Once adored by millions of TV viewers around the world, their on–screen destinies were discussed as passionately as real news. Years after the release of these cult soap operas, these actors still find ways to stay in the spotlight and surprise us. Let's take a look at how their lives have unfolded since the roles that made them famous worldwide!

Susan Lucci – Then

When Susan Lucci first appeared as Erica Kane in All My Children, she was just 24 years old. Her character became an iconic figure, with TV Guide calling her "the most famous character in the history of daytime television." For 41 years, Lucci remained the leading star of the show, with her character going through countless romances, marriages, divorces, and scandals. 

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Despite being nominated 19 times for an Emmy, the actress only won the coveted award in 1999, which became one of the most talked –about moments in soap opera history!

Susan Lucci – Now

After All My Children ended in 2011, Lucci continued her career, appearing in shows such as Hot in Cleveland, Deadly Affairs, and Devious Maids. She also tried her hand at reality TV, participating in Dancing with the Stars. 

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In 2018, the actress faced serious health issues—she underwent urgent heart surgery due to blocked arteries. Now, at 78 years old, the star maintains an active lifestyle, sharing her secrets to staying youthful and continues to inspire her fans.

Catherine Lee Scott – Then

Catherine Lee Scott became famous for her role in the cult gothic soap opera Dark Shadows. In the show, she portrayed several characters, including Maggie Evans, Josette du Pres, and Kitty Soames. Fans adored her, and the series became a true sensation, setting the trend for supernatural stories long before Twilight. 

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Despite her active career, the actress also managed to build a personal life, though it ended in tragedy—her second husband, Jeff Miller, the founder of Los Angeles Magazine, passed away from progressive supranuclear palsy in 2011. Catherine never remarried after that.

Catherine Lee Scott – Now

After leaving Dark Shadows, Catherine appeared in Hawaii 5 –0, Magnum, P.I., and other projects. In 2013, she reunited with her former colleagues for the filming of the Dark Shadows movie starring Johnny Depp. Besides her acting career, she actively writes books and runs her own publishing company, Pomegranate Press. 

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In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, she revealed that she had faced stalking from obsessive fans who even attempted to break into her home. Now, at 82, Catherine still gets recognized by fans who ask for her autograph on old magazines featuring her image.

Rick Springfield – Then

Australian actor and musician Rick Springfield won the hearts of viewers when he played Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital in 1981. Around the same time, his album Working Class Dog, featuring the hit Jessie’s Girl, became a sensation. 

@rickspringfield/Instagram.com

As Rolling Stone wrote, the actor juggled acting with his music career but the intense schedule led him to a nervous breakdown, causing him to leave the show in 1983. His youth was also marred by a battle with drug addiction, which he candidly discussed in his autobiography.

Rick Springfield – Now

In 2013, Rick returned to General Hospital in his role. He also continues to release music and appears in shows like Supernatural and American Horror Story. In 2018, Rick confessed to Billboard that he had struggled with depression for many years and even considered suicide but his creative work helped him overcome these challenges. 

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According to Billboard, in 2021, he was involved in a high –profile scandal when his name came up in a case of fraud involving his former manager, who had stolen millions of dollars from him. Today, he is touring and delighting fans with new projects.

Kim Zimmer – Then

Kim Zimmer became unforgettable to audiences with her vibrant roles as Echo DiSavoy in One Life to Live and Reva Shayne in Guiding Light. 

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Her character in Guiding Light was so beloved that in the 1990s, the writers "resurrected" her after her character's "death," causing a huge fan frenzy, according to Soap Opera Digest.

Kim Zimmer – Now

After her soap opera career, Zimmer continued to act in films and television. In 2013, she starred in 23 Blast. Her personal life is stable: she is married to director A.C. Weir, and they have three children. Her son, Jake, also pursued an acting career. In 2022, she released a candid memoir, where she talked about the behind–the–scenes intrigues and her conflict with the producers of the show. 

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According to TV Insider, in an interview, the actress admitted that in her youth, she struggled with alcohol addiction but she managed to overcome it with the support of her family. By the way, Kim confessed that she misses soap operas but believes their golden age has passed.

Elizabeth Hubbard – Then

In 1964, Elizabeth Hubbard created and played the role of Dr. Althea Davis in the NBC soap opera The Doctors. She remained on the project until 1969 before moving to Hollywood to build her career. However, she returned to the show twice and stayed until its closure in 1982. 

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In 1984, actress Joanne Hubbard joined the popular soap opera As the World Turns, where she played businesswoman Lucinda Walsh. This role earned her nine Emmy nominations. However, in 1999, Hubbard left the show due to disagreements over the direction of her character, which, in her opinion, had lost its former appeal and depth. Nonetheless, several months later, a new executive producer of the show convinced her to return, allowing her participation to continue.

Elizabeth Hubbard – Now

After As the World Turns ended in 2010, Hubbard didn’t stop working. At the age of 83, she continued to appear in various projects, including the web series Anacostia. 

@Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

In 2021, the actress became involved in a major legal battle when she accused the producers of a show of contract fraud, as reported by Soap Opera Digest. In interviews, she admitted that she had struggled with depression throughout her life but her work always helped her stay afloat. In 2023, at the age of 89, the actress passed away.

Glória Pires – Then

In the 1990s, Glória Pires was a true star, known worldwide for her roles in Brazilian telenovelas such as Cruel Angel and The Clone. In the latter, she played two characters — twin sisters Ruth and Raquel, which became a highlight of her career. 

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During this time, Glória gained global fame, and her figure and charisma turned her into a sex symbol not only in Brazil but also abroad.

Glória Pires – Now

Today, Glória Pires appears less frequently in film and television than in her younger years but she’s not stepping away from the profession. The actress continues to be active in the cinema and also runs her own business — a vegan cosmetics brand called Bemgloria, which produces products made from fruits and seeds of the Amazon rainforest. 

@gpiresoficial/Instagram.com

However, her personal life and family relationships continue to fascinate her fans. Glória has been married twice: first at the age of 18 to actor and singer Fábio Júnior. This marriage gave her a daughter, Cleo, who, like her mother, also pursued a career in cinema. Her second husband, musician Orlando Morais, became the father of three of the actress's children, and they’ve been together for over 30 years.

Victoria Ruffo – Then

Victoria Ruffo became famous worldwide in 1989 for her role in the Mexican soap opera Simply Maria, which became iconic. The story of a country girl who wins the heart of a wealthy aristocrat captured the hearts of millions of viewers, and  Victoria became a true star. 

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According to People Enespanol, the actress not only attracted attention due to her role but also because her popularity led to jealousy from her first husband, producer Eugenio Derbez, whom she met during filming. Sometimes, work can influence personal life in unexpected ways.

 Victoria Ruffo – Now

Today,  Victoria Ruffo remains one of the highest –paid actresses in Mexico. After her divorce from Eugenio, she went through a difficult period but this only contributed to her career growth. 

@Televisa/latintimes.com

In 2001, she married Mexican politician Omar Fayad, with whom she had twins. Nowadays, the actress rarely appears in films but is very active on her blog, which has gathered over 2.5 million followers.

Lucélia Santos – Then

Lucélia Santos became famous for her role in the iconic series Slave Isaura, which became the first foreign TV show to captivate Soviet television in 1988. Her character, a fair –skinned slave, became a symbol of the fight for freedom and justice. 

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This series brought Lucélia global recognition but the actress didn’t want to be solely associated with the role of Isaura. In order to break the "good girl" image, she even posed for Playboy and agreed to take on several controversial roles in films. This attracted even more attention to her!

Lucélia Santos – Now

Today, Lucélia Santos continues her acting career but is also very active in public life, particularly in environmental protection. In 2022, she ran for federal deputy in Rio de Janeiro but did not secure enough votes. 

@Acervo/Globo

She continues to lead an active lifestyle, practices yoga, and adheres to a vegetarian diet. Lucélia has been married twice and has a son, who has already given her grandchildren.

Grecia Colmenares – Then

Grecia Colmenares was one of the brightest stars of Argentine television in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The most significant project in her career was the Italian –Argentine telenovela Manuela (1991), which became a huge success not only in Argentina but also in other countries. In this project, Colmenares played two roles — separated at birth sisters who, despite their close bond, fall in love with the same man. 

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However, despite the incredible early career success, Grecia faced challenges. In the mid –1990s, her career began to decline. The series Faith in Love failed to gain high ratings and was quickly pulled off the air. This marked her first big disappointment.

Grecia Colmenares – Now

Her final role in the TV epic Life for Life (2000) didn’t bring her the same level of fame, and the project didn’t become a viewer’s hit. According to the actress in an interview with People Enespanol, these failures pushed her to leave the profession at the age of 38. Grecia never returned to soap operas, and her entire career in telenovelas is reflected in her book Tears and Smiles, which she released in 2018. 

@peopleenespanol.com

Currently, Grecia lives in Miami, where she maintains an active lifestyle, participates in reality shows from time to time but remains largely out of the public eye. As for her personal life, it remains a mystery, though she has been divorced twice and has a son.

Gabriela Spanic – Then

In the late '90s, the telenovela The Usurper captivated audiences with the story of two twin sisters, both played by 25-year-old Gabriela Spanic. Interestingly, the actress has a real-life twin sister named Daniela, who became a model. 

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The telenovela set viewership records, particularly in the United States. However, Spanic’s later projects failed to match the overwhelming success of The Usurper.

Gabriela Spanic – Now

Spanic continues acting in soap operas and performing in theater. She also ventured into music, releasing two albums, and authored five books. Additionally, Gabriela participates in various TV shows, including Dancing with the Stars. Her personal life has been filled with drama. She married actor Miguel de León but their union ended quickly. Later, she gave birth to her son Gabriel but as Las Estrellas reported, his father—Venezuelan businessman Neil Perez—doubted his paternity and demanded a DNA test. The breakup left a lasting impact on the actress.

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A shocking event occurred in 2010 when Spanic’s home became the center of a major scandal. According to El Universal, her assistant, María Celeste Fernández, attempted to poison the actress and her family by adding poison to their food. The court found the woman guilty!

Deidre Hall – Then

Deidre Hall became a true star when she took on the role of Dr. Marlena Evans in the legendary soap opera Days of Our Lives. She has played Marlena since 1976, making the character her signature role. Viewers loved Marlena, and Hall was recognized as one of the leading actresses in daytime television. 

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In 1987, after 11 years, she briefly left the series to star in NBC’s drama Our House but the show was canceled after just one year. In 2016, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to television.

Deidre Hall – Now

In 2023, Deidre Hall reached a major milestone—her 5000th episode of Days of Our Lives. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine, she shared how she had spent years searching for stability and a home. For her, the show became not just a career but a real family. “This is the family I always dreamed of,” the actress said. Hall continues to star in the series, and her character remains a fan favorite.

@deidrehall_official/Instagram.com

On a personal note, the actress has been married four times—her fourth husband was Steve Sohmer, a writer and producer but they divorced in 2006. The couple had two sons: David Atticus Sohmer and Tully Chapin Sohmer. Both children were born via surrogacy, carried by a woman known as "Robin B."

Genie Francis – Then

Genie Francis rose to fame as Laura Spencer in the iconic soap opera General Hospital. Since 1977, she has been an integral part of the show, playing one of the most memorable female characters in soap opera history. Laura Spencer and her relationship with Luke (Anthony Geary) became a sensation in the 1970s and 1980s. 

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They were considered the ultimate "supercouple" in the soap opera world! One of the most shocking storylines involved Luke raping Laura—yet they still fell in love and got married.

Genie Francis – Now

Genie Francis continues her career in General Hospital, and her character remains one of the key figures on screen. In 2020, in a special documentary, Francis openly discussed the challenges both her character and she herself faced, reflecting on the controversial relationship between Laura and Luke. 

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She acknowledged that some moments in their story should never have been shown but also recognized the profound impact they had on audiences and the soap opera genre.

Lucía Méndez – Then

Lucía Méndez rose to fame in the 1980s thanks to her role in the telenovela Nobody But You. Despite her success in other projects, for many, she remains the stunning Raquel with a turbulent fate. 

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In 1994, she starred in Marielena, a telenovela that captivated American audiences but cooled the interest of Mexican viewers. Fortunately, Lucía had a second passion—music. In 1985, she was even nominated for a Grammy in the Best Latin Pop Album category.

Lucía Méndez – Now

Today, Méndez rarely appears in telenovelas, mostly in guest roles but she continues to delight fans with her music—her discography includes more than 20 albums. She has also successfully developed her own cosmetics brand, which she founded in 1993. Lucía has been married twice but both marriages ended in divorce.

@luciamendezof/Instagram.com

She has often been involved in scandals. As reported by TVyNovelas, in one interview, she claimed to have had a romance with Mick Jagger in the 1980s. Later, she had a public feud with Verónica Castro—the actresses exchanged sharp remarks in the press, accusing each other of disrespect.

Verónica Castro – Then

Verónica Castro was incredibly captivating from a young age, and at just 16, she posed nude for the Mexican magazine Caballero. And that was just the beginning! In 1991, the story of Mariana and Luis Alberto in The Rich Also Cry shook audiences. The telenovela became a true global phenomenon! The series was translated into 25 (!) languages over the next 15 years after its premiere. Verónica Castro's name became known in Europe, China, Israel, Japan, and many other countries.

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Another iconic series starring Verónica was Wild Rose, released in Mexico. In addition to her acting career, Castro was also successful in music, releasing more than thirty albums.

Verónica Castro – Now

In 2009, Verónica announced her retirement from music, candidly admitting that she had not achieved anything groundbreaking in that field. At the same time, Castro stepped away from acting, though she made an exception in 2018 by appearing in the Netflix series The House of Flowers. As for her personal life, Verónica has never been married but she has two sons—Christian Castro (a successful singer) and Michel (a director). 

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For many years, rumors swirled about her romances with famous men, including singer Juan Gabriel and former president Carlos Salinas de Gortari. Additionally, as reported by Las Estrellas, Castro was at the center of controversy when journalists claimed she had undergone plastic surgery—something the actress has denied.

Facundo Arana – Then

At the age of 15, Facundo Arana joined a theater studio, full of hopes and ambitions to become an actor. However, fate had challenges in store for him— in 1989, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. After several years of treatment and medical supervision, he was declared fully healthy in 1994.While searching for acting jobs, Facundo played the saxophone at a subway station, where he was noticed by producer Lito Espinoza. 

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This chance encounter became a turning point in his career, leading to his first TV role. In 1992, Facundo began appearing in small roles in Argentine telenovelas. However, his true international breakthrough came in 1999 when he landed the lead role in Wild Angel.

Facundo Arana – Now

Today, Facundo Arana continues his acting career. In 2021, he starred in the sequel to Little Victoria, and in 2023, he appeared in Good Guys. Beyond acting, Facundo is passionate about music. He is a talented saxophonist and the founder of The Blue Light Orchestra, with which he tours worldwide.

@last.fm

His personal life has also been fulfilling. He was in a relationship with actress Isabel Macedo from 1996 to 2006, and in 2012, he married María Susini. Together, they raise three children: their daughter India and twins Yaco and Moro.

Gustavo Bermúdez – Then

Gustavo Bermúdez began his television career back in 1982. His debut came at a young age, and he was immediately recognized as a talented actor. In 2002, he played a leading role in the series Billionaire. Despite his success in the TV industry, Bermúdez also pursued work as a television producer starting in 1991.

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However, in 2006, Gustavo stepped away from acting in telenovelas. But in 2012, he made a comeback with the series That’s What Dad Said, later renamed We Are Family. This project reignited his popularity, even though he gradually shifted his focus to other ventures. From 1989 to 2011, he was married to teacher Andrea González. Together, they raised two daughters: Camila and Manuela.

Gustavo Bermúdez – Now

Today, Gustavo Bermúdez remains active in television and production. He participates in various projects but devotes much of his time to charity. His foundation, El Puente de la Luz, helps those in need, and Gustavo is heavily involved in social initiatives.

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His personal life has also seen changes. In 2020, he started a relationship with actress Verónica Varano. Gustavo Bermúdez is proof that success can continue even after decades in the industry!

Diego Ramos – Then

Diego Ramos began his acting career in the 1990s. At his parents’ insistence, he enrolled in a journalism program but soon dropped out to fully dedicate himself to theater. His breakthrough came with the 1997 telenovela Rich and Famous, which made him one of the most recognizable actors on Argentine television.

@diecramos/Instagram.com

As Grazia reported at the time, rumors swirled that while filming Rich and Famous, Diego was secretly dating actress Nancy Duplá. However, Ramos always maintained a private stance on his personal life. When asked about relationships, he would vaguely confirm that he had a girlfriend but never revealed names or details. He often said he fell in love easily but kept his romances under wraps.

Diego Ramos – Now

Diego Ramos is still active in the entertainment industry. In 2016, he appeared in two comedy series: Raising Nina and Tini: The New Life of Violetta. He continues working on various projects and remains a respected actor.

@diecramos/Instagram.com

At over 50 years old, Diego is still single. However, he often shares photos with his nieces and nephews, showing how much he values family time. He lives alone but enjoys the company of his large black dog, whom he frequently takes on training sessions and outdoor adventures.

Gabriel Corrado – Then

Gabriel Corrado became famous in the 1990s thanks to leading roles in hit telenovelas like Manuela, Gypsy, and Milady. His tall stature and blue eyes won over female audiences, and his portrayal of passionate lovers made him one of the most sought-after actors of his time.

@gabriel.corrado/Instagram.com

Despite his on-screen heartthrob status, Gabriel has always been a one-woman man. He met his future wife, businesswoman Constanza Feraud, before he became famous. Their relationship developed gradually but after two years of dating, they married and have now been together for over 30 years!

Gabriel Corrado – Now

Today, Gabriel remains active in theater, though his film career has slowed down. He continues to be devoted to his wife Constanza, and their long-lasting marriage remains an inspiration to many. The actor avoids publicity but has managed to balance his career and personal life. He and his wife have three children: son Lucas (born 1990) and daughters Lucía (born 1992) and Clara (born 1998).

@gabriel.corrado/Instagram.com

Gabriel has admitted that he took great joy in raising his children, actively participating in their lives and helping them navigate challenges. People once quoted him saying, “I dedicate a lot of time and energy to my kids, fulfilling all their whims, helping with homework.”

Kin Shriner – Then

The star had an extremely difficult childhood – Shriner and his twin brother, Will Shriner, were orphaned at an early age when their parents died in a car accident when the boys were just 16. After that, the brothers moved to Texas to live with their grandmother. Kin Shriner began his soap opera career in 1977 playing Scott Baldwin on General Hospital. Shriner’s popularity was so immense that in 1997 he joined the spin-off Port Charles, where he reprised the role of Scott Baldwin.

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In addition to this, Shriner appeared in Melrose Place (1998), played in The Young and the Restless (2004) as Harrison Bartlett, and in As the World Turns (2005–2006) as Keith Morrissey. In 2011, he even replaced Ted Shackelford as Jeffrey Bardwell on The Young and the Restless.

Kin Shriner – Now

Shriner is still loyal to General Hospital. He continues to appear from time to time as Scott Baldwin, delighting his devoted fans. In 2022, he announced he would leave the show but by 2023, he returned to the role.

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As for his personal life, Kin Shriner has never been married but he has had several high-profile relationships, including with Jennifer Leigh (known from Star Wars) and actress Tracy Lind. Apart from his acting career, Kin is a passionate fan of retro cars and loves to travel.

Tristan Rogers – Then

If Kin Shriner is the heart of General Hospital, then Tristan Rogers is its soul. In 1980, he burst onto the screen as the charismatic Australian spy Robert Scorpio, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His character became iconic, appearing in various versions of the show, including the spin-off General Hospital: Night Shift in 2008. 

@getty/soapoperadigest.com

During breaks from filming GH, Rogers worked on The Young and the Restless from 2010 to 2012. He had many female admirers but the actor remained devoted to one woman, about whom we’ll tell you in the next section!

Tristan Rogers – Now

Rogers continues to act and is also very active on social media, engaging with fans. He has a passion for photography and often posts pictures from his life.

@soapoperadigest.com

In his personal life, Tristan is stable – he has been married to Teresa Parkinson for many years. Despite his age, the actor remains full of energy and even jokes that “Agent 007 could learn a thing or two from him.”

Ray MacDonnell – Then

Ray MacDonnell was one of the original cast members of All My Children, where he played Dr. Joe Martin. He stayed with the show from its launch in 1970 until his retirement in 2009, when production moved from New York to Los Angeles. 

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His character was a central figure in the series, and MacDonnell returned to play him for the final episodes in 2011.

Ray MacDonnell – Now

Ray MacDonnell lived a long and fulfilling life. In 1961, he married Patricia Ann Broderick, and they had three children: Sara, Kyle, and Daniel. 

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He passed away at his home in Chappaqua, New York, on June 10, 2021, at the age of 93. Nonetheless, his contribution to the world of soap operas and television remains unforgettable, and fans still remember him fondly.

Don Hastings – Then

Don Hastings is a true soap opera legend. For almost five decades, he played Dr. Robert “Bob” Hughes on the iconic show As the World Turns. He began filming in 1960 and remained with the show until its finale in 2010. This made him one of the longest-serving actors in the history of American soap operas. But his path to fame began long before that. At just six years old, Hastings first entered the entertainment world—not by accident! 

@Fame10 Soaps/facebook.com

He came to watch his older brother Bob Hastings perform on a radio show but the producers noticed that the young boy could sing and gave him a chance. That’s how his career began. In 1949, he landed a leading role in the cult sci-fi series Captain Video and His Video Rangers, and later another in the soap opera On the Edge of Night. But it was his role as Bob Hughes on As the World Turns that made him a first-tier star.

Don Hastings – Now

After As the World Turns ended, Don Hastings almost completely retired from acting. But not for long! In 2019, he unexpectedly returned to the show Studio City, for which he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor.

@Fame10 Soaps/facebook.com

In his personal life, Hastings has had his fair share of drama. His first wife, Nan, gave him two daughters and a son but their marriage ended in divorce. However, fate gave him another chance at happiness. In 1980, he met actress Leslie Denniston while she played a minor role on As the World Turns. Love sparked between them, and within a few months, they were married. In 1982, they had a daughter. By the way, the acting profession passed down through the family: Hastings’ son, Matthew, has worked in Hollywood since 1999 as a writer, director, and producer.

Bill Hayes – Then

Bill Hayes is a man whose life could easily be the plot of a soap opera. In his youth, he went through World War II and then returned home to build a career as an artist. After serving in the Navy, he chose civilian life, studied at DePauw University, and immersed himself in creativity. It was his role as Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives, which he started portraying in 1970, that made him a true star.

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However, it wasn't only his career that made his life captivating. In 1974, he married his co-star, Susan Seaforth Hayes, who played his on-screen love Julie Williams. Their romance heated up not only on-screen but also in real life, capturing the hearts of viewers. In 1976, they became the only soap opera stars to appear on the cover of TIME—a feat no one else in their genre has achieved since.

Bill Hayes – Now

Bill Hayes passed away on January 12, 2024, at the age of 98. He remained loyal to his character and the show until the very end. In 2024, his character Doug Williams also passed away in the series, becoming one of the longest-living characters in soap opera history. As Entertainment Weekly wrote, After Bill's death, his wife Susan Seaforth Hayes shared in an interview: “The show reflected the fact that he was an icon to the viewers. I am grateful that he was appreciated as much as he deserved.”

@tvinsider.com

He not only left a mark on the world of soap operas but also inspired generations of actors and viewers. In 2005, he and his wife published a joint autobiography, Like Sands Through the Hourglass, where they shared their love, career, and life in the entertainment industry.

Eric Braeden – Then

Eric Braeden became famous for his role as Victor Newman on the iconic soap opera The Young and the Restless. When he first appeared on screen in 1980 as the cunning and somewhat ruthless businessman, no one could have predicted that this role would become his true calling. Eric played Victor so convincingly that he became a legend.

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By the way, for his work on The Young and the Restless, Braeden received numerous accolades, including the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1988. Essentially, he became the face of the show, and without him, the soap opera would have been entirely different.

Eric Braeden – Now

Now, decades later, Eric Braeden continues to play Victor Newman, and it seems like the years have had no effect on him. In 2021, he shared with his fans that retirement and leaving the screen were the last things on his mind. He said: "I feel very loyal to The Young and the Restless, very beholden to Victor and very beholden to the audience who has supported us for all those years. I plan to stay as long as I can."

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And these aren’t just words! This actor truly lives his role. He has long become not just an actor but a true part of the industry. Victor Newman as portrayed by Braeden is not just a character; he's almost a symbol of the show. No one else could play this role as he does. So it seems that Braeden isn’t planning to slow down anytime soon and will continue to delight fans with his performances.

Doug Davidson – Then

Doug Davidson became a soap opera legend on The Young and the Restless, portraying the role of Paul Williams from 1978. For 40 years, he was an inseparable part of the show, and his character became a fan favorite. In addition, Doug was actively involved in various projects outside of soap operas, adding diversity to his career. 

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He also participated in several TV programs and films but The Young and the Restless remained his main workplace throughout his career since the late '70s.

Doug Davidson – Now

After 40 years on The Young and the Restless, Doug Davidson learned in 2018 that his contract would not be renewed, which came as a significant blow to him. Despite this, the actor continued to appear on the show in a recurring role until 2020. 

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In 2021, Davidson, expressing disappointment over this, responded to fans on social media when they inquired about Paul Williams' fate. He wrote on X: "I just want to thank you all for your support. But it seems like I'm done. After 43 years, they've treated me like a day player. Not good." So even superstars are not immune to being written out of projects…