Ruth Landers, who created the 1990s PBS kids show The Huggabug Club with her daughters, actresses Audrey Landers and Judy Landers, has died. She was 85.
A longtime resident of Sarasota, Florida, Landers died April 18 of natural causes, her family announced.
Audrey Landers, 67, portrayed Afton Cooper on Dallas on and off for seven seasons and played the dancer Val Clarke in the 1985 big-screen version of A Chorus Line, directed by Richard Attenborough. Judy Landers, 65, was on such TV shows as Vega$, B.J. and the Bear and Madam’s Place.
Aimed at preschoolers, The Huggabug Club featured Audrey as Miss Audrey and Judy as Miss Judy, working opposite full-bodied puppets. Filled with songs and scripts written by Audrey, it aired on PBS from January 1995 to June 1997, followed by years of reruns.
Ruth also produced Ghost Writer (1989), featuring her daughters; Club Fed (1990), starring Judy; and California Casanova (1991), starring Audrey; and executive produced...
A longtime resident of Sarasota, Florida, Landers died April 18 of natural causes, her family announced.
Audrey Landers, 67, portrayed Afton Cooper on Dallas on and off for seven seasons and played the dancer Val Clarke in the 1985 big-screen version of A Chorus Line, directed by Richard Attenborough. Judy Landers, 65, was on such TV shows as Vega$, B.J. and the Bear and Madam’s Place.
Aimed at preschoolers, The Huggabug Club featured Audrey as Miss Audrey and Judy as Miss Judy, working opposite full-bodied puppets. Filled with songs and scripts written by Audrey, it aired on PBS from January 1995 to June 1997, followed by years of reruns.
Ruth also produced Ghost Writer (1989), featuring her daughters; Club Fed (1990), starring Judy; and California Casanova (1991), starring Audrey; and executive produced...
- 5/6/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Audrey Landers is simply an inspiration to women in film and television. The multi-talented actress is also a singer, writer, producer, composer, and director. On top of it all, Landers is a reputable businesswoman who has managed to turn all of her talents and invested in lucrative business ventures. The entertainment world is all Landers has ever known since she was young. While she may not be as popular as she was in the past, Landers is one of television’s most popular stars of the 80s and early 90s. For fans of the actress and her works, off and on-screen,...
- 7/5/2023
- by Onyinye Izundu
- TVovermind.com
Click here to read the full article.
In summer 2021, as a surge in Covid-19 cases linked to the delta variant quickly scuttled vacation plans, the satirical HBO series The White Lotus transported viewers to an idyllic Hawaiian setting.
The Emmy contender is the latest in a line of series — from Gilligan’s Island to Baywatch to Lost — taking fans from the couch to the beach, but the show’s exploration of privilege and mystery particularly hearken back to 1970s escapist gem Fantasy Island. Created by Gene Levitt and produced by Aaron Spelling, it premiered 45 years ago, first as a pair of TV movies and then as an episodic series that focused on a mysterious island that made visitors’ wishes come true for a hefty price. Ricardo Montalbán played the suave and enigmatic Mr. Roarke, who ran the resort with sidekick Tattoo (Hervé Villechaize), known for excitedly greeting arriving guests by shouting,...
In summer 2021, as a surge in Covid-19 cases linked to the delta variant quickly scuttled vacation plans, the satirical HBO series The White Lotus transported viewers to an idyllic Hawaiian setting.
The Emmy contender is the latest in a line of series — from Gilligan’s Island to Baywatch to Lost — taking fans from the couch to the beach, but the show’s exploration of privilege and mystery particularly hearken back to 1970s escapist gem Fantasy Island. Created by Gene Levitt and produced by Aaron Spelling, it premiered 45 years ago, first as a pair of TV movies and then as an episodic series that focused on a mysterious island that made visitors’ wishes come true for a hefty price. Ricardo Montalbán played the suave and enigmatic Mr. Roarke, who ran the resort with sidekick Tattoo (Hervé Villechaize), known for excitedly greeting arriving guests by shouting,...
- 6/7/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Indican Pictures has acquired One Moment, a family comedy starring the late Danny Aiello, with plans to release it in theaters in May and on VOD in July.
One Moment tells the story of middle-aged siblings struggling to manage their lives and careers while also caring for their recently widowed aging father, Joe (Aiello). Joe, demanding and difficult, stubbornly believes he is still capable of running his own life which leads to sad, but sometimes hilarious situations. Although at odds on how to best care for Joe in his final years, the family is united in wanting to ensure his well-being and help him find peace of mind—without them losing their own.
Adria Tennor, Frankie Ingrassia, Natalie Seus, Sioux Madden and Sal Rendino round out the cast of the film written and directed by Deirdre O’Connor, who produced alongside Jodie Weiner. Shaun Hill and Gary Goldberger negotiated the...
One Moment tells the story of middle-aged siblings struggling to manage their lives and careers while also caring for their recently widowed aging father, Joe (Aiello). Joe, demanding and difficult, stubbornly believes he is still capable of running his own life which leads to sad, but sometimes hilarious situations. Although at odds on how to best care for Joe in his final years, the family is united in wanting to ensure his well-being and help him find peace of mind—without them losing their own.
Adria Tennor, Frankie Ingrassia, Natalie Seus, Sioux Madden and Sal Rendino round out the cast of the film written and directed by Deirdre O’Connor, who produced alongside Jodie Weiner. Shaun Hill and Gary Goldberger negotiated the...
- 2/18/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
1986: A gang member terrorized Another World's Victoria.
1986: Guiding Light's Alan revealed himself to be alive.
1986: As the World Turns' Chris Hughes passed away.
1997: Days of our Lives' Kristen brought Roman to Marlena."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1934: Actress Darlene Conley was born. Best known for her many years as Sally Sprectra on The Bold and the Beautiful, she also played evil Rose DeVille on The Young and the Restless in the late '70s (running a prostitution and baby selling business in...
1986: Guiding Light's Alan revealed himself to be alive.
1986: As the World Turns' Chris Hughes passed away.
1997: Days of our Lives' Kristen brought Roman to Marlena."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1934: Actress Darlene Conley was born. Best known for her many years as Sally Sprectra on The Bold and the Beautiful, she also played evil Rose DeVille on The Young and the Restless in the late '70s (running a prostitution and baby selling business in...
- 7/18/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1986: A gang member terrorized Another World's Victoria.
1986: Guiding Light's Alan revealed himself to be alive.
1986: As the World Turns' Chris Hughes passed away.
1997: Days of our Lives' Kristen brought Roman to Marlena."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1934: Actress Darlene Conley was born. Best known for her many years as Sally Sprectra on The Bold and the Beautiful, she also played evil Rose...
1986: Guiding Light's Alan revealed himself to be alive.
1986: As the World Turns' Chris Hughes passed away.
1997: Days of our Lives' Kristen brought Roman to Marlena."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1934: Actress Darlene Conley was born. Best known for her many years as Sally Sprectra on The Bold and the Beautiful, she also played evil Rose...
- 7/18/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1978: Delia started talking to her dead mother on Ryan's Hope.
1981: Another World's Rachel chose to be with Mitch.
1986: Santa Barbara's Minx shot Cc when he tried to evict her family.
1994: One Life to Live's Joey returned to Llanview."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1967: Erik Howell debuted as Johnny Fletcher on The Guiding Light, replacing Don Scardino in the role.
1967: On Dark Shadows,...
1981: Another World's Rachel chose to be with Mitch.
1986: Santa Barbara's Minx shot Cc when he tried to evict her family.
1994: One Life to Live's Joey returned to Llanview."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1967: Erik Howell debuted as Johnny Fletcher on The Guiding Light, replacing Don Scardino in the role.
1967: On Dark Shadows,...
- 4/29/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
There's nothing like a Ewing-family wedding to lure familiar faces back to Southfork Ranch.
Such guests were present in "Lifting the Veil," Monday's (March 17) episode of TNT's "Dallas" update. The occasion was the official nuptials of the already eloped John Ross (Josh Henderson) and Pamela (Julie Gonzalo), but complications arose right from the start of the big day, as John Ross' secretary Candice (Jude Demorest) summoned him to a long-sought meeting about the fracking permit he wanted.
"I've gotta take another raincheck," he told the romantically inclined Pamela, but he promised he'd be back in plenty of time for the ceremony. Her worried look indicated she didn't completely buy it.
Sue Ellen confirmed to Ann that John Ross was dallying with Emma ... "and we have got to do something about it." To that end, Sue Ellen wanted Emma to leave Southfork, but Ann feared that might make the drug cartel suspicious.
Such guests were present in "Lifting the Veil," Monday's (March 17) episode of TNT's "Dallas" update. The occasion was the official nuptials of the already eloped John Ross (Josh Henderson) and Pamela (Julie Gonzalo), but complications arose right from the start of the big day, as John Ross' secretary Candice (Jude Demorest) summoned him to a long-sought meeting about the fracking permit he wanted.
"I've gotta take another raincheck," he told the romantically inclined Pamela, but he promised he'd be back in plenty of time for the ceremony. Her worried look indicated she didn't completely buy it.
Sue Ellen confirmed to Ann that John Ross was dallying with Emma ... "and we have got to do something about it." To that end, Sue Ellen wanted Emma to leave Southfork, but Ann feared that might make the drug cartel suspicious.
- 3/18/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
You may not have seen A Chorus Line but most everyone knows the song “One” thanks to its endless use in other productions (think Treehouse of Horror V, Phineas and Ferb, Scrubs) throughout the years. Since the play debuted Off-Broadway in 1975, it has gone on to become one of the best known musicals of the latter 20th Century. One reason it endured a run of 6137 performances on Broadway was its emotional honesty, bare bones set, and soul-bearing songs. As conceived by Michael Bennett, it was brought to life by Marvin Hamlisch (music), Edward Kleban (lyrics), and James Kirkwood Jr. (book) at a time when everyone was doing a little soul searching.
By the time the 1985 film adaptation from director Sir Richard Attenborough arrived, it was heralded as a return of the musical to the movies. Unfortunately, the so-so movie failed to ignite that revival and was mostly rejected by those who adored the film.
By the time the 1985 film adaptation from director Sir Richard Attenborough arrived, it was heralded as a return of the musical to the movies. Unfortunately, the so-so movie failed to ignite that revival and was mostly rejected by those who adored the film.
- 1/20/2014
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
One of the more memorable tv shows of the 80s was the primetime drama Dallas, which popularised the concept of season-ending cliffhangers with its “Who shot Jr” storyline. In the summer of 2012, TNT revived the show, with a focus on the next generation of the Ewing family, merging castmembers of the old show with a new set of characters. With the show now in the midst of its second season, and an upcoming episode set to highlight actor Larry Hagman, veteran of both series who recently passed away, the cast and crew sat down to discuss what’s in store for the show.
- The new storyline of who shot Jr will be resolved fairly quickly, with the reveal coming by the end of episode 15
- Audrey Landers, who played Afton, is set to reprise the role this season
- Larry Hagman’s death doesn’t necessarily mean the character...
- The new storyline of who shot Jr will be resolved fairly quickly, with the reveal coming by the end of episode 15
- Audrey Landers, who played Afton, is set to reprise the role this season
- Larry Hagman’s death doesn’t necessarily mean the character...
- 3/12/2013
- by Deepayan Sengupta
- SoundOnSight
Hold on tight! Dallas is back tonight!
(l-r, Jordana Brewster, Jesse Metcalfe, Patrick Duffy,
Josh Henderson & Larry Hagman)
It’s in the first few moments of tonight’s second season premiere of Dallas that we see how John Ross (Josh Henderson) deals with his fiancée leaving him for his cousin, Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe): he picks up a random bride-to-be at a bachelorette party and gets her into bed. Of course, this being Dallas, nothing is that simple. The morning after reveals his true, dastardly motives.
(Oh, and you Jesse Metcalfe fans won't be deprived of eye candy. You'll see the buff actor frolicking in the Ewing swimming pool – the same pool, for those paying attention to the history of the series, where his biological mother, Kristen - you know, the one who infamously shot Jr - drowned years ago.)
That’s right, we’re back in the world of backstabbing,...
(l-r, Jordana Brewster, Jesse Metcalfe, Patrick Duffy,
Josh Henderson & Larry Hagman)
It’s in the first few moments of tonight’s second season premiere of Dallas that we see how John Ross (Josh Henderson) deals with his fiancée leaving him for his cousin, Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe): he picks up a random bride-to-be at a bachelorette party and gets her into bed. Of course, this being Dallas, nothing is that simple. The morning after reveals his true, dastardly motives.
(Oh, and you Jesse Metcalfe fans won't be deprived of eye candy. You'll see the buff actor frolicking in the Ewing swimming pool – the same pool, for those paying attention to the history of the series, where his biological mother, Kristen - you know, the one who infamously shot Jr - drowned years ago.)
That’s right, we’re back in the world of backstabbing,...
- 1/28/2013
- by nyjimmy67
- The Backlot
Most Public Burning Of A Bridge: Sharon Osbourne declared she never wanted to hear from NBC again. We’re pretty sure that won’t be a problem, love.
Biggest Waste of Talent: Maya Rudolph, WIll Arnett and Christina Applegate deserve so much more than Up All Night. So to does the audience who tuned into last night’s not-so-improved second season premiere.
Toughest Trick: Survivor’s Zane managed to blindside himself by coming up with an elaborate scheme designed to oust Russell only to find himself the one whose flame was snuffed out.
Most In Need Of A Dictionary: After announcing plans for a “special” called Two Ton Killer (about a 1,000 pound woman who crushed her nephew), The Learning Channel revealed that their show Breaking Amish isn’t exactly as real as it purports. Meaning that somewhat ironically, the network does not understand the meanings of the words “special”, “real” or “learning.
Biggest Waste of Talent: Maya Rudolph, WIll Arnett and Christina Applegate deserve so much more than Up All Night. So to does the audience who tuned into last night’s not-so-improved second season premiere.
Toughest Trick: Survivor’s Zane managed to blindside himself by coming up with an elaborate scheme designed to oust Russell only to find himself the one whose flame was snuffed out.
Most In Need Of A Dictionary: After announcing plans for a “special” called Two Ton Killer (about a 1,000 pound woman who crushed her nephew), The Learning Channel revealed that their show Breaking Amish isn’t exactly as real as it purports. Meaning that somewhat ironically, the network does not understand the meanings of the words “special”, “real” or “learning.
- 9/21/2012
- by theTVaddict
- The TV Addict
The August 8 season finale of TNT's Dallas revealed that Christopher Ewing's estranged wife, Rebecca Sutter, is really Pamela Rebecca Barnes — the daughter of Cliff Barnes and his ex, Afton Cooper (who is also the sister of Lucy Ewing's ex-husbnd, Mitch). Got all that? Oh those frisky Ewings just can't stop sleeping around.
Among the viewers shocked by the reveal was Audrey Landers, who played Afton on the original CBS series on and off from 1981 to 1989. Like many fans, Landers wonders what this could mean for her. While Landers, still stunningly gorgeous at 56, hasn't yet been approached about a return, she admits she's anxious to step back into the world she knew so well.
TV Guide Magazine: Audrey, I know you're close friends with Ken Kercheval (Cliff). Did he clue you in to Rebecca's true identity?
Audrey Landers: Absolutely not! Not a word or hint. I'm amazed they kept the secret so well.
Among the viewers shocked by the reveal was Audrey Landers, who played Afton on the original CBS series on and off from 1981 to 1989. Like many fans, Landers wonders what this could mean for her. While Landers, still stunningly gorgeous at 56, hasn't yet been approached about a return, she admits she's anxious to step back into the world she knew so well.
TV Guide Magazine: Audrey, I know you're close friends with Ken Kercheval (Cliff). Did he clue you in to Rebecca's true identity?
Audrey Landers: Absolutely not! Not a word or hint. I'm amazed they kept the secret so well.
- 8/30/2012
- by William Keck
- TVGuide - Breaking News
Release Date: Dec. 27, 2011
Price: DVD $27.98
Studio: Screen Media
Lisa Varga takes aim in Armed and Deadly.
The martial arts action-thriller film Armed and Deadly tells the story of beautiful Janis McKenzie (Lisa Varga, Marley & Me), an Iraq War vet scarred by traumas both on and off the battlefield — including a near-death experience and the loss of her lover.
When Janis returns home, she’s haunted by her greatest demon: the death of her parents at the hand of her twin brother, Jamey (Kenneth Stellingwerf). As Jamey’s release from prison approaches, the hardened Janis must call on her strength and confront her troubled past — and possible future.
Directed by Andrez Mrotek (The Proxy) and co-starring Audrey Landers (A Chorus Line) and David Mackey (The Sacred), the unrated movie skipped theaters, making it a DVD premiere in the U.S.
This one looks like it has the same kind of appeal as La Femme Nikita,...
Price: DVD $27.98
Studio: Screen Media
Lisa Varga takes aim in Armed and Deadly.
The martial arts action-thriller film Armed and Deadly tells the story of beautiful Janis McKenzie (Lisa Varga, Marley & Me), an Iraq War vet scarred by traumas both on and off the battlefield — including a near-death experience and the loss of her lover.
When Janis returns home, she’s haunted by her greatest demon: the death of her parents at the hand of her twin brother, Jamey (Kenneth Stellingwerf). As Jamey’s release from prison approaches, the hardened Janis must call on her strength and confront her troubled past — and possible future.
Directed by Andrez Mrotek (The Proxy) and co-starring Audrey Landers (A Chorus Line) and David Mackey (The Sacred), the unrated movie skipped theaters, making it a DVD premiere in the U.S.
This one looks like it has the same kind of appeal as La Femme Nikita,...
- 9/23/2011
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
On this date in...
1920: Future Another World star Dolph Sweet (Gil McGowan) was born. He died in 1985.
1934: Darlene Conley, remembered by soap fans from her many years as Sally Sprectra on The Bold And The Beautiful, was born. Before that she played babynapping Rose DeVille on The Young And The Restless and stole Nina's baby. Conley also had roles on Days, Gh and Capitol. She died January 14, 2007.
1941: Radio soap opera Life Begins aired its final episode.
1986: Chris Hughes died in his sleep on As The World Turns. Watch Bob tell Kim and Lisa here.
1988: Another World debuted a rock instrumental theme during the end credits.
2010: Actor Larry Keith, best known for his role as Nick Davis on All My Children, died at age 79.
Celebrating a birthday today are:
Jonelle Allen (ex-Doreen, Generations) - 67
Audrey Landers (ex-Afton, Dallas; ex-Joanna, The Secret Storm; ex-Connie, Search For Tomorrow; ex-Heather,...
1920: Future Another World star Dolph Sweet (Gil McGowan) was born. He died in 1985.
1934: Darlene Conley, remembered by soap fans from her many years as Sally Sprectra on The Bold And The Beautiful, was born. Before that she played babynapping Rose DeVille on The Young And The Restless and stole Nina's baby. Conley also had roles on Days, Gh and Capitol. She died January 14, 2007.
1941: Radio soap opera Life Begins aired its final episode.
1986: Chris Hughes died in his sleep on As The World Turns. Watch Bob tell Kim and Lisa here.
1988: Another World debuted a rock instrumental theme during the end credits.
2010: Actor Larry Keith, best known for his role as Nick Davis on All My Children, died at age 79.
Celebrating a birthday today are:
Jonelle Allen (ex-Doreen, Generations) - 67
Audrey Landers (ex-Afton, Dallas; ex-Joanna, The Secret Storm; ex-Connie, Search For Tomorrow; ex-Heather,...
- 7/20/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
Emmy Winning Actor Thom Christopher is beloved by daytime fans for his memorable roles on One Life To Live, Loving, and Guiding Light. However, sci-fi fans know Christopher better as the legendary "Hawk" from NBC's Buck Rogers In The 25Th Century from 1980-1981. Join us as we explore Christopher's unique career track, his insight into his "outsider" roles, as well as memories of getting hired on One Life To Live. If you are near Tulsa, Oklahoma, do not miss the opportunity to meet Christopher and his Buck Rogers costars at the Trek Expo this weekend.
We Love Soaps TV: Did you see the Daytime Emmy’s this year?
Thom Christopher: No, but I read the L.A. Times review. It was scathing. Knowing that daytime is in its twilight, I would have thought there would have been courtesy toward it.
We Love Soaps TV: That didn’t seem to...
We Love Soaps TV: Did you see the Daytime Emmy’s this year?
Thom Christopher: No, but I read the L.A. Times review. It was scathing. Knowing that daytime is in its twilight, I would have thought there would have been courtesy toward it.
We Love Soaps TV: That didn’t seem to...
- 6/24/2011
- by Damon L. Jacobs
- We Love Soaps
A few weeks ago, I told you all about my love/hate relationship with mythologized TV shows. This week we turn to a genre that’s its exact opposite – those tidily self-contained procedural dramas where the only on-going storyline is whether or not any of the main characters are going to shtup.
I like to think of this as “Law and Orgasm” television. “Law” because of these shows’ tendency to focus on some crime/mystery element. And “Orgasm” because, while they might have some colorful variations along the way, they culminate in endings that, while satisfying, are pretty much foregone conclusions.
When I was a kid, I gobbled these shows up like jelly beans. Shows like The Rockford Files, and Charlie’s Angels, and Hart to Hart, and my absolute favorite, The Hardy Boys/ Nancy Drew Mysteries.
Each in their own way had very personal appeal to me. I fantasized,...
I like to think of this as “Law and Orgasm” television. “Law” because of these shows’ tendency to focus on some crime/mystery element. And “Orgasm” because, while they might have some colorful variations along the way, they culminate in endings that, while satisfying, are pretty much foregone conclusions.
When I was a kid, I gobbled these shows up like jelly beans. Shows like The Rockford Files, and Charlie’s Angels, and Hart to Hart, and my absolute favorite, The Hardy Boys/ Nancy Drew Mysteries.
Each in their own way had very personal appeal to me. I fantasized,...
- 3/30/2011
- by Steven Frank
- The Backlot
Mixing Comedy & Soap: A History of the Serialized Situation Comedy
By Doug Prinzivalli
As one of the producers of the hit web series Pretty - a parody hybrid of reality TV and soaps - I thought it would be a fun idea to take a brief look at the long history of the serialized situation comedy. The idea of mixing comedy with soap elements is not a new one - in fact it started over 60 years ago.
The First Hundred Years (CBS 1950-52) was a mildly humorous daily soap about newlyweds who are gifted with a bat-infested Victorian mansion. Sounds pretty wacky to me. After less than two years, it was replaced by something called The Guiding Light.
The Egg & I (CBS 1951-52) Based on a book by Betty MacDonald and the 1947 film (starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray) that followed, this show followed the misadventures of city folk...
By Doug Prinzivalli
As one of the producers of the hit web series Pretty - a parody hybrid of reality TV and soaps - I thought it would be a fun idea to take a brief look at the long history of the serialized situation comedy. The idea of mixing comedy with soap elements is not a new one - in fact it started over 60 years ago.
The First Hundred Years (CBS 1950-52) was a mildly humorous daily soap about newlyweds who are gifted with a bat-infested Victorian mansion. Sounds pretty wacky to me. After less than two years, it was replaced by something called The Guiding Light.
The Egg & I (CBS 1951-52) Based on a book by Betty MacDonald and the 1947 film (starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray) that followed, this show followed the misadventures of city folk...
- 12/2/2010
- by Guest Editorial
- We Love Soaps
On paper, family reunions sound like a great idea. Unfortunately, the reality can be a very different experience. Just ask the folks who ponied up big bucks to attend the recent Dallas TV show reunion.
Dallas follows the Ewings, a family of Texas oil barons. The clan is led by Jock (Jim Davis) and Miss Elly (Barbara Bel Geddes, later Donna Reed) but their company is primarily run by their sons; ruthless J.R. (Larry Hagman) and good-guy Bobby (Patrick Duffy). J.R. is married to long-suffering Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) while Bobby is paired with Pamela (Victoria Principal), the sister of the family's arch-nemesis Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval). Other key characters include spoiled niece Lucy (Charlene Tilton); ranch foreman Ray Krebbs (Steve Kanaly); Ray's wife Donna (Susan Howard); and Ellie's second husband, Clayton Farlow (Howard Keel). Additional castmembers include Mary Crosby, Sheree J. Wilson, Audrey Landers, and Deborah Shelton.
Dallas follows the Ewings, a family of Texas oil barons. The clan is led by Jock (Jim Davis) and Miss Elly (Barbara Bel Geddes, later Donna Reed) but their company is primarily run by their sons; ruthless J.R. (Larry Hagman) and good-guy Bobby (Patrick Duffy). J.R. is married to long-suffering Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) while Bobby is paired with Pamela (Victoria Principal), the sister of the family's arch-nemesis Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval). Other key characters include spoiled niece Lucy (Charlene Tilton); ranch foreman Ray Krebbs (Steve Kanaly); Ray's wife Donna (Susan Howard); and Ellie's second husband, Clayton Farlow (Howard Keel). Additional castmembers include Mary Crosby, Sheree J. Wilson, Audrey Landers, and Deborah Shelton.
- 11/13/2008
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
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