ll Be Damned,” chronicling his remarkable journey.
3. Deidre Hall: Marlena’s Supernatural Staying Power
Hall’s portrayal of Dr. Marlena Evans on “Days of Our Lives” has survived demonic possession, presumed deaths, and even alien abduction since 1976. Her character’s epic romance with John Black created one of daytime’s most beloved supercouples.
Beyond acting, Hall has authored cookbooks and children’s books. Her twin sister Andrea occasionally appeared on the show as Marlena’s look-alike, creating some of the soap’s most memorable storylines.
4. Anthony Geary: Luke’s Legendary Legacy
Half of soap’s most iconic couple—Luke and Laura—Geary accumulated a record-breaking eight Daytime Emmy Awards during his tenure on “General Hospital.” Though officially retired from the show in 2015, he occasionally returns for special appearances.
Now living in Amsterdam, Geary made soap history with the 1981 Luke and Laura wedding that attracted 30 million viewers. His complex portrayal transformed Luke from villain to beloved hero, revolutionizing male soap characters forever.
5. Melody Thomas Scott: Nikki’s Enduring Glamour
From stripper to socialite, Scott’s portrayal of Nikki Newman on “The Young and the Restless” since 1979 epitomizes soap opera transformation. Her tumultuous relationship with Victor Newman has anchored the show for decades, creating storylines that span generations.
A former child actress who appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Marnie,” Scott has grown up before viewers’ eyes. Her character’s battles with alcoholism and multiple sclerosis have been praised for their sensitive portrayal of real-world issues.
6. John McCook: Forrester Fashion’s Patriarch
As the original Forrester patriarch on “The Bold and the Beautiful” since its 1987 debut, McCook brings old-Hollywood charm to modern soap operas. Recently winning his first Daytime Emmy in 2022 after four previous nominations proves his performances continue to impress.
Before B&B, McCook played Lance Prentiss on “The Young and the Restless.” His character’s numerous marriages and fashion empire rivalries have provided consistent drama, while his real-life singing talents occasionally feature in special episodes.
7. Katherine Kelly Lang: Brooke’s Beautiful Resilience
Original cast member of “The Bold and the Beautiful” since 1987, Lang’s portrayal of Brooke Logan has survived countless scandals, marriages, and fashion industry power struggles. Her character’s complicated history with the Forrester men—particularly Ridge—remains central to the show’s ongoing storylines.
An accomplished equestrian and triathlete off-screen, Lang brings that same energy to her performances. She’s balanced her soap career with entrepreneurial ventures including a caftan fashion line and Italian bed & breakfast.
8. Maurice Benard: Sonny’s Mobster Magnetism
Since 1993, Benard has made mob boss Sonny Corinthos the centerpiece of “General Hospital” storylines, though his soap career began in the ’80s on “All My Children.” His portrayal of a charismatic criminal with bipolar disorder has earned him multiple Emmy Awards.
Off-screen, Benard openly discusses his own bipolar diagnosis, becoming a mental health advocate. His YouTube series “State of Mind” features candid conversations with fellow actors about mental health, adding depth to his legacy beyond soap stardom.
9. Finola Hughes: Anna’s Action-Packed Adventures
British-born Hughes danced into soap history as ex-spy Anna Devane on “General Hospital” in 1985, winning an Emmy her first year. After decades of international espionage storylines across multiple soaps, she continues captivating audiences with her sophisticated performance style.
A former ballet dancer who starred in “Staying Alive” with John Travolta, Hughes brings unique physicality to her action scenes. She’s expanded into directing episodes while maintaining her on-screen presence in Port Charles.
10. Peter Bergman: Jack Abbott’s Business Brilliance
After gaining fame as Dr. Cliff Warner on “All My Children,” Bergman reinvented himself as cosmetics mogul Jack Abbott on “The Young and the Restless” in 1989. His nuanced portrayal of the ambitious businessman has earned him multiple Emmy Awards.
The character’s rivalry with Victor Newman provides the show’s backbone. Bergman’s theatrical training shines through in emotional scenes, particularly in Jack’s complicated family relationships and business battles.
11. Tracey E. Bregman: Lauren’s Fashionable Fortitude
Debuting as fashion boutique owner Lauren Fenmore on “The Young and the Restless” in 1983, Bregman created a character who evolved from mean girl to respected businesswoman. Her character’s stalker storylines in the ’80s rank among soap’s most terrifying plots.
Bregman’s portrayal earned her a Daytime Emmy at just 19 years old. Her character has appeared on both Y&R and sister soap “The Bold and the Beautiful,” connecting the shows’ universes through her boutique business.
12. Doug Davidson: Paul Williams’ Detective Dedication
Starting as a bad boy on “The Young and the Restless” in 1978, Davidson transformed Paul Williams into Genoa City’s most trusted private investigator and later police chief. Though recently appearing less frequently, his 42-year run makes him the show’s longest-serving cast member.
Behind the scenes, Davidson hosted the game show “The New Price is Right” in the ’90s. His character’s evolution from troublemaker to law enforcer parallels the show’s multi-generational storytelling approach.
13. Kristian Alfonso: Hope’s Heartfelt Homecoming
Former figure skater and model Alfonso brought strength and vulnerability to Hope Williams Brady on “Days of Our Lives” from 1983 until 2020, recently returning for the Peacock spinoff “Beyond Salem.” Her character’s romance with Bo Brady created one of daytime’s most beloved couples.
Alfonso’s signature feathered hairstyle became so popular that salons received requests for “the Hope cut.” After initially leaving the show, fans celebrated her unexpected return to the role that made her famous.
14. Stephen Nichols: Patch’s Pirate Persistence
With his iconic eye patch and bad-boy-gone-good persona, Nichols created an unforgettable character in Steve “Patch” Johnson on “Days of Our Lives” beginning in 1985. After several departures and returns, he continues to appear on the show, maintaining his character’s rebellious edge.
His pairing with Mary Beth Evans as “Patch and Kayla” created enduring fan favorites. Between soap stints, Nichols appeared on “General Hospital” and “The Young and the Restless,” bringing his intense acting style to multiple daytime dramas.
15. Jacklyn Zeman: Bobbie Spencer’s Nursing Know-How
From her 1977 debut until her passing in 2023, Zeman portrayed nurse Bobbie Spencer on “General Hospital,” transforming from troubled former prostitute to respected medical professional. Her character’s journey from Port Charles’ wrong side of tracks to hospital cornerstone mirrored soap’s evolutionary storytelling.
Before GH, Zeman appeared on “One Life to Live.” Her character’s adoptive daughter storyline with Laura Wright’s Carly created one of soap’s most complex mother-daughter relationships, spanning decades of dramatic confrontations and tender reconciliations.
16. Drake Hogestyn: John Black’s Mysterious Magnetism
Initially introduced as Roman Brady on “Days of Our Lives” in 1986, Hogestyn’s character later evolved into the enigmatic John Black when the original Roman returned. His character’s constantly evolving backstory—from mercenary to priest to spy—kept viewers guessing for decades.
His pairing with Deidre Hall created the supercouple “John and Marlena.” Despite suffering a serious on-set injury in 2016, Hogestyn returned to the role, demonstrating the same resilience as his character who has survived numerous presumed deaths.
17. Eileen Davidson: Ashley Abbott’s Cosmetics Kingdom
Emmy-winner Davidson brought chemist Ashley Abbott to life on “The Young and the Restless” beginning in 1982, creating a character whose scientific brilliance matched her family loyalty. Between Y&R appearances, she portrayed five different characters on “Days of Our Lives,” showcasing remarkable versatility.
Reality TV fans recognize her from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Her character’s paternity revelation—learning Victor Abbott wasn’t her biological father—created one of soap’s most memorable storylines, influencing her character’s development for decades.