September 1979 Soap Opera Summaries (Part 1)

Courtesy of French Fan at SON.

All My Children

Written by: Agnes Nixon and Wisner Washam
Produced by: Agnes Nixon and Bud Kloss

Frank invited Betsy to Donna's party after Nancy turned him down. Eddie took sexual advange of a drunken Brooke, but she later told him to scram. Charles and Mona laughed that Phoebe’s been acting the saint while she's secretly playing around with Langley. Phoebe had a fit when Paul announced he's divorcing Ann, who had flashing memories of him in the sanitarium while plotting an escape. Myra cried after overhearing Nina talking to her mother's portrait and Palmer warned Myra never to mention his wife to Nina. Kelly claimed she's suffering from narcolepsy but Myrtle and Joe knew better. Tom's surgery was successful. Brooke told Mark she's pregnant. Kelly had nightmares that Linc ditched her after Eddie squealed that she’s a speed freak.

Ann escaped from the sanitarium and arrived on Phoebe's doorsteps. Nina put her foot down about Cliff to Palmer. Chuck leveled with Charlie that there's no hope for Chuck and Tara, and Charlie returned to Washington. Kelly struggled to resist her pill habit while dating Linc at a posh social function where he ran into an old girlfriend. Phoebe agreed to invest in Langley’s oil deals. Phoebe kept Ann hidden although she realized Ann's still living in the past. Brooke admitted she's not absolutely sure she's pregnant, but wishes like all get-out that she were. Nancy and Frank argued about his abuse of visitation rights with Carl.

Brooke’s pregnancy test was negative. Erica was miffed to find Betsy giving Tom a hospital back rub. Benny and Edna returned from a honeymoon in the Poconos. Claudette laughed at Eddie’s notion that he can catch Brooke romantically. Langley's marriage proposal to Phoebe was prompted by his plans to get her money. Phoebe swore him to secrecy about keeping Ann hidden. Edna called Estelle a tramp when she spotted Benny and Estelle during an innocent meeting. Wally and Betsy warned Erica to tell Tom about her disco. Myra refused to do Palmer’s dirty work in keeping Cliff and Nina apart.

Ann disappeared after searching for Paul and overhearing him and Ellen discussing their romantic ties. Myrtle told Linc that Kelly was having a breakdown after Kelly went bananas in front of Linc. Kelly has had a bad drug reaction. Eddie was put out that Brooke is only interested in sex, not his love. Myra suggested Nina see Cliff when she's at school to avoid Palmer’s wrath.

Palmer hired detective Bernard Raab, who found Cliff's former girlfriend Janice Rollins in Chicago, then tempted her with money to help break up Nina and Cliff. Erica accused Betsy of having more than a clinical interest in Tom.

Another World

Written by: Tom King
Produced by: Paul Rauch

Eileen moved back with Rita and steered clear of Joey after admitting to Morgan that she had lost her virginity to Phil. Clarice tipped off Jamie that Elaine planned an abortion. He rushed to Blaine's side. Kirk's company is in financial straits and he urged Iris to persuade Mac to sell Cory Publishing. Kirk's detective, Murdock discovered that Janice had once been kept by a guy named Howard. Murdock continued tracking down dirt on Sylvie also. Frank wasn't enthused that Janice wanted him to write an article about the plight of Vietnamese children. Mike thought Karen was bonkers when she insisted that Ted was alive. Iris feared that Vivien would return to the farm after Viv's mother died. Larry decided to enter the police academy. Sally taunted Eileen about knowing about Eileen and Phil. Paul learned he can get an annulment if Rita knew she was barren when they married.

A very-much alive Ted kidnapped Karen, who realized he's bonkers. Iris threatened to squeal about June and Jeff unless June left Kirk free to dally with Iris. Sylvie was outraged that Kirk tracked down her sister Myrtle, since the ladies never saw eye to eye. Blaine and Sally became roommates. Sally plotted with Phil to get Eileen out of town while Joey’s working in Boston where he planned to check out Serenity House. Rachel was confused by Mac's jealousy of Frank and decided to spend a few days at the artist colony. Kirk conned Iris saying he only wants to help Mac's company. Jamie wants to be responsible for Blaine's baby but doesn't want to marry her because of Cecile. Murdock discovered a scandal surrounding the death of Janice's former lover. Charlie courted Ada now that she's rid of Fred.

Myrtle told Kirk and Sylvie that she’d reveal a secret about Sylvie to the highest bidder. June agreed to put up a divorced front with Kirk but only until he got Iris’ vote at the Cory stockholders’ meeting, then Kirk must dump Iris. Rita confessed about lying to Paul before their marriage about her infertility. He insisted the marriage must end because he loves Rose. Frank searched for an Asian child whose photo he carries. Mike and Ben rescued Karen from Ted’s mad clutches. Eileen insisted to Joey that Phil didn’t do anything to make her want to leave town. Kirk blackmailed Sylvie about her alcoholism and threatened to squeal to Iris if Sylvie continues to side with mac. Frank was upset that Rachel lent moral support to Mac over Kirk’s takeover schemes. Gwen assured Mac that Willis would stick by Mac if he puts Willis on the board of directors.

Phil pressed charges against Joey who beat him up after Sally told Joey that Phil had sexually conquered Eileen. Karen and Mike headed for a new life and a wedding in Florida while Ted was committed to a prison for the criminally insane. Kirk learned from Myrtle that Sylvie had been sent to prison where she gave birth. Sylvie returned to New York after saying goodbye to a tearful Iris. Joey skipped town after patching things up with Eileen. Jim overheard Sylvie threaten to kill Kirk if he ever harmed Iris. Ben followed Karen and Mike to Florida. Rachel refused to spend a night in Frank's bed.

Kirk left Iris at his mountain retreat not knowing June was there, too. June pulled a gun on Iris but she wouldn't kill her. She's going to wait for Kirk to destroy Iris.

As The World Turns

Written by: Douglas Marland
Produced by: Joe Rothenberger

Hester stood in the garage shadows as Grant borrowed Lisa's car. Grant was injured in an accident and suspected that Bennett had tampered with the brakes. Jay warned Matt not to get hung up on Melinda who is still married to Beau. Ian admitted to Barbara that he used her to get closer to Dana. Alex departed on business after he and Val returned from their honeymoon. Val reported a missing ruby stickpin, but Tom remembered spotting one of the wedding caterer's assistants, Sheila, guiltily hanging around Kate's room. Ellen's in a funk about Dan and Dee doesn't want to return to an out-of-town school. Marcia admitted to Jeff that Doug's lost interest in her and is bait for another woman.

Grant raged at Lisa for giving Ben nett a fake alibi. Ian claimed he's throwing in the towel and arranged a divorce meeting at a lodge with Dana. Sheila was arrested for theft and Tom was appointed her lawyer, although he admitted to Barbara he doesn't trust Sheila. Ralph lamented to Jay that he's sure Mary loves Don but she won't back out of marriage because she's too decent. Ralph began making Mary suspect he hasn't reformed from his playboy days. Tom got Sheila out on bail but the police found more jewelry in her locker. Valerie went to Ecuador with Alex, but will return, leaving him there on assignment until the spring. Dan prepared Emmy and Betsy for his death. Bennett realized Lisa's not sure she trusts him now.

Ralph saved Grant from a “fixed” elevator accident after Grant was knocked unconscious by a masked person. Bob and Dana realized that Dan tricked Dana into going to the lodge, although his lawyer already canceled out. Melinda began to enjoy Matt’s attentions. Tom asked Don to take Stella’s case since she reminded him of Natalie. Grant hired a bodyguart after considering that Bennett had put a contract on him.

Kim and the children moved in with Ellen and David while adjusting to Dan's death. Lisa moved into the Inn. Bennett accused Lisa. Ian presented Barbara with a contract to do his record album cover.

Bennett refused Lisa's offer to live in Oakdale giving her a week to return to the inn. Mary and Ralph broke off their engagement. Dan told Mary that they must face their feelings for each other.

Days Of Our Lives

Written by: Elizabeth Harrower
Produced by: Betty Corday & H. Wesley Kenney

Doug fell for Lee's sympathy act and offered financial support after he inherited Byron's estate. Julie refused to see Hope. Bill dined with Maggie during Mickey's absence. Linda hired an investigative firm to tail Stephanie. Julie promised to keep mum about Stephanie being Brooke unless Stephanie hurts Bob. Steve paid court to both Mary and Lee until he learned Lee is poor as a churchmouse. Alex flirted with Maggie. Amanda had pregnancy problems after learning that her baby will legally belong to Greg even if it's Chris' child. Jordan helped Julie psychologically at Linda's urging. Mary asked Bob to hire Steve. Don became a city councilman. Chris rehired Mike at Anderson’s thanks to Margo.

Amanda was rushed to the hospital and must have a therapeutic abortion. Simpson came for his canes with the smuggled diamonds, and Steve flared at Maggie for unwittingly selling one to Tom and one to Trask. Marie admitted to Tommy that she had a disastrous affair before she entered the convent. Julie reminded Jordan of a woman he once loved and lost. Alex let Stephanie know that he's aware of her real identity. Steve retrieved Tom's cane but Trask went to Europe, and Steve failed to convince Trish to give up her diamond supply. Lee gladly accepted Doug's invitation to live under his roof. Greg arrived and learned from Tom that Amanda may have a malignancy. Alex told Phyllis he's not the marrying kind. Donna returned from Hollywood. Julie finally saw Hope and realized the child isn't repulsed by Julie's scars.

Steve intimated that Maggie and Bill are up to no good after they dined together. Cathy Breton joined the hospital cafeteria staff. Greg agreed to divorce after Amanda had a hysterectomy. Jordan convinced Doug to leave Julie alone after she got hysterical because Doug bought her a house, which she refused to accept. Since Lee is moving in on Doug, Steve expects to be her partner. Marlena learned that Samantha has a kidney problem. Trish rebid her diamonds, them was threatened by Simpson. Trish asked Margo to return the diamond she had loaned Margo to pay Earle. Maggie found Simpson in the shop and a gunshot is fired. David asked Bob for a transfer because of Stephanie.

Maggie was questioned by the police after Simpson died of a gunshot wound inflicted during their struggle at the shop. Steve pushed for a job at Anderson Manufacturing. Phyllis warned Bob that Stephanie may be out to take over the company – and Bob. Jordan warned Doug not to contact Hulie who agreed to another skin graft.

Amanda returned to Chicago with Greg leaving a bitter Chris behind. Margo returned Trish’s diamond to her not knowing Earle had substitued a fake.

The Doctors

Written by: Elizabeth Levin & David Cherrill
Produced by: Doris Quinlan

Greta nixed Billy's marriage proposal and he skipped town. The cult moved into Lisa's hospital room while Steve and Carolee tried to convince Lisa to leave the group. Far Wind put a curse on Steve indicating that if Far Wind lost "a child" so would Steve and Carolee. Kim rubbed it in to Missy that Luke doesn't have a choice about Kim becoming a club partner since Evan would take him to court.

Stephanie came under the influence of Far Wind and the cult. Luke borrowed from a loan shark to keep Kim out as a partner. Matt fretted about a threatened nurses' strike. Steve and John tried to de-program Lisa. Nola couldn't stand living with Barney and moved back with Mona. Carolee was in the dark about Stephanie and didn't want Steven involved with Lisa's problems because of the cult's threats.

Viveca Strand, a hospital commission inspector, didn’t want to recommend Colin’s cardiac unit because of Hope Memorial’s financial problems. Kim left town after Luke and Nola bought the remaining share of the club. John lamented to Greta about his troubles with his wife; then snatched a kiss. Nola taunted M.J. by giving Colin a photo of Jessica, which M.J. realized is Colin’s child.

Maggie warned Greta not to get involved with John since he’s still married. Barney was injured when the stove blew up at The Medecine Man. Lisa manipulated Carolee and Steve into letting her recuperate in their home. Mike treated Mary Hopkins, an overworked housewife. Madison Memorial’s fate rests with Viveca’s recommendation to the governor on the hospital’s efficiency.

Steve gave Nola until the end of October to move out of Mona's house. Carolee and Bennett searched the rubble in a house vacated by Far Wind.

The Edge Of Night

Written by: Henry Slesar
Produced by: Erwin Nicholson

It was revealed that Tobias is really Mickey who assured Paige he didn't want to kill her. But, Mickey slashed Tobias and arranged with gang member Zack to set up Steve and Paige for a hit Sarah and Raven slapped each other around over Elliott, then Sarah warned Logan that his wife is cheating on him. Nola went on a bender after overhearing Owen tell producer Eddie that she's washed up. But, Owen finally consented to direct the horror flick with Nola as star. Logan asked Draper to arrange Logan's adoption of Jamie.

Owen spotted Paige kissing Brian and reminded Brian that Paige is his real sister, not his stepsister. Mickey (Tobias) shot Zach because Mickey truly loves Paige. Steve recognized Mickey’s gun as the one that Joey had when Steve killed him and realized that Mickey had switched a toy gun for the real thing. Logan went on a campaign trip but Raven claimed she had the flu so she could rendezvous with Elliott. Eddie admitted he's always loved Nola.

Raven blamed Geraldine for having Logan return unexpectedly and fiding Raven and Elliott in the sack. Cliff was jealous that Owen is sparking up to Deborah and telling her he doesn’t love Noa. Bill rehired Steve. Logan prepared to fight for Jamie’s custody after he called it quits with Raven. Owen and Eddie planned to film the horror film in Monticello. Brian told Paige they are brother and sister and she agreed to run away with Mickey (Tobias). Mike and Nancy learned that Margo arranged for Draper’s New York job cancellation.

Steve cornered Mickey who jumped out of a window to his death while trying to escape with the money from his South American gun-running escapade. Raven left for London after putting April and Draper’s names on an adoption form for Jamie. All charges were dropped against Paige who confessed that Mickey was really Tobias.

Actor Trent Archer arrived in town and Nola planned a pre-production party for "Mansion of the Damned." She's invited Deborah whom she knows Owen is seeing on the sly. April said she'd divorce Draper if he helped Logan get custody of Jamie.

General Hospital

Written by: Pat Falken Smith & Margaret DePriest
Produced by: Gloria Monty

Laura warned Amy not to get interested in Luke. Joe, Jeff and Steve headed for Mexico where Carol is hospitalized. Mitch told Tracy he couldn't live with her since the mob might hound him about Ted's death. Tracy spotted Mitch coming on to Susan. Amy blabbed to Scotty that Laura got a job at the disco. Alan found Amy admiring his house, then consoled her after learning her father had died. Monica and her unborn baby's condition improved. Dorrie told Howard it is over between them and packed her bags. Lesley investigated whether Mrs. Kakorian had a history of heart trouble.

Cal died but not before he told Jeff that Heather knows the truth about Steven Lars. Mrs. Grant realized the game was up and beat around the bush to Peter about knowing of an illegal adoption. It finally dawned on him that she was trying to explain that P.J. is actually Steven Lars. Anne won temporary custody of Jeremy who suggested she marry Jeff. She vetoed the idea although she's been drawn closer to Jeff. Luke comforted Laura about her stepfather's death. Laura and Scotty argued about her job schedule. Bobbie avoided one of her ex-johns who's a patient. Monica returned to Alan, although the baby may have heart problems.

Peter had a coronary after Mrs. Grant revealed the P.J. / Steven Lars story. Bobbie and Roy were upset when Barry Johnson recognized her in the hospital. Lesley’s reports on Mrs. Kirkorian’s previous ailment couldn’t be proved. Rick and Monica were forced to confide to Howard about their night together after Mrs. Kirkorian’s surgery. Luke and Roy worried they’d have to eliminate Mitch to prove their mob royalty. Joe admitted his love for Ann, who asked they married.

Dorrie returned to England. Bobbie told Jessie she had once be a hooker. Peter died before he could tell Jeff about P.J / Steven Lars but he left Diana a mysterious letter. Kirkorian refused the hospital’s settlement so Rick and Monica prepared for a court battle. Monica returned to Alan upon her hospital release and accepted Amy’s offer to move in and help out during her recuperation.

Alice blamed herself for Peter's death because she told him about P.J.-Stephen Lars. Diana made quick plans to take P.J. to visit her mother in Florida.

Hall of Fame: Genie Francis

Genie Francis
2009 Soap Opera Hall of Fame Inductee

• Alice Dennison, Family
• Laura Vining Webber, General Hospital
• Patricia "Tyger" Hayes, Bare Essence
• unknown role, Glitter
• Jenny Bernard, Hotel
• Melinda Jenkins, Hotel
• Diana Colville, Days of Our Lives
• Ceara Connor, All My Children
• Ceara Connor, Loving

Eugenia Ann Francis, better known as Genie Francis to her fans, was born on May 26, 1962 in Englewood, New Jersey is probably daytime TV's most famous teen star ever.

Her father, Ivor Francis, a Canadian actor of English descent, was on the Gloria Monty-directed soap opera Bright Promise in the early 1970s, a few years before his daughter would work for her. He died in 1986 from the effects of multiple strokes. He played a brief role on General Hospital as an adoption counselor when his daughter was also on the show. Her mother, Rosemary Daley, is a former actress/model of Lithuanian descent. Genie is a confirmed Catholic. She has an older brother Ivor Jr., a younger brother Kenneth, and an older half-sister Shelley from her father's first marriage.

Genie met actor/director Jonathan Frakes while filming the television show, Bare Essence. After meeting again during the filming of the miniseries, North and South, Genie and Jonathan started dating in 1985. They became engaged in 1986, and married on May 28, 1988. The couple have two children, Jameson Ivor Frakes, born in 1994, and Elizabeth Francis Frakes, born in 1997. They have just recently moved from Belfast, Maine to Beverly Hills, California.

Genie's acting career started at the age of 13 with a guest appearance on the Aaron Spelling primetime series Family playing Alice Dennison, an unfriendly classmate of Kristy McNichol's Buddy Lawrence, in 1976. Even with only one professional acting credit to her name, she followed that with her most famous role, that of Laura Webber Spencer on General Hospital, a role in which fans got to watch her grow from a young teen of 14 into a young woman.

When Monty took over the producer position on the ailing show and decided that the dramatic focus should be on the younger characters, Douglas Marland wrote a daring story in which the confused, immature Laura took an older man as a lover. When her lover David Hamilton taunted Laura with the fact that it was really her mother that he loved, Laura accidentally killed him, and her mother took the rap for the murder.

Her ferocious, highly emotional performance at fifteen amazed her peers and, through word of mouth, hordes of teenagers were brought into the General Hospital audience. The highly melocramatic storyline was beautifully juxtaposed by a sweet, puppy-love romance with Scotty Baldwin (Kin Shriner). The ratings took off.

Then Pat Falken Smith, well known for her rape stories on Days of Our Lives, took over and wrote a highly ambiguous, controversial storyline in which Laura would fall in love with her rapist-seducer, Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary). The chemistry between Francis and Geary was undeniable, adn when "the powers that be" got around to calling the rap a seduction, Francis felt - and justifiably so - that her highly skilled performance as a rape victim had been negated.

The series of stories would bring her instant stardom though. A series of Luke-and-Laura-on-the-run stories would make Luke and Laura an international phenomenon and bring General Hospital unprecedented ratings. The stories sealed forever Luke and Laura as the most popular super couple in daytime history and brought them appearances on the covers of TV Guide, Us Weekly, and People magazines.

The television couple wed on November 16, 1981, with 30 million viewers tuning in to make this episode the highest-rated hour in soap opera history.

Francis was exhausted. For five years she had appeared almost daily, learing 50 pages of dialogue everyday along with her high school tudor on the set. She had no personal life at all, and felt that her whole adolescence and teenage years had been skipped. While she was in the midst of her tumultuous affair onscreen, she had not even been kissed in real life. At the peak of her success, Francis left the show in December 1982 to try her hand at primetime television and to take a brief break from the life of a soap opera actress. Her last scenes as Laura showed Laura disappearing in the fog while being trailed by a kidnapper.

Soon after, she landed a contract from CBS which included two big-budget TV movies and a series pilot. She landed the starring role in the made-for-TV movie, Bare Essence. The movie received high ratings, putting an end to the speculation that a former daytime actress could not lure a large primetime audience. When the movie was opted for a weekly series by NBC, she found herself starring in her own series. Sadly, Bare Essence, was not a success, being unable to capture the impact the movie had made, most in part due to lethargic writing that never was able to showcase the talent Francis had at all.

She decided to take time off to study and moved to New York, also hoping to launch a career on the stage. Genie had remained a fan favorite and viewers of GH wanted her back. GH offered a huge salary for thirty appearances and despite her desire to work on the stage, she agreed to come back. Fans were delighted when she returned to General Hospital on November 14, 1983. Her return was brought about to coincide with the departure of Luke when Geary decided to leave the series. During her first week on the show, the ratings jumped, adding three million viewers to the GH audience. When her limited run ended, Francis stayed true to her theater ambitions and returned to New York. She would return to General Hospital for one more brief visit in November 1984, but her work during this time was mostly on the stage and in primetime television.

She co-starred in the hit ABC miniseries, North and South (Books I and II), as the good Southern sister, Brett Main. Genie's extensive television work also included recurring appearances on Murder, She Wrote. Later she was seen in the television movie, Perry Mason and the Case of the Killer Kiss, and in Heaven and Hell, the third North and South installment.

She also was lucky in finding work on the stage where she has appeared in Crimes of the Heart and See How They Run. In 1991, Ms. Francis appeared in the Williamstown Festival Theater production of Defying Gravity. That same year, she made her New York City debut in The Baby Dance at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in Greenwich Village. She also appeared in a Comedic Curtain Raiser at Manhattan Class Company for their festival of One Acts, called "The Group."

Through the years, other daytime soaps have pursued Francis because of her tremendous popularity. She appeared on Days of our Lives as Diana Colville from 1987 to 1989 and on All My Children as con artist and incest victim Ceara Connor Hunter from 1990 to 1992. She reprised her role as Ceara on Loving in November 1991. She then returned to GH in 1993. In 1994, when Francis fell pregnant with her first child, the pregnancy was written into the show and Genie took six weeks off for maternity leave. However in early 1997 when she fell pregnant again, she took a much longer absence from the show, staying away for nearly a year and a half.

In September 2002 she abruptly left General Hospital following ABC's refusal to work out a contract she wanted.

In June 2006, Francis began negotiating with the casting directors on the show in returning to the role of Laura Webber Spencer for a limited run through November. She returned to the show with spectacular fanfare to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Luke and Laura's wedding. The magic of Luke and Laura was recaptured, and the reunion garnered the show more publicity than it had seen in years. Though she reprised the role for only one month, Francis's stint was so successful that she garnered a Daytime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, which she ended up winning in June 2007. "Oh my goodness!" she said. "Thank you so much. I am overwhelmed. I've waited 31 years for this moment."

In December 2007, Francis had a starring role in the Hallmark Channel movie, The Note, which earned her critical acclaim.

Genie Francis returned to General Hospital in August 2008 to reprise her role as Laura Webber Spencer. Francis told the AP, "It's a mother-daughter story. Years ago when I started playing the character as a 14-year-old girl, it was a mother-daughter story, only I was the daughter. So it's kinda cool this is full circle. It's nice to come back for visits. General Hospital is my home." She continued, "I would stay on, but General Hospital honestly doesn't seem to want that relationship with this character at the moment," said Francis. "They want little short doses during sweeps periods. It's not entirely up to me. I'm thrilled and delighted my audience stands behind me. If they didn't, you can be sure I wouldn't get to come back for these visits." Laura's character was written off as returning to France for treatment for her illness.

Soap Summaries: Week of August 2 through the 7th

Source: Creators.com

ALL MY CHILDREN: Jake and Amanda put their plan in motion by convincing David that Amanda can't have any more children. Amanda and Jake look forward to being a family once they "adopt" a baby and are able to bring Trevor home. Tad, Taylor and Amanda come clean with Opal after she spots baby Trevor at the house. Opal agrees everyone did the right thing in keeping David away from the baby but thinks Jake's plan has flaws. Taylor realizes that Krystal still loves Tad, but Krystal states she just wants him to be happy. After asking Scott to move into the mansion, Adam proposes to Annie. JR struggles to contain his anger and disgust when Adam announces Annie agreed to marry him. In front of Liza and Jesse, Kendall unburdens herself by confessing to having killed Stuart in a taped statement. Stuart's ghost appears in front of Kendall, telling her they can all be at peace. Zach gives an impassioned plea for leniency at Kendall's sentencing hearing. Scott also makes a statement at the hearing, invoking Stuart's memory as he tells the judge his father wasn't a vindictive man. At Annie's urging, Adam asks the judge to go easy on Kendall. Marian lays into Kendall and wants her to pay dearly for killing Stuart. Marissa is the unintended victim of Marian's quest for revenge against Kendall. Liza's heart breaks for Marian as she's led off to a psychiatric facility. Colby makes it perfectly clear she wants nothing to do with either Annie or Adam.

SNEAK PEEK: Liza rejects David.

AS THE WORLD TURNS: Damian offers Meg a consulting job. Meg and Lily shoot insults at each other over their love lives. Accepting the job, Meg falls into Damian's arms. Barbara's upset when she discovers Paul's been giving his fortune away — specifically, she's horrified that he would finance Emily's new paper. Paul invites Emily and Hunter to work on the paper from Fairwinds and to move in. Paul and Emily wake up in each other's arms. When Emily takes off for work, Paul is greeted by two men in white coats. Paul quickly learns that Barbara has had him committed for his strange behavior and is taken to the hospital. Emily sneaks Paul out of the hospital in a dog crate. Paul, hiding in the Fairwinds wine cellar, discovers James' old wine-tasting journal. Henry looks through Audrey's suitcase to find an envelope with obituaries and a journal entry that mentions the name Jay Stanhope. Henry becomes convinced his mother is a serial killer. Jay and Audrey are in cahoots. When Teri turns him down, Brad asks Janet to work on "Oakdale Now." Alison tells Casey she's concerned about Bob, and thinks he's having occasional memory loss. Bob instructs Alison to administer a specific dosage of a medication to Riley, which turns out to be too high. Unaware that Riley is really Adam, Tom asks him to move out.

SNEAK PEAK: A baby is missing.

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL: Still in shock from Brooke's appearance and her explanation of the recent events that took place, Ridge is torn about how to handle the situation. Stephanie and Donna go head to head when they each take opposite sides on Ridge's choices. Ridge takes the blame for the fiasco at his and Taylor's wedding. Stephanie confronts Brooke about the scene she had caused at the beach house, while Brooke has a few harsh words in return. Brooke returns from her leave of absence in order to begin a new chapter in her life. Taylor attempts to stay confident that Ridge will not succumb to Brooke's persuasiveness now that they are working together. Katie comes up with a new publicity campaign that she feels will save Forrester Creations. Unfortunately, Eric will have to make a few substantial sacrifices to proceed with the campaign, allowing Donna to become an object of male desire. Owen becomes territorial with Jackie when he notices some chemistry between her and Whip.

SNEAK PEAK: Bill is up to no good.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Daniel tells Lucas when Chloe wakes up, she and Daniel will be together. Lucas is unable to forgive Chloe. Victor pays Daniel's sky-high bail and tells Daniel why he thinks Kate tried to kill Chloe. Chloe has a slight beep of brain function as she whispers "Daniel." Arianna completes a drug deal with Troy. Philip learns one of his men has been shot. Bo and Philip go to the hospital where Carlo dies. Stephanie tells Philip he is not a bad man. Stephanie tells Roman she was right to break up with Philip but misses being in love. Roman assures her the right man is out there; she just has to let him in. Stephanie decides to give Nathan a chance, unaware that he is interested in Melanie.

EJ visits Grace's grave for the first time on her and Sydney's 6-month birthday and is infuriated when he sees the name "Brady" on her headstone. Nicole watches unseen as EJ smashes the old headstone and damns Sami. Chad and Kinsey reset their plan to break up Will and Mia, while Will confides in Mia he's upset about Chloe cheating on his father. Mia painfully admits to Will she's not a virgin and that Chad was her first lover. Will professes his love for her.

SNEAK PEAK: Sami and Rafe call it quits.

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Sam easily fall back into their comfortable, familiar pattern as they head south in their search for Michael and Kristina. Kristina remains consumed with guilt as she and Michael make their way to the Mexican border. Jerry informs Claudia he has no intention of calling off his search for Michael because he wants to use the boy as bait to get to Jason. Jerry comes to Michael and Kristina's rescue. Sam closes in on Michael and Kristina. Jax supports Carly's decision to have Michael move back in with them once he comes home. Sonny tells Claudia he wants her to come home. Dominic is shocked when he walks in on Olivia and Johnny in a compromising position. Alexis is arrested for the murder of Brianna Hughes. Robin sets out to prove her innocence. Ethan tells Rebecca he needs her in his life but she rebuffs his advances, stating she wants to see where things might lead with Nikolas. Spinelli shows up at the Scorpio family dinner to ask Mac for Maxie's hand in marriage.

NEXT WEEK: Maxie says yes.

GUIDING LIGHT: Phillip reveals to Alan that the owner of the cafe they've arrived at is the widow of the man who took his place in Vietnam. Alan goes into the diner and tells the man's son he knew his father. Phillip tells Alan he has a progressive and incurable disease. Phillip tells Ed that if he can't help him, he'll find help somewhere else. Shayne and Dinah wed. Dinah tells Mallet he can't turn Marina in because Dinah is the one who killed the man. Mallet warns Dinah that Frank knows she's the killer and says she's not safe. Dinah stops Shayne from planning the spontaneous honeymoon and admits the cops are after her because she killed the man she thought was Edmund. In the woods, Jeffrey, feverish and weak, talks to Reva's photo to keep himself going. Jeffrey collapses just before reaching a remote cabin. A man walks over to Jeffrey's lifeless body — it's Jonathan. Jeffrey comes to and warns Jonathan that Edmund wants to destroy everyone Reva loves. He explains that he needs to let Edmund think he's dead so he can get an advantage on him. Jeffrey tells Jonathan that he's doing a good job with Sarah. Jonathan gets a menacing call from Edmund.

SNEAK PEAKS: Edmund strikes.

ONE LIFE TO LIVE: Rex warns Schuyler to stay away from Gigi. Gigi offers Stacy money to get an abortion. Stacy accuses Gigi of being afraid that Rex will end up leaving her once the baby is born. Alone, Stacy collapses in pain after her and Gigi's heated confrontation. Realizing the baby is the only chance she has to hold onto Rex, Stacy decides not to tell him she suffered a miscarriage. Rex is furious when Gigi confesses she offered Stacy money to have an abortion. The tension mounts between Rex and Gigi when he admits he won't abandon his child, but they eventually end up in each other's arms, resolved to the fact they have a long road ahead of them. In front of Blair, Todd declares that he wants to be with Tea and only Tea. Nora locks eyes with Bo while sharing a last dance with Clint. Viki's thrown for a loop when Charlie suggests expanding their family. Asher and his boss, Serge, surprise Cole in his apartment. Serge plants a listening device in the apartment. John later tells Starr that she and Cole can't see or talk to each other until this assignment is completed. Layla defends Fish when Cristian wonders if he's gay.

SNEAK PEAK: Blair searches for Tea's secret.

YOUNG AND RESTLESS: Ashley tells Victor to give her some space because she needs to work out how he could be so cruel to her and her family and then say it was for her benefit. Paul is crushed when Nikki says she cannot marry him. Nikki admits to Victor that she is still in love with him; that he is the only man she has ever truly loved. Alone, Victor admits that he does still love Nikki. While waiting in the road at the ranch in the rain, Nikki is a deer in the headlights as Ashley's car comes barreling down the road and skids off the road. Adam admits to Heather he had a one-night stand with Rafe. Mary Jane is stricken when she realizes that Zapato ate her stuffed cat. Mary Jane drugs Jack's drink. Drunk and delirious, Jack makes love to Mary Jane, who he believes is Sharon. Daniel tells Amber that the reason they are breaking isn't because she slept with Deacon but because he can't take her constant lying. Billy tells Chloe that he can never forgive Jill for choosing Cane, a con artist, over him, her own son. Kay tells Jill that spoke to Billy on her behalf and asked him to forgive her. Kay also admits that she should have forgiven Jill years ago for everything that happened with Phillip because the truth was that her relationship with him was never as strong as Kay believed. Sharon is arrested for grand theft after she steals a ring that is identical to the one Nick gave to Phyllis.

SNEAK PEAK: A death in the family occurs.

Source: New York Daily News

Here's a switch: EJ wising up on 'Days of Our Lives'

By Carolyn Hinsey
Daily News Staff Writer, Friday, August 7th 2009, 5:43 AM

EJ finally confronts Nicole about her bizarre behavior today on "Days of Our Lives."

"I guess he's no longer an idiot," says Arianne Zucker, who plays EJ's scheming wife, Nicole. "He finally sees there is something very wrong about her behavior."

Ya think? Nicole faked a pregnancy, stole a baby, secretly switched it with Sami's baby (whose father happened to be EJ) and then stood by when the baby Sami and EJ thought was theirs died.

"Nicole puts EJ off, but then Dr. Baker calls and wants more money," says Zucker, referring to the doctor who helped switch the babies. "Stefano [EJ's dad] says, 'Once a blackmailer, always a blackmailer.'"

Stefano pays the $100,000 behind EJ's back, vowing that Baker won't get one more dime.

Cue the murder mystery?

"Maybe," says Zucker.

Seeing Stefano and Nicole with their heads (and wallets) together raises EJ's suspicions again.

"Nicole does the angry flip and says, 'You don't trust me! You are still in love with Sami!' EJ says, 'Honey, I love you, you're my life.' What a horrible relationship."

Since Zucker recently revealed she is pregnant in real life, speculation is that EJ will learn the truth around the time Zucker goes on maternity leave.

"Either she'll run away or go to jail," says Zucker, who sees the irony of her character faking a pregnancy last year and her hiding a real one this year.

"I'm not very big yet, but I am wearing looser clothes," she says. "My chest is huge - and no, I did not get a boob job!"

ALL MY MOVES: As outlined in Inner Tube yesterday, ABC will move production of "All My Children" from New York to L.A. in December. "One Life to Live" will then move into "AMC's" upper West Side studio (which shares space with "The View"). Both soaps will go high-definition in 2010.

The big question is: How many "AMC" actors will move to L.A.?

"They've given us one week to decide," says Thorsten Kaye (Zach), whose partner, Susan Haskell, toils on "OLTL" as Marty. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I'm not the kind of dad who wants to be 3,000 miles away from my kids. And it's not exactly the best time to sell real estate."

That said, "I think the move shows that ABC has a lot of belief in 'AMC' and wants to keep it going," says Kaye.

See next week for more.

In other "OLTL" news, Robin Strasser has signed a new contract as "OLTL's" Dorian Lord.

SODopinion@aol.com

Did You Know that these beauties all had soap opera ties...

Three Beautiful Ladies -- all with soap opera ties.

Jaclyn Smith auditioned for the role of Victoria Winters on Dark Shadows when Alexandra Moltke left the series.

One of Farrah Fawcett's earliest roles was on Days of Our Lives in September 1970 as Diana, a young blonde who had a one-night stand with Doug Williams after they met at Doug's Place.

Kate Jackson as most know got her start on Dark Shadows as Daphne Harridge.

New Movie Features Soap Veterans

Catherine Hicks (Willie's girlfriend, Family; Dr. Faith Coleridge, Ryan's Hope; Jeannie Barker, Winnetka Road; Annie Camden, 7th Heaven)

Rance Howard (Gifford, Dynasty; unknown role, Dallas; Henry Clovis, Days of Our Lives; Fireman, Baywatch; Joe, Baywatch; Motel Manager, Melrose Place; unknown role, Baywatch Nights; Old Man in Park, 7th Heaven; Marcus Rosco, Angel; Oliver Kostin, ER)

Lance Henrikson (Preston Post, Ryan's Hope)

Ernest Borgnine (Nargola, Captain Video & His Video Rangers; Joe, 7th Heaven; Paul Manning, ER)

Louise Fletcher (Christine Bey, Picket Fences; Judge N. Swanson, The Practice; Tillie Simms, Any Day Now; Mrs. Wagner, 7th Heaven; Roberta 'Birdie' Chadwick, ER)

Fred Thompson (Politician on TV, Sex and the City)

Source: mlive.com

More cast announced for 'The Genesis Code': veteran actor Lance Henriksen, '7th Heaven' actress Catherine Hicks, more

by John Serba | The Grand Rapids Press

Thursday July 30, 2009, 2:13 PM

In addition to Ernest Borgnine, Louise Fletcher, Fred Thompson and Rich Franklin, "The Genesis Code" will feature a few more recognizable faces in its cast.

Lance Henriksen ("Aliens," "Near Dark"), Rance Howard (father of Ron Howard) and Catherine Hicks (TV's "7th Heaven) have roles in the film, shooting in the Grand Rapids area.

The two leads will be played by relative newcomers Logan Bartholomew and Kelsey Sanders.

Jerry Zandstra, vice president of "Code" production company American Saga Productions, said Bartholomew and Sanders are in town now, and other cast members will arrive soon.

"Code" begins principal photography Monday.

Lynda Hirsch Summaries: Week of July 27 to July 31, 2009

http://www.creators.com/lifestylefeatures/fashion-and-entertainment/lynda-hirsch-on-soaps/lynda-hirsch-on-soaps-summary-2009-08-01.html

ALL MY CHILDREN: Frankie, Angie and Jesse are devastated when Randi loses the baby. Zach sets Annie up to make it look as though she fired a shot at Adam and then slips off into the night unseen. Adam has Annie arrested, but Scott thinks she might be telling the truth when she claims someone set her up. Kendall is certain that she was the one who killed Stuart and has been repressing the memory. Jesse knows Zach framed Annie to protect Kendall and the two men tacitly agree to keep each other's secrets. Kendall tells Ryan she killed Stuart and confirms that Zach set Annie up to take the fall for her. Jake warns Amanda she can't keep running to Taylor's to see Trevor or else David might get suspicious. Taylor and Tad's talk about finding the right person to be with leads to a kiss. Krystal admits to Tad that she's bothered by the fact he's seeing Taylor but says she's happy for him.

SNEAK PEEK: Kendall is sentenced.

AS THE WORLD TURNS: Janet's little sister, Teri, comes to town, becoming Sage and Parker's nanny. Liberty returns from Chicago, claiming the internship program ran out of money. She admits to Parker she was fired for making too many mistakes. Brad learns Kim won't employ him without a co-host. He and Henry try to convince Kim to take Vienna back so Brad can work. Kim thinks the audience won't respond to Vienna anymore, but that they will respond to Henry. Henry leaps at the opportunity to co-host, but Brad helps him see that it would ruin any chances of him reuniting with Vienna. Henry dejectedly returns home, only to find a bouquet of flowers with an apology note. Henry's thrilled and thinks Vienna's returning to him, but when he opens the door, he finds it's actually his mother, there to help him recover from the loss of Vienna. Brad and Katie finally get their romantic alone time. Henry finds Audrey rifling through his things, certain she's after his money. He brings her over to Brad and Katie's to stay out of trouble, while he goes and has his account numbers and passwords changed. He gets back to his hotel room and sees it turned inside out, and is furious with Audrey — only it's not Audrey, but Vienna, who has comes back — at Audrey's insistence, no less. Henry makes love to Vienna. Meg admits Paul's been acting the way he did when she fell in love with him. Paul's grateful, but admits he's not going to have surgery to return his memories. Meg returns to Damian, upset over the fact that the new Paul doesn't want her. Damian says that Paul doesn't know what he is missing and the two begin to make love. Lily, Damian, Lucinda and Holden argue over whether Luke should work for Damian or Lucinda. Lily's increasingly uneasy with her feelings for Damian. Tom is worried Riley and Margo are having an affair.

SNEAK PEEK: Noah confronts Mason.

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL: Pam takes a fancy towards Whip and makes a drastic change to show him just how much. Stephanie and Jackie agree to put aside their torrid past and become friends. Taylor asks Stephanie to be her matron of honor. Eric questions Ridge about his feelings for Brooke and his intentions with Taylor. This line of questioning gets Ridge's mind swirling with wonder of where his heart truly lies. A visit from a relentless Brooke makes Thomas and Steffy fear that she may ruin everything between Ridge and Taylor. Unaware that Steffy has been intercepting her messages, Ridge confesses his hurt to Eric that Brooke hasn't tried to talk him out of marrying Taylor. Meanwhile, Brooke waits on the beach for Ridge to arrive for their happy reunion. She takes off on her horse to find him before he marries Taylor.

SNEAK PEEK: A wedding is interrupted.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Daniel is brought to the police station in handcuffs. Lucas learns Daniel and Chloe were lovers. Lucas continues his confrontation in jail with Daniel, refusing to believe Daniel's assertion that Kate poisoned Chloe while also framing Daniel.

Although Victor thinks Katie is the culprit, he does not want to hurt Phillip by painting his son's mother as a murderer. EJ questions Nicole about Sydney. Rafe tells Sami he crashed a car into a tree and the impact killed Emily. Rafe tracks down Meredith and it becomes clear that she feels there is more to the story of Emily's "accident." She insists that Rafe is hiding information and is completely responsible for her death. Rafe states he will not lose Sami because of his past, and goes home to her. Back at the Salem Inn, Meredith opens the door to the person who brought her back to Salem ... Stefano!

SNEAK PEEK: Stephanie comforts Phillip.

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sam questions the way Alexis is parenting Kristina. Alexis is stopped short when Sam reveals she thinks it's possible that Kristina might have caused Claudia's accident. Claudia vows revenge on the driver responsible for the crash that caused her to lose the baby. Michael decides he has no choice but to run away in order to spare his family any more anguish. A guilt-ridden Kristina tells Michael she's running away with him. Olivia admits to Johnny that she's known about Claudia's role in Michael's shooting for months and explains why she never told Sonny. Edward keeps Nikolas away from Rebecca. Rebecca rebuffs Ethan when he says he wants another chance with her. Lulu helps Maxie derail Spinelli as he's about to ask Mac for Maxie's hand in marriage.

SNEAK PEEK: Jerry's after Jason.

GUIDING LIGHT: Phillip reveals to Alan that the owner of the cafe they've just walked into is the widow of the man who took his place in Vietnam. Dinah and Shayne wed. Dinah tells Mallet he can't turn Marina in because Dinah is the one who killed the man. Frank tells Mallet he overheard Dinah. Mallet helps Dinah flee the country. Alan confronts Phillip about the fact that he's dying. Phillip admits his disease is progressive and incurable. Suddenly, Alan's demeanor shifts and he accuses Phillip of lying to him. Phillip is desperate to find a cure. In the woods, Jeffrey, feverish and weak, talks to Reva's photo to keep himself going. Jonathan finds a lifeless Jeffrey. Jonathan lays Jeffrey down and reassures Sarah that Jeffrey is a good guy. Jeffrey starts to come to. Jeffrey tells Jonathan he's not going home yet and is going to stay "dead." Jonathan gets a menacing call from Edmund.

SNEAK PEEK: Edmund makes a vow to Lara to make Reva's family suffer.

ONE LIFE TO LIVE: Stacy tells Gigi and Rex she is pregnant. Rex lets out all his anger over the fact Gigi felt she had no other option but to lie to him, despite how noble her intentions were. Gigi takes full responsibility for everything that's happened between her and Rex, even his sleeping with Stacy. Bo and Nora are locked in a kiss, unaware that Matthew is watching them. Matthew tries to blackmail Bo and Nora into signing the consent form for his surgery, threatening to tell Clint if they don't. Nora admits she's confused about her feelings for Bo when Rachel presses her. Nora argues she shouldn't hurt Clint by canceling the wedding when Bo hasn't come right out and said he wants to be with her. Tea tells Todd she won't be used as a pawn in his games with Blair and returns the key he gave her. Cole tells Ashe he is ready to deal drugs. Marty tells John she wants to move forward with him. Jessica thinks she has seen Nash.

SNEAK PEEK: A hellish wedding occurs.

YOUNG AND RESTLESS: Billy and Mac make love for the first time. Cane tells Lily that the oncologist was able to harvest a few eggs during her surgery and Lily is overwhelmed with joy. Cane promises to stay by Lily's side for as long as she wants him there. Jill brings Cane to Chloe's party and asks everyone to accept that Cane is going to be a part of her life. Jack starts to put the pieces together and realizes that Victor may be behind bringing Mary Jane to Genoa City. Nick and Phyllis renew their vows. Sharon admits to Jack that the baby isn't his; its Nick's. Billy reveals to Ashley that Victor set up Colleen so she would have to resign from the Newman board of directors. Ashley has a hallucination of Sabrina telling her that Victor is after her and her baby. Later, Victor finds a frightened Ashley screaming that Sabrina told her she was going to die because of him.

SNEAK PEEK: A tragic accident happens.

Lynda Hirsch On Soaps: Gossip

http://www.creators.com/lifestylefeatures/fashion-and-entertainment/lynda-hirsch-on-soaps.html

LYNDA HIRSCH ON SOAPS -- GOSSIP

"Days of Our Lives" is going back to the good old days this fall. The NBC soap will bring back a trio of its characters that were mainstays in the early and mid 1990s.

Crystal Chappell, who played Carly Manning, is headed to town in October. For recent viewers and those who do not remember Carly, here is a bit of her past. The big part includes an affair with and eventual marriage to Bo Brady. At one point, she was Frankie Brady's birth sister. With so many writers and producers since then, who knows if this relationship will be mentioned? Especially since Billy Warlock, who played Frankie, was brought back a few years ago and then written out.

Carly was first brought into the Salem scene by Justin Kiriakis. (Wally Kurth, who played Justin, is set to reprise that role.) In a typical soap opera coincidence, Carly was stunned when she came to town and saw her boarding school chum Jennifer Horton and Jennifer's cousin Bo Brady. Bo had rescued her when she and her boyfriend Lawrence Alamain were having a heated argument. Bo had no recollection of Carly. As with most women, his lack of remembering made her furious. The beginnings of an "I hate you; now I love you" relationship was afoot. With Bo thinking his wife, Hope, was dead, he and Carly hooked up. Eventually, Carly hooked up with the man who turned out to be Bo's birth father, Victor. She did this to save Bo's life. Carly was relieved of one marital task: Victor was paralyzed so they did not have sex.

A story line that is so bizarre followed.

It is even too bizarre for me to relate. (You know how bizarre I am.) Fast forward: Bo and Carly wed. When that marriage ended, Carly and her old flame Lawrence left town together. Also set to return is Lawrence, played by Michael Sabatino. Sabatino and Chappell are married in real life. The duo met and married while working on "Days."

Lawrence is a very mercurial character. He has gone from pure evil to romantic hero. At one point, he was said to be raised by wolves with his brother, John Black. (Please let them not re-visit this plot.) The couple spent years looking for their son, Nick. The real villain in the piece was Lawrence's Aunt Vivian. Thanks to Vivian, Carly thought the son she had given birth to was dead. In truth, Vivian had raised the boy, "Nikki," as her own. When Carly realized who Nikki was, Vivian started a master plan to get rid of Carly.

Carly, a respected doctor, was seeing her patients die in droves. Vivian was injecting them with cleaning fluid. For a time, everyone thought a demented Carly was doing the dirty deed. (Every pun intended.) In the end, it was revealed that really demented Vivian was the culprit. Vivian was sent to a mental hospital.

Guess what? Vivian, played by Louise Sorel, is also returning this fall. This means the axis of evil that is Stefano, Victor and Vivian is about to create lots of problems in Salem.

Hall of Fame: Denise Alexander

Denise Alexander

2009 Soap Opera Hall of Fame Inductee

• unknown role, Perry Mason
• Lois Adams, The Clear Horizon
• unknown role, General Hospital
• Emily Sanders, Ben Jerrod
• Lorna Hill, General Hospital
• Susan Hunter, Days of Our Lives
• Dr. Lesley Wiliams, General Hospital
• Gail McLain, Hotel
• Mary McKinnon, Another World
• Sister Beatrice, Sunset Beach

Denise Alexander (born November 11, 1939) is best known to modern audiences for her role as Lesley Webber on General Hospital, a role she created in 1973. She has been called at times the most consistently popular actress in the history of television soap operas.

Born on Long Island, New York, she moved to Los Angeles when her father, Alec Alexander, an agent who handled at that point such notables as Frank Gorshin and Sal Mineo, decided to make the switch from the east to the west coast.

Alexander began her career as a child actress performing in radio shows such as A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I Remember Mama, The Marriage where she played the daughter of Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, and the radio soap opera Perry Mason. A successful child actress, Alexander racked up literally thousands of performing credits on TV and radio, 5000 in radio alone, by the time she was a junior at UCLA where she majored in English. On the stage, she starred on Broadway as Evelyn Munn in the revival of Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour and appeared with Ethel Waters in A Member of the Wedding. She made her feature movie debut at age fourteen in the John Cassavetes film Crime In The Streets in 1956. Television began to claim her almost exclusively, and she eventually guested in over 200 shows, including Father Knows Best, I Remember Mama, Ben Casey, Twilight Zone, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, The Virginian, The Danny Kaye Show, and Combat.

On daytime television, she got her first regular job in 1960 portraying Lois Adams on The Clear Horizon for two years. She next appeared in daytime on the pilot episode of General Hospital on April 1, 1963; the name of her character is unknown. Next she would have a shorter stint as Emily Sanders on the short-lived NBC soap opera, Ben Jerrod, which had debuted the same day as General Hospital.

Alexander took a brief reprieve from acting and tried to sell real estate. Her return to acting happened in 1965, again on General Hospital for a short stint, this time as Lorna Hill.

Alexander first came to fame in the soap opera genre by playing Susan Hunter Martin on Days of our Lives a role she created in March 1966. A popular actress, much of the show's early success had to do with Susan's rivalry with Julie Olson (played the longest by Susan Seaforth Hayes). She became so popular in the role that she was frequently at number 1 in the most popular fan poll of the time conducted by Daytime TV magazine; twice being named Best Actress of the Year for 1972 and 1973. For seven years, her character was involved in a never-ending series of melodramtic turns -- mental instability, serious illness, rape, murder, etc. -- but Alexander tore into the role with exquisite emotionalism and gothic beauty that kept viewers riveted.

In 1973, Susan Martin was written out of the show temporarily when the Days casting office hit a snag renewing her contract and the contract lapsed. ABC Daytime rushed to offer her a then-unheard of salary/perks package to join General Hospital. When Susan Martin finally returned to Days, a new actress was playing her.

A few months later, she started on General Hospital, playing the role of Dr. Lesley Williams, which would become her longest-tenured role in daytime. At the time of her move to General Hospital, she received the highest salary every paid to a daytime actress.

For several years, the character of Lesley lacked direction. She was burdened with frigidity, a psychopathic husband, and a child that aged ten years overnight. It seemed for at least awhile that General Hospital just didn't know what to do with the character. That all changed as Alexander as Lesley proved pivotal to the show's comeback in 1978 after the late Gloria Monty took over as producer. In a storyline written by the late Douglas Marland, Lesley took the rap for her daughter's murder of David Hamilton, culminating in Lesley's trial for murder and the alienation of her husband Rick. Alexander's performance in this plotline and in the subsequent Rick-Lesley-Monica triangle was just as important as the Luke and Laura love story in bringing General Hospital to number one in the ratings. This culminated in her once again being named Best Actress of the Year by Daytime TV magazine in 1980.

In a 1981 People Weekly interview, Alexander spoke about her General Hospital boss, calling the late Gloria Monty "a wonderfully bossy little lady."

Alexander stayed with the show for eleven years, choosing to leave after tense contract negotiations in 1984. She last appeared in March 1984. Fans were outraged when her character was not just written out but killed off in an automobile accident, leaving little chance of a return to the show, especially since at this time returns from the dead were not standard fare in daytime dramas. Fans picketed the ABC studios. General Hospital's ratings which were already declining continued to do so after her departure.

In 1986, she was offered a big salary to portray the absent McKinnon matriarch, Mary, on Another World. The role was created by Margaret DePriest who had written for General Hospital years before, and had worked with Alexander there. When the commute from her home in Los Angeles to Another World's studio in New York City proved to be difficult for her, she left in 1989. In 1996, she returned to General Hospital and has played the character of Lesley on a recurring basis. In 1997, she began appearing for a few months as Sister Beatrice on the NBC soap opera, Sunset Beach.

Outside of soaps, she has produced for both network and cable television, spoken as guest lecturer/speaker to groups from charities to civic groups to college audiences. She has also worked as a photojournalist for Ladies Home Journal and other magazines. For the Katherine Hepburn film Olly, Olly, Oxen Free, directed by her longtime companion Richard Colla, she served as still photographer and production coordinator.

In 1982, she also co-produced and co-starred in Shaft of Love for Showtime Cable Network. The soap opera comedy featured such daytime favorites as Tony Geary, Kin Shriner, Morgan Fairchild, Ed Nelson, and Susan Flannery.

Besides her wins as Best Actress mentioned above, Alexander holds the record as being the performer with the most appearances in their monthly Top 10. She received one Daytime Emmy nomination in 1976 as Best Actress for the role of Lesley.

Days of Our Lives Love Theme

Carlo & Liz's Love Theme (Days of Our Lives)

Bruce Spingsteen's I'm On Fire

Used on Days of Our Lives as the love theme for Carlo Forenza (Don Diamont) and Liz Curtis (Gloria Loring) in 1984

Hall of Fame: Bill Hayes

Bill Hayes

2009 Soap Opera Hall of Fame Inductee

• Doug Williams, Days of Our Lives
• Byron Carmichael, Days of Our Lives

Bill Hayes was born William Foster Hayes III on June 5, 1925 in Harvey, Illinois. He grew up throughout the Midwest. His father was an encyclopedia salesman for 41 years. He got his talent from his dad who enjoyed singing and local community theater performing on the sly.

Hayes entered WWII as a naval airman, then studied at De Pauw University, where he met and married first wife Mary Hobbs. They married in 1947. The marriage ended in divorce in 1969. They went on to have five children. He later received his master's degree at Northwestern.

Blessed with a sturdy tenor, his interest in a professional career was piqued after happening upon a tour of Carousel in 1947. From singing telegrams to singing at Irish wakes to singing as a cantor in a synagogue to singing in barbershop quartets to choir directing to jazz group vocals, Hayes persevered musically until earning his first big break on TV. A lead singing/stooge role in Olsen & Johnson's zany burlesque revue Funzapoppin' in 1949 led to him joining the pair on their short-lived TV show. This led to his biggest break. Hayes was a singer on the Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca variety show Your Show of Shows from 1950 to 1953.

In the meantime he also performed in vaudeville and broke into films with a supporting role in Stop, You're Killing Me (1952). Despite a wife and family to support, he left Your Show of Shows on his own volition in 1953 for the chance to star in a new Broadway musical. Rodgers and Hammerstein's Me and Juliet which opened with moderate success in 1953 and lasted over a year, touring with the show in its aftermath.

During the Davy Crockett craze in 1955, three recorded versions of the Ballad of Davy Crockett were in the top 30. Hayes' version was the most popular, reaching #1 on the Billboard charts, selling over three million copies, and reaching #3 for the year. He had other small hits in the 1950's including The Berry Tree and covers of High Noon and Wringle, Wrangle.

A nightclub and TV-variety fixture in the late 1950s. In 1959, he co-starred with Florence Henderson in Oldsmobile Musical Theatre, a short-lived, experimental TV series that integrated dama and song in live half-hour stories.

He later managed to flex his vocal chords in such musicals as Bye Bye Birdie (national tour during the 1961-1962 season), Brigadoon, The Pajama Game and George M! He played a major role in the Otto Preminger film version of The Cardinal in 1963.

The 1960s were a slow, difficult time for Hayes professionally and personally, which culminated in the breakup of his marriage. Hayes scrambled to find a steady job to support his five children, who were all left in his care after the divorce.

Luck and talent played a part when he was hired to join the cast of Days of Our Lives playing the role of Doug Williams. The character was originally a louse and con artist, paid to seduce Julie Olson, but grew more reputable after his character fell in love with the feisty troublemaker Julie, played by Susan Seaforth. Throughout the 70s and a good part of the 80s, Bill and Susan reigned as the Lunt and Fontanne of daytime soaps earning them the title "the first couple of daytime". Doug's partnership with Julie is widely considered by many critics and fans to be the first supercoupling on the American daytime serials despite the equally or similarly popular couplings of the likes of Jeff and Penny on As The World Turns or Steve and Alice on Another World that preceded them.

They were both almost permanent fixtures on the popular Daytime TV magazine reader's poll. In the yearly awards given by the magazine Hayes won Best Actor of the Year for 1973, 1976 and 1977. His partner won the Best Actress title in 1976 and 1977.

Doug and Julie, along with writer Pat Falken Smith, are generally credited with Days of Our Lives popular and critical success of the early to mid 1970s.

Off-screen the couple also ignited sparks and, despite their major age difference (she is 18 years his junior), they married on October 12, 1974.

Hayes originally played the role from 1970 to 1984. His singing career also found its way into his storyline; in the story, Doug was introduced as a convict who was also a lounge singer.

While continuing in the soap role, Hayes worked in cabaret, continued to record albums, wrote a column in Soap Opera Digest, created a soap opera student workshop, and worked on the development of serial spin-off of Days of Our Lives.

In 1984, after 14 years, the cover of Time magazine, two daytime Emmy nominations, he and Susan chose not to renew their contracts with Days mostly over disagreement with storyline direction for Doug and Julie. Also due to the fact that it was felt by the current powers that be that the once pivotal characters were not needed and wanted to relegate them to permanent supporting status. Focus was now on Doug's daughter Hope and her onscreen beau, Bo Brady. The powers that be wanted to make Doug & Julie the heavy's in the story, completely ignoring that with all Doug & Julie went through to be together they would never stand in the way of true love. It was a total rewrite of the history of the relationship. The decision to leave was a mutual one between all parties, even though the Hayes' would have preferred to stay with the show they loved.

While Susan went on to join the cast of The Young and the Restless the following year, Hayes refocused on his singing by performing on the cabaret circuit and recording a few albums.

The character of Doug returned in 1986 and 1987, as well as 1993 and 1996. Most recently, he has been on the show since 1999, only to have his character killed off in the spring of 2004 by Dr. Marlena Evans (This was done to reduce the show's budget). In an elaborate plot hatched by head writer James E. Reilly, Doug Williams turned up alive on a tropical island and went home to his wife.

In 2005, the couple published their joint autobiography, Like Sands Through The Hourglass.

Bill is still performing on stage, more recently playing Beauregard in Mame and with his wife in productions of A Christmas Carol, Love Letters and Same Time, Another Year, which is a sequel to Same Time, Next Year.

Lynda Hirsch on Soaps Q&A

Source: Creators.com
July 25, 2009

Q: When the character of Mallet came to town on "Guiding Light," didn't he have another name and a shady past? — Robert, Port Huron, Ohio

A: Yes to both. When Mallet came to town in the 1990s, he had the name Anthony Camaletti. The mob was after him so he changed his name to A.C. Mallet. The writers were doing a goof on the name M.C. Hammer. As a law enforcement member, he fell in love with police cadet Harley. Harley and A.C. headed to Florida. While in Florida, he had a few affairs. Harley came back to town without her husband. In need of cash in Florida, Mallet became a hit man for Griggs. Mallet wanted to distance himself from the mob so he returned to Springfield. Short on cops, he was rehired by the police. Once again, he fell in love with a trainee. This time, it was Marina.

Q: When Don Diamont first came to "Bold and Beautiful," his character had a very prominent story line. Lately, no one even mentions his name. What is the deal? Also, didn't the actor have a relationship with a well-known singer? — Alicia, Rockford, Ill.

A: "B&B" has a reputation for shoving new characters down your throat. Suddenly, they disappear. Last time Whip was on the air, he was everywhere. Then he married Brooke and he disappeared. Whip is now back.

Massimo, dad of Nick and Ridge, was all over the place; then he disappeared. That worked well for "Days of Our Lives." It allowed Joe Mascolo to return to that show as Stefano.

Back to Diamont's Bill: While he was off the canvas for a while, the show says in the next month or two he will have a powerhouse story line.

Nice news for Don Diamont, who saw his Brad character killed off on "Young and Restless" earlier this year.

For many years, Diamont and Gloria Loring, who co-starred with him on "Days of Our Lives," were an item. Loring played nightclub singer Liz Chandler. Diamont played the lowlife son of her on-screen husband Neil Curtis. Aside from her work on "Days," Loring was a frequent singing guest on Johnny Carson's show. Loring was previously married to Alan Thicke. Their son Robin Thicke is a hot recording star.

Q: Didn't Kim on "As the World Turns" have a son by John Dixon? — Carrie, Waltham, Mass.

A: Indeed. Andy Dixon was the product of that marriage. Andy was a key character on the show for years. Scott DeFreitas, who played Andy since he was a teenager, met and married Maura West (Carly) when they worked on "ATWT." The couple now have five children — one from her first marriage and four from their own. DeFreitas proposed to West in a most unusual and — for some — embarrassing way: He asked her to marry him on the Yankees fan-o-gram. The love of baseball first fueled their friendship. The couple shared the birth of their first child on the cable television show "A Baby's Story." As for Andy, about six years ago, he left town to get over his issues with alcohol. We never understood why the show axed the character or why they never brought him back.

Days: So Far in 2009

December 29, 2008 to January 2, 2009: Nicole bonds with pregnant teenager Jill. Nicole shows up at Dr. Baker's clinic demanding he find her a baby. When Nicole and Brady arrive at the clinic, Dr. Baker tells her the mother changed her mind and left. Nicole returns to the DiMera mansion and is ready to confess everything when EJ confesses his love for her and proposes marriage. Sami and Rafe discuss her options over a game of poker. Rafe is insistent that Sami will not see Sister Theresa again. Sami agrees. Meanwhile, the killer is foiled in his attempt to trace Rafe's cell phone. Stephanie has a slightly unsettling chat with Chloe about Philip's romantic history. Philip enters and asks Stephanie to ring in the New Year with him at Chez Rouge. Melanie overhears and accepts Maggie's invitation to the same New Year's party.

January 5, 2009 to January 9, 2009: A reluctant Lexie brings Theo to see Stefano, but gets into a fight with him over the boy and his diet. Theo wanders off during the argument and climbs up the stairs. Horrified, Bo flashes to the event as Theo loses his balance and falls. Theo is rushed to the hospital. Daniel says that Theo will need surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. Theo survives the surgery. Mia agrees to let Nicole adopt her baby. EJ crosses paths with Lucas and Chloe and congratulates them on their engagement. John tells Charlotte he's decided to go through with the hypnosis. Marlena overhears this and has mixed feelings. Under hypnosis John remembers the first time he saw Marlena. Sami seizes on Rafe's delirium and attempts to make a call to the convent, but Rafe wakes up and asks Sami to help him to the shower. During his shower, Hilda comes by with a present, and warns Sami that the slightest impulsive slip up could compromise everyone's life. Rafe comes out of the shower and passes out. Hilda finds herself face to face with the killer. When Kate tells Daniel she wants to put their relationship on hold he goes to Chloe, who admits she has feelings for him.

January 12, 2009 to January 26, 2009: Sami receives assurances from Sister Theresa that they will help her with her baby. Hilda is captured by the killer. Refusing to give the killer Sami's location, Hilda is murdered. Afterward, the killer vows to track Sami down. EJ is drawn into the family business, while Tony tries to warn Nicole. She is happy EJ's doing all of this for their family, but Tony warns at some point the family business will be more attractive than her. Lucas and Kate think Max and Chelsea are more than friends. Melanie's positive statement about Nick greatly reduces his jail sentence. Chloe and Daniel make passionate love. John is distraught when Charlotte tells him his chances of getting his memory back are essentially zero to none. Marlena confides to Brady she is suspicious of Charlotte, but perhaps she's overreacting. Charlotte proposes to John that he start a new life with her help. Brady enters Charlotte's office, where he finds the video of John's hypnosis session, and realizes that Charlotte's a liar because his dad is getting his memory back. EJ and Stefano plot to take control of the Alternative Fuels Project from the Kiriakis family. Meanwhile, when she returns to her office, Charlotte realizes someone broke into her laptop and saw John's session. Marlena returns home and Brady tells her he e-mailed John's hypnotherapy session. He shows her some of the session in which John remembers Marlena.

January 29, 2009 to January 23, 2009: Rafe and Sami learn Hilda was murdered. Rafe learns the safe house has been compromised and rushes Sami to the convent just as the killer enters the safe house. Marlena and Brady watch video of John's hypnotherapy session and come to the conclusion that Charlotte lied about John not remembering his past. Marlena convinces Brady to let her handle Charlotte by reporting her. Marlena is confronted by Charlotte. Marlena tries to reason with her, but when John calls, Charlotte pulls out a syringe filled with a lethal toxin. John hears and rushes over and stops Charlotte — but not her syringe, as it's plunged into him. John tells Marlena she's safe and he drops to the floor. John comes to and is rushed to the hospital. Marlena keeps vigil by his bedside, telling him all about their life, love and family. After Marlena kisses John, he suddenly opens his eyes and whispers he remembers everything! John recovers his memories, but may remain nothing but a physical vegetable from the neck down. Time being of the essence, Marlena takes charge and decides to go with John to Europe for treatment. John and Marlena share heartfelt goodbyes with Brady, Roman and Kayla. Even Stefano shows up, and is upset when he is given the cold shoulder. Before leaving, John and Marlena are married once again in an emotional impromptu ceremony. Nicole learns Sami is pregnant with EJ's baby. Chloe says Daniel is the one she wants, but Daniel says they can't be together. When the two try to part ways, they end up giving into temptation and share a searing kiss.

January 26, 2009 to January 30, 2009: Mia and Sami both go into labor at the same time. While Sister Theresa rushes Sami to see Dr. Baker, Nicole arrives at Mia's apartment to find the young woman is too far along to take her to the clinic. Mia can't move so Nicole helps her deliver a baby girl. Mia has doubts about whether she should give the baby up for adoption, but ultimately decides to go through with it. While Mia is sleeping, Nicole says she's grateful for the baby, but wishes she were EJ's child. Meanwhile, Sami arrives at the clinic and has a difficult delivery. The baby is in distress and Dr. Baker fights to deliver quickly. Nicole wants Baker to give her Sami's daughter and give Sami Mia's daughter. Max warns Philip to stay away from his sister. Philip is determined to obtain rights to Melanie's project.

February 2, 2009 to February 6, 2009: Maggie confronts Chloe, who tries to explain her affair. Maggie seems upset, but when they meet up with Lucas, she decides to say nothing. Maggie instead puts Chloe on warning as Chloe swears she is done with Daniel. Chloe and Daniel make love, Hope and the killer face off at the hospital as the killer holds Kayla hostage. Hope, in an effort to subdue the killer, shoots Kayla by mistake. Bo and Steve take down the killer, and Hope is horrified. Lexie rushes Kayla into surgery. Bo tells Hope not to blame herself; it was an accident. Bo admits that if anyone is to blame it should be him. Hope is pained to learn that Bo's vision was of her shooting Kayla. As Kayla fights for her life, Hope is investigated by internal affairs. Nicole and EJ bring home their baby. Despite a phone call with Mia and a pediatrician pestering her with questions, Nicole heaves a big sigh of relief as she and EJ settle in at last to enjoy their happy family. Nicole names her baby Sydney. Sami persuades Rafe, with some help from Roman, to let her stay at the convent a little longer. Sami is reluctant to abandon the baby, and nervous about returning to her old life in Salem. Sami names her baby Grace.

February 9, 2009 to February 13, 2009: Sami wakes up, worried that Rafe isn't around. Sister Theresa tells Sami that Rafe had a meeting with his boss. When Rafe returns, he tells Sister Theresa his meeting did not go well and his job is on the line. Kayla forgives Hope for shooting her. Hope admits her distress with Bo for not sharing his vision and reluctantly reveals that Steve knew of the vision. When Hope returns home, she tells Bo she's moving in with Doug and Julie. She's angry with herself and needs time to think. A devastated Bo watches Hope leave. Nicole, Brady and EJ rush to the hospital when Nicole discovers that Sydney has stopped breathing. Lexie returns and informs everyone that Sydney has a minor medical condition and will make a complete recovery. Nicole is warming a bottle for Sydney and believes she's finally in the clear when Dr. Baker shows up. When Dr. Baker demands more money, Nicole asks Brady for help. Brady finally agrees to break into Victor's safe. Victor catches Nicole and Brady breaking into his safe. Brady lies to Victor and tells him he borrowed money from Nicole and now he's paying her back. University Hospital holds a fundraiser at Chez Rouge, and Salem's rich and powerful decide to attend. At the Kiriakis mansion, Chloe consents to set a wedding date with Lucas, praying this commitment will end her infatuation with Daniel once and for all. She breaks down and races out of Chez Rouge. Lucas follows her to the pier and Chloe tells him she can't marry him.

February 16, 2009 to February 20, 2009: Melanie is stunned when she sees Chelsea and Max share a kiss. Steve is alarmed when Kayla tries to leave the hospital to defend Hope at the hearing. After Bo is forced to admit to the officials Hope's wrongdoing, Kayla is wheeled in by Steve and testifies to put Hope in a good light. Hope is suspended from the force. Bo urges Hope for another chance to work through this together. She leaves him utterly crushed. Chloe runs into Lucas with Allie, who is tearful because she misses Chloe. Lucas is very angry with Chloe, but admits he still loves her. Lucas takes a drink. Daniel receives Kate's test results and informs her she is in remission from her cancer. Kate is overjoyed and makes it clear she wants to start over with Daniel. He realizes he can't tell Kate about his affair until he clears it with Chloe. Lucas arrives at Daniel's to confront him about sleeping with Chloe. Daniel is at the hospital. When Chloe opens the door to Lucas, there is an explosion. Lexie is still affected by the emotional distance she shares with Theo. Abe reassures Lexie by telling her that their son expresses his love differently, and she must understand that.

February 23, 2009 to February 27, 2009: Stephanie breaks up with Philip, stating that she can't deal with his business persona. Sami learns from Rafe that there was no one else involved with the mayor's killer. Sami can finally go home, but is torn because now she has to leave baby Grace at the convent. Sami returns home. When Sydney cries, EJ gets her and asks Sami if she'd like to hold the baby. Nicole quickly yells no. Kate and Philip share a warm moment when he learns she's in remission. When Lucas almost dies in the gas explosion, Chloe makes a deal with God that if Lucas lives, she will stay at his side forever. Kate sees a goodbye kiss between Daniel and Chloe and hears them talking about their affair. Sami visits Lucas in the hospital. She learns he was drunk and she blames Chloe. Lucas asks what happened to her baby with EJ. Sami lies, telling Lucas the girl was stillborn. She changes the subject back to Chloe, convinced she is the reason Lucas fell off the wagon. Lucas blames Sami because she kept Will from him. Suddenly, a teenage boy appears, having heard his name. It's their son, Will. Hope surprises Bo by telling him she misses him and wants to come home. Bo is thrilled. Hope says there's one condition: Bo must tell her about his visions. Bo agrees. After Hope leaves, Bo has a vision of Hope making love to an unknown man.

March 2, 2009 to March 6, 2009: Lucas and Chloe decide to give their relationship a second chance. Nicole is done with being blackmailed by Dr. Baker. Will schemes to reunite Sami and Lucas. Philip and Stephanie discover that all of Titan's computer files are missing. A computer technician arrives and states that a worm virus destroyed Titan's files, including the Alternative Fuels project. Philip guesses the "worm" is none other than EJ DiMera. Meanwhile, EJ semi-assuages Nicole's jealousy toward Sami. As the two make up, Philip arrives at the mansion to confront EJ. EJ retains the upper hand, and Philip, getting nowhere with his accusations, leaves. Stefano enters and expresses pride in his son. Meanwhile, Philip shrugs off Stephanie's comfort and worries about his father's reaction to what's happened to Titan. Roman needles Stefano about the hit on the mayor, but Stefano insists he had nothing to do with it. Roman says they'll see what happens. Stefano makes a private call to make sure all of his ties to the killer's employers are cut, and cryptically admits he was behind the mayor's death. Worried after Philip barges in that he might tell EJ about her secret, Nicole calls Brady to ask for his help. Brady apprises an upset Melanie during their game of darts that the fuels project is lost. Melanie shows a bit of her human side and she starts to see Brady as one of the world's few good guys. Back at the DiMera mansion, Nicole vows to find out what Sami's up to and to protect Grace. Sami visits Sister Theresa and asks her not to let anyone else hold her baby. She can only imagine the consequences if anyone happened to find out the truth about Grace. Later, she talks to Roman and asks him to pull some strings to help Rafe's employment status. Roman hopes Rafe will be able to stay in D.C. and asks Sami about her plans. Sami admits she's unsure about what she wants to do.

March 9, 2009 to March 13, 2009: Chelsea walks in to overhear Max tell Will that he can't wait to have children one day. Chelsea is reminded of her inability to have children, and runs out. After realizing from Daniel that there is no changing this, she goes back to Max and breaks things off. While Chloe clearly has jitters over Lucas as he tells her he can't wait to be married, they decide to elope. Daniel tells Kate he does not want to have a quick fling with her. Nicole's confidence that she's gotten away with her fake pregnancy only grows as Dr. Baker tells her he's leaving town. Hope is thrilled when Abe reinstates her on the force. Bo has another vision and is uneasy when he sees Rafe and Hope together at the police station. Hope is amused by Bo's jealousy, and they celebrate the fact that they're working together. Rafe runs into Sami unexpectedly and she learns that he has definitely lost his job in Washington. Rafe insists she take no responsibility and that if he had to do it all over again, he would, and that it was his decision to make. Rafe asks Roman for a job. Sami wants to bring Grace back to Salem, but Rafe urges her to reconsider and stick to her plan. Sami agrees and feels more confident knowing that Rafe is here with her. Little does Sami know, but it looks like Rafe is leaving town. However, he's torn. Rafe calls his New York contact and passes up on the job. Later, Will shows up and witnesses a close moment between Sami and Rafe. He talks about wanting his mom and dad together, but Sami says that's not going to happen; she's got other things on her mind. Will urges his mom that whatever she's about to do, she shouldn't do it. Brady refuses to give Melanie further confirmation of the destroyed fuels project, but she hears a Titan employee react in shock to the hard copy being destroyed as well. She confronts EJ, having learned that he is in with the fossil fuels people and never wanted the Alternative Fuels Project to become a success.

March 16, 2009 to March 20, 2009: EJ and Nicole decide to have Sydney christened. While they are making plans, Stefano tells the couple they should consider having the christening at the Convent of the Holy Cross. Nicole panics when Stefano finally asks her why she went to the convent. Nicole lies and tells Stefano that she was doing charity work. She soon realizes Stefano doesn't know she switched babies with Sami. Tony realizes that Mia, not Nicole, is Sydney's birth mother. Will arrives at the Brady pub and tells Sami that Lucas and Chloe eloped. Kate boards a plane to Las Vegas to try and stop the elopement. As Kate watches the video in which Lucas and Chloe recite their vows, she develops a devious new plan. Melanie plots to steal the fuels project plans from Max, who keeps the plans in the Cheatin' Heart's safe. Melanie gets the combo to the safe and gets her hands on the plans. She gives them to Tony, who tells Melanie he'll be in touch, and makes a hasty retreat. Bo is startled when he has another vision of Hope in bed with the mystery man. In the vision, Hope says she never thought her husband's premonition would come true. At the convent, Rafe finds himself face to face with an old friend, Sister Agnes. She worries he may be putting too much stock in Sami, but Rafe assures her this is not the case.

March 23, 2009 to March 27, 2009: Daniel tells Maggie she was right to condemn him for his relationship with Chloe. Although initially skeptical, Maggie comes to see Daniel has sacrificed his own happiness to ensure Chloe's with Lucas. Meanwhile, Chloe and Lucas return to the Justice of the Peace office to retrieve their wedding video. They are stunned to find Kate there waiting for them. Tony's plan to tell EJ the truth about Nicole's fake pregnancy is put on hold when he and Nicole overhear Sami tell Stefano and EJ that she's adopted a baby. Brady overhears Rafe leaving a message for Sami and introduces himself as Sami's stepbrother. Rafe talks about Sami's courage while in witness protection, and Brady realizes Rafe has feelings for her. Philip meets Tony on the pier and offers to buy the formula back. Tony laments about his predicament of following in Stefano's shadow, something he and Philip have in common. Tony urges him to make a clean break and be the man he wants to be because as long as he's in his father's shadow it will never happen. Victor fires Philip from Titan for losing the fuels project to the DiMeras. Nicole meets up with Brady and tells him Tony knows that she's not Sydney's biological mother. She tells him of her plan to steal the last copy of the fuels project from Tony to blackmail him into not talking. Brady calls Tony and asks him to meet him on the pier for "business." EJ and Stefano discuss Tony's leaving the family. Stefano is determined to make Tony pay for abandoning his family. Meanwhile, Nicole watches Tony and Philip fight. Tony, while on the stairs, gives way and falls on a broken wooden pallet. At the pub, Bo sees Roman and Hope talking. He immediately thinks of his vision of seeing them in bed together.

March 30, 2009 to April 3, 2009: Stefano, EJ, and Nicole hold vigil for Tony at the hospital. Nicole sneaks into Tony's room and tries to convince him to remain quiet about Sydney's true paternity. A nurse catches Nicole and informs her that Tony has a punctured lung, so he can't talk at the moment. The nurse forces Nicole to leave the room, but Nicole later returns to possibly harm him. Stefano tells Daniel he wants him off Tony's case. Daniel agrees to find a new doctor for Tony. Lexie learns about Tony's condition. She works to keep Tony calm. Tony's death sends shock waves through Salem. Nicole finally makes her statement to Hope, corroborating Philip's story that Tony's injuries were accidental. Philip is plagued by guilt and feels responsible for Tony's death. EJ reveals the mysterious contents of Tony's final note, leaving everyone's curiosity piqued. Stefano bids a private farewell to his dead son and vows revenge. EJ promises Tony he will learn the meaning of his final words. Slapping Stefano, Anna blames him for Tony's death. Bo questions Philip some more about the events that led to Tony being hospitalized. After some prodding and help from Hope, Philip reveals the entire story concerning his meeting with Tony. Sami and Rafe bond after Grace's christening. Rafe lays into Will and tries to get him to cut Sami some slack and eventually Will gives in. Lucas confronts Sami about her adoption, wondering whether Grace is Sami's biological baby. Sami manages to assuage his suspicions. After Lucas leaves, Sami spends time with Allie, Johnny and Grace. Kate offers Chloe a job hosting a TV talk show for Home and Hearth. Chloe discovers she's not pregnant. Lucas tells Kate, who's relieved that she doesn't have to protect Daniel or Chloe. Later, Chloe agrees to take the Hearth & Home job. Nicole is horrified to find her new pediatrician at Salem University is Dr. Baker.

April 6, 2009 to April 10, 2009: Stephanie and Philip run into an angry Stefano, who still blames Philip for Tony's death. Philip insists Stefano should be angry with himself for driving Tony to desperate measures to prove himself worthy of his father. Philip decides to move out of the mansion and into Stephanie's apartment, and goes back to work at Titan. Stefano hires a hit on Philip. Nicole learns that Dr. Baker has taken a job as a pediatrician at the hospital. She insists she'll go to the hospital board about his baby brokering, but Baker warns if she does, he'll reveal her secret about the baby switch. Will convinces Mia to hold Grace. Mia feels an instant connection to the baby, but the moment is broken when Nicole calls and insists they meet. Kate moves forward with her plans of revenge on Chloe. Kate arrives at the hospital and trails Chelsea on the job, surreptitiously observing the procedure for signing out controlled substances. Chloe and Lucas discuss the job with the Vancouver Opera House that threatens to take Chloe out of town.

April 13, 2009 to April 17, 2009: As Sami and Rafe fight in the corridor, Nicole recognizes Rafe as the so-called "cable guy" who infiltrated the DiMera mansion. While enjoying time with one another, Mia inadvertently learns about Nicole's past from Will. Melanie gets caught pulling a scam at the Java Cafe, but is saved by Brady. She relates how she is moving on from Philip, but questions Brady on his own romantic agendas. Brady makes it clear it's not going to happen with the woman he cares about. Truly becoming friends, Melanie advises him to talk to this woman and wishes Brady the best, which leaves him thoughtful. Mia confronts Nicole, who's at the Horton cabin preparing for her wedding. Mia accuses Nicole of lying to her about her past and insists on taking her baby back. Nicole admits to her shady past, but insists that because of her love for EJ and having lost her miracle baby, she has truly changed. Mia is not convinced, so Nicole explains that if Mia reveals the truth about Sydney, things might not go so well for Mia. Bo has another vision of Roman and Hope in bed. This time, he sees a newspaper on the bedside table with today's date. Hope, meanwhile, has to go on a stakeout with Roman, thinking he's the man in Bo's vision. They end up in a motel room, the same room in Bo's vision, and are unable to communicate with the police. Roman and Hope are trapped in the Hacienda Motel by a drug dealer and his dangerous clients they were sent to surveil. Roman and Hope call for backup, and prepare for the worst. Meanwhile, worried out of fear that his vision of Roman and Hope making love could come true, Bo continues to try to pinpoint the pair's location. Bo, finally receiving word on the location of the drug bust, rushes to the motel. Roman and Hope take defensive positions just as the door bursts open. Hope and Roman are shocked to find Bo. Bo realizes that his vision was not exact and apologizes to Hope for not trusting her. The two embrace. Sami tells Lucas that Grace is EJ's child, and she plans to tell EJ. EJ and Stefano have put the hit man on Philip's trail. They want Philip's demise to occur while they're at the church, thus having an alibi. The hit man traces Phillip and Stephanie to a hotel room where they are having passionate sex.

April 20, 2009 to April 24, 2009: Nicole weathers a series of interruptions to her long-awaited wedding day. Before Mia can make any real waves, Dr. Baker drags her out of the church. Baker fills in Mia on the sordid history of the DiMeras, convincing her at last that she can never claim Sydney as her own. Nicole and EJ exchange vows. They awake the day after their wedding and make love. Philip and Stephanie bask in the afterglow of making love, unaware that Masi, a DiMera hit man, is preparing to make his move at Stefano and EJ's behest. After Stephanie goes to freshen up, Masi makes his move and shoots Philip. Philip is rushed to the hospital and later flat-lines. Daniel rushes in to save him and the hospital staff works feverishly to keep Philip alive. Victor promises Philip that the DiMeras will pay. As Daniel is performing an experimental procedure on Phillip, Kate makes a pact with God: If Phillip survives, Kate will give up her vendetta against Daniel and Chloe. Bo follows Stefano to the Java Cafe, where he makes clear that he will not allow Stefano to get away with attempted murder, or to finish the job on Philip. Bo manages to overhear Stefano speaking to EJ on the phone and makes clear that he will get the evidence he needs to nail Stefano once and for all. Stefano returns home and is stricken with a pain. Sami returns home and learns from Will that Rafe returned her religious medal. Sami tries to call Rafe, but learns that his phone's been disconnected. Sami tracks down Rafe and explains that she must tell him how much he means to her.

April 27, 2009 to May 1, 2009: Brady finally realizes while talking to Nicole that he can no longer split his loyalties. He reassures Victor that his loyalties are with the family. Stefano goes to the hospital, where Lexie tests him for poisoning. Lexie informs Stefano he hasn't been poisoned; he is diabetic. Rafe is about to board the plane for New York but agrees to stay when Sami admits she loves him. Rafe wants Sami to tell him if she still has feelings for EJ. It's clear she made him think that at the church. Sami denies this and says she has feelings for Rafe — no one else. She kisses him, but Rafe is not convinced. He tells Sami she needs to sort out her feelings before Rafe reunites with Arianna. Sami tells Lucas he has to keep his lips zipped about Grace now that she's decided not to tell EJ the truth about the baby. Chelsea and Kate learn Billie's accident has caused her to need help in London. Kate wants to go, but can't leave Philip due to his injuries, so Chelsea volunteers. Max prepares for medical school.

May 4, 2009 to May 8, 2009: Sami sees Rafe and Arianna in a close moment and confronts Rafe about his "other woman." Rafe finally apprises Sami that Arianna is his sister. Feeling embarrassed from her accusation, Sami continues her conversation with Rafe about EJ and the wedding. At long last, Sami admits that she has feelings for EJ that won't go away, and as much as she hates them, she's aware it's dysfunctional. Kate confronts Daniel with her knowledge of his affair with Chloe. She gives him fair warning that she is letting bygones be bygones since she owes him for saving Philip's life. She continues to warn him if he should slip up again, she will make him pay. As Stephanie visits Philip, Nurse Camille shoos her out of the room and attempts to end Philip's life. Hope arrives on the scene and saves Philip's life. After Philip is released from the hospital, Stephanie agrees to move into the mansion with him. Chelsea breaks the news to Max about her imminent departure. Max wants to go with her, but Chelsea discourages this. She offers to give him his freedom to see other women, but he promises he'll be waiting for her. The two make love. Lucas leaves a message for Kate, wanting to get to the bottom of her changed attitude toward Chloe. EJ meets with Victor, who reveals that he has Stefano.

May 11, 2009 to May 15, 2009: Kate finds Chloe and Lucas' wedding photo and rips it in half. Nicole denies she tried to kill Dr. Baker, but he doesn't believe her and insists on telling EJ about the baby switch. However, he cannot reach EJ and believes Nicole when she says EJ will kill him for participating in the baby switch. Baker agrees to say nothing to EJ if Nicole agrees to stay away from him. Baker writes a letter saying that in the event of his death, Nicole DiMera was responsible. Rafe convinces Baker to leave town. Victor enters the room just as EJ realizes Stefano is alive. Victor has a nurse give Stefano insulin, keeping him alive until EJ signs over all of DiMera Enterprises to Victor. Bo becomes bewildered when he has a vision of finding Ciara's teddy bear abandoned in the woods. EJ makes contact with an inside man, Owen, who has been planted at the Kiriakis mansion by Stefano. Kidnapping Stephanie, Owen seals her in a morgue. Maggie is running the AA meeting attended by Brady and Mia.

May 18, 2009 to May 22, 2009: While hiding Stephanie in a morgue drawer, Owen contacts EJ. Victor refuses to give into Philip's demand that he release Stefano in exchange for Stephanie. Victor changes his mind when Philip brings up his dad's love for Caroline, asking that his father help him save the woman he loves. Victor agrees and Philip calls EJ to say the trade is on. Owen decides releasing Stephanie to EJ is a mistake. Arianna does not understand Rafe's love for Sami. Rafe and Sami finally make love. Rafe wants to adopt Grace. Arianna blows up at Rafe when he tells her his plans. She tells him he's getting way too involved and she's afraid that "it's" all happening again. Arianna and Brady bond over their disdain for Sami. Mia explains to Brady that she's not an addict; she lied to Will because she didn't want him to know the truth about her pregnancy or cause trouble for Nicole.

May 25, 2009 to May 29, 2009: Lucas and Daniel both have vivid dreams about Chloe. Lucas confides his fears regarding Chloe to Maggie while Daniel considers leaving town. He ultimately tells Chloe that he's not leaving because it doesn't matter. He will still love her no matter what. Owen overhears that Melanie and Philip are on to him and realizes he needs to change his plans to go away immediately with Stephanie. In the claustrophobic morgue drawer, Stephanie cries for Philip to save her and stops breathing. Owen gives her mouth-to-mouth and a disoriented Stephanie slaps him. Owen becomes angry, and Stephanie fears for her life when he pulls out a gun. Meanwhile, Brady and Melanie have been captured by Owen, and Brady is knocked out. Melanie tries to talk him down, but Owen is determined to have a life with Stephanie. Aware of Owen's threats, Melanie purposely drops her hospital ID badge before Owen locks her and Brady in the Kiriakis mausoleum. Melanie worries they're going to die, but Brady isn't giving up. In the morgue, Philip's "body" is nearly refused by Owen's father. Caroline admonishes Victor about the confrontation with the DiMeras on the pier. She's disappointed he hasn't changed and tells Sami she wishes she had never told Bo that Victor was his father. Caroline is not pleased when Sami tells her Rafe plans to adopt Grace. Caroline points out that Sami and Rafe hardly know each other, but Sami insists their months in witness protection have brought them closer than most people in normal situations. Rafe enters and reveals he got a job in construction. While Sami is happy for him, Caroline knows this is a come down from the FBI.

June 1, 2009 to June 5, 2009: Daniel and Chloe insist to Kate that she witnessed an innocent moment between them. Kate is unconvinced and nearly tells all to Lucas. Daniel takes Kate for a walk and reminds her of her promise to let this go. Kate appears to acquiesce, but she has her own plans. Meanwhile, Lucas presses Chloe to tell him what happened the night he was drinking. They fight, and she nearly tells him the truth but ultimately realizes she can't. They make up and wind up in a passionate kiss. Philip finally saves Stephanie from Owen after a tremendous struggle. Stephanie is not over all that has happened to her in the morgue, but for the moment, she wants to only think of Philip and the lovers kiss, reunited at last. Rafe starts his construction job at the pier. Arianna comes across him and blames Sami for causing him to lose his dream of being an FBI agent. Nicole is stunned by Stefano's bombshell that he knows the whole truth about Grace. EJ tells Stefano they have a problem regarding Owen. Stefano gets EJ to smuggle him out of the hospital and sets in motion a plan to ensure that Owen will never implicate the DiMeras.

June 8, 2009 to June 12, 2009: Nicole is ridden with guilt over the baby switch. Stefano decides not to tell EJ about the switch but instead tells EJ never to take Sydney for granted. Sami asks Rafe and Will to bring home Johnny and Allie. At the townhouse with her children, Sami shuts Rafe out and tells him that she and Will must talk to the twins as a family. Victor invites Brady back into the family. Rafe runs into Arianna, who worries about him and Sami. Meanwhile, Stefano confronts Nicole about the baby switch. Victor finds Caroline and tries to console her, saying he's still the man who fell in love with her years ago. Chelsea returns from London and surprises Max. The two make love. Chloe has a dream about Daniel. Chloe admits she is still in love with Daniel. Kate tells Lucas her intentions to mend fences with Chloe. Kate asks to meet with Daniel. When Kate is questioned by Daniel as to why she has come to see him, she covers and says that she wants to know if he'll consider coming on her show as a medical expert. Nicole expresses her concern that EJ will end up in jail for his role in Stephanie's kidnapping. Victor arrives at the DiMera mansion to extend an olive branch, also pointing out that Owen is ready to talk to the police.

June 15, 2009 to June 19, 2009: Rafe tells Arianna about Grace being Sami's biological daughter. Arianna is sympathetic when she learns the biological dad is a DiMera. But she still wishes Rafe would disentangle himself from Sami, fearing that he's repeating the past. Arianna runs into Brady at the Kiriakis mausoleum. Will reacts to the news that Grace is his biological sister. He asks why Sami lied about the adoption. Sami says she was protecting Grace from EJ. It's an emotional day for everyone. At the church, EJ serves Sami with papers giving him temporary full custody of Johnny. EJ tells Nicole about being Grace's dad. Nicole pretends to be stunned and privately reveals her panic to Stefano. Sami suffers a crushing loss. The Kiriakis family and the DiMera family call a truce. EJ demands it be brokered between him and Philip. Meanwhile, Stephanie has a vision of Owen and retreats to her medication by taking a pill. She goes to see Max. Max tells his ex goodbye and wishes her well. Kate plots her revenge against Daniel and Chloe, first by digging up info on how Daniel's ex-wife, Rebecca, died. Chloe confesses to Father Matt she's cheating on Lucas in her mind, and she's more in love with Daniel than ever. Kinsey tells Mia she ran into an old friend from Salem West, Chad Peterson. Kinsey notices Mia's reaction to the name. Maggie introduces Melanie to her grandson, Nathan, who's going to be living with them. Nathan has graduated from med school and will be working at Salem University Hospital.

June 22, 2009 to June 26, 2009: Mia's ex-boyfriend Chad returns to Salem, and she tries to make it clear she wants nothing to do with him. EJ promises Sami his temporary injunction giving him custody will become permanent and Sami will never see her son again. Angry, Sami rails on EJ, vowing to fight him. EJ threatens Rafe, and Sami is ultimately forced to say goodbye to Johnny. Later, Sami charges over to Philip and Stephanie's to ask for help in burying EJ. At the graveyard, Rafe finds an upset Nicole grieving over Grace. Arianna shows up and offers comfort to her brother. Daniel finds Stephanie unconscious and brings her to the ER, where he realizes she overdosed on her anti-anxiety meds. Bo has a vision of Zack telling him to hold onto Ciara's bear or something terrible will happen to Ciara. Meanwhile, a mysterious stranger reads the article about Hope's donation to research for autism. Philip asks Lucas to be his best man.

June 29, 2009 to July 3, 2009: Nicole does a good deed by secretly taking Johnny to see Sami. Meanwhile, EJ and Stefano meet with Judge Fitzpatrick regarding the upcoming custody hearing. Later, when Nicole returns home with Johnny, she tells him their visit to see Sami has to remain their little secret just as EJ enters, possibly overhearing. Stephanie appeals to Father Matt for advice about her living the Kiriakis lifestyle, and with his help, she makes up her own decision about her life with Philip: She breaks things off with Philip. Sami goes to the graveyard to see Grace but is thrown to find Rafe at another grave. Sami questions Rafe about Nicole and, more importantly, Emily. She seems to let it go, only to ask Arianna about her later, and is shocked to find herself the object of Rafe's wrath when he catches her. Rafe vows to help Sami get Johnny back. After taking a bite of the poisoned fruit left by Kate, Chloe grows increasingly ill before collapsing in Daniel's arms.

July 6, 2009 to July 10, 2009: Max is leaving for London, and he and Caroline promote Arianna to manager of the Brady pub. Max says his final goodbyes to Caroline, Melanie and Bo. Rafe finally tells Sami that he was engaged to Emily and she died on their wedding day, and he doesn't talk about it because it's too painful. Sami is satisfied and vows to drop it. At the same time, Stefano gets information regarding Emily's death. Rafe burns an old newspaper article that reads his fiancee died under "mysterious circumstances." Brady and Arianna are irritated when they realize that Melanie has lured both of them to the Horton cabin. Melanie manages to get Arianna into Brady's arms, and they gravitate towards a kiss. Meanwhile, Nathan learns that Melanie went to the cabin without him. Nathan sets out after her and discovers her in the outdoor shower, naked. Mia is upset to learn that Chad has taken a job at Java Cafe, but she softens as they talk and she remembers their first meeting. Philip tells Stephanie he chooses her over his father. He will change for her. Stephanie knows he'll only resent her if he does that. Philip finally realizes their relationship is truly over. Kate continues her plot to kill Chloe and frame Daniel.

July 13, 2009 to July 17, 2009: Sami and EJ argue over Rafe moving in with Sami. EJ begrudgingly agrees to drop the custody battle. Rafe burns the clipping about Emily's death. Will stops by, and Rafe convinces him to forgive his mother. While thinking of his own past with Emily, Rafe points out everyone makes mistakes, and wishes they could have done things differently. Waiting in the park for Rafe, Sami sees a sobbing woman who utters "Emily." Brady goes to set up his date with Arianna, but she brushes him off. He figures it's because he's a recovering addict. Arianna "admits" she had an old boyfriend who happened to be an addict. After eating poisoned fruit planted by Kate, Chloe is brought to the hospital in bad shape. Kate splices together a tape and listens to a snippet in which Daniel seems to threaten Chloe. Stephanie is thrilled when she gets the administrative assistant job at the hospital. Philip tells Stephanie he will always love her, and Stephanie admits she will always love him, too. She tells Philip this is hard for her as well, but she can't be with him.

July 20, 2009 to July 24, 2009: Sami realizes that the crying woman at the cemetery is Emily's sister, Meredith. Sami tries to ask more questions about Emily's death, but Meredith rushes off. Sami goes to Roman and asks him to get some information about Meredith and family. Kate poisons the brownies on the talk show set and plans for Chloe's demise to occur on Daniel's last day of taping. When Daniel learns Chloe got sick again, he refuses to leave Salem until he figures out what's wrong. Chloe is moved to beg him to stay. She blurts that her near-death experience convinced her she should leave Lucas. She loves Daniel and wants to be with him forever. Daniel and Chloe give into their hearts, kissing and in effect recommitting to one another. Suddenly, Chloe collapses. Daniel runs her to the hospital, but nothing is working as he fights to save her. Chloe is in a coma. Daniel realizes that Kate poisoned Chloe. Philip throws himself into life after Stephanie. They run into each other at the hospital, and Stephanie realizes that Philip's on the hospital board and won't be "out of sight, out of mind."