We're celebrating the first half of our soap veterans who got their start in the 1980s! Check it out here ---->>>
Photos: CBS, NBC, ABC
We are continuing to celebrate our currently on-screen soap veterans who have 25 years or more in daytime! Last week we started with the nineties and now we’re getting into the soap heyday of the eighties!
So many of our vets got their start in this decade that we had to divide them up into two parts. So, if you don’t see an actor or actress on this list they will be on the next! And we are only human! If we forget someone who should be on the list just let us know and we will add them in! Let’s get started and showcase our eighties favorites!
Sharon Case - 1989
While fans may know Sharon for her beloved role as Sharon Newman on The Young and the Restless. You may not know that she actually got her start as Dawn Winthrop on General Hospital in 1989. She then had a short stint on As the World Turns as Debbie Simon before stepping into Genoa City in 1994. Sharon’s performance on the CBS soap has often gained critical praise including a Daytime Emmy in 1999 for Outstanding Supporting Actress.
James Patrick Stuart - 1989
James has an incredible career which includes television and film roles. Nowadays, he is known for his role as Valentin Cassadine on ABC’s General Hospital. However, JPS got his daytime start all the way back in 1989 when he took over the role of Will Cortlandt until 1992.
Steve Burton - 1988
Back in 1988, Steve Burton made his daytime debut on Days of Our Lives as teenager Harris Michaels. Just a few years later, in 1991, he would land his most recognizable role of Jason Morgan on General Hospital. This two-time Daytime Emmy winner also had a stint on the CBS soap The Young and the Restless from 2013 to 2017.
Maurice Benard - 1987
Before stepping into the iconic role of Sonny Corinthos in 1993, Maurice Benard’s first soap opera role came as Nico Kelly on All My Children. Since his debut, Benard has won two Daytime Emmys and three Soap Opera Digest Awards for Lead Actor.
Wally Kurth - 1987
Since 1987, we have had the pleasure of having Wally Kurth in our Daytime family! He debuted as Justin Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives and in 1991 made the move to ABC’s General Hospital as Ned Ashton. He would go on to play both roles simultaneously, which makes me very happy. Kurth also had a short stint as Sam Hutchins on As the World Turns. He received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2018 for Supporting Actor and won for Best Original Song in 2002.
Lynn Herring - 1986
Lynn Herring got her start as the lovable Lucy Coe back in 1986. She would play the role on and off over the years and even took Lucy to the General Hospital spin-off Port Charles for several years. In 1992, she starred alongside her husband, Wayne Northrop, on Days of Our Lives. And in 2009, she had a short stint as Audrey Coleman on As the World Turns before returning to General Hospital in 2012. Her work garnered five Soap Opera Digest Awards and two Daytime Emmy nominations.
George DelHoyo - 1986
In 1986, George DelHoyo gave daytime one of its greatest villains with the arrival of Orpheus on Days of Our Lives. Over the years, fans have been treated to several appearances from the actor including his current storyline.
Drake Hogestyn - 1985
Drake Hogestyn has been through quite the transformation of characters on Days of Our Lives since his debut. First known as The Pawn then he spent several years as the back from the dead, Roman Brady. In the 90s, they changed his character one last time to the beloved John Black. He has won three Soap Opera Digest Awards for Hottest Male Star and Favorite Couple along with co-star Deidre Hall.
Stephen Nichols - 1985
Stephen made his daytime debut as the iconic Steve “Patch” Johnson in 1985 on Days of Our Lives. After leaving Days, he would have a stint on Santa Barbara before settling into the role of Stefan Cassadine on General Hospital in 1997. From 2010 to 2013, he starred on the CBS soap The Young and the Restless as Tucker McCall before returning to Days of Our Lives. The fan-favorite actor has won four Soap Opera Digest Awards for his work.
Finola Hughes - 1985
The wonderful Finola Hughes took her talents to daytime in 1985 when she debuted as Anna Devane on General Hospital, a role that she continues to shine in today. She acted in a few episodes of Sunset Beach before taking on the dual roles of Alex and Anna on All My Children in 1999. Her work has earned her a Daytime Emmy in 1991 and six more nominations over the years.
Be sure to check in next week for the rest of the 80s!
Be sure to check in next week for the rest of the 80s!
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