Though made painfully necessary by the real-life passing of stalwart co-star John Aniston, the death of onscreen husband Victor Kiriakis has been nothing short of a showcase for the criminally underused, Daytime Emmy-winning Suzanne Rogers.
Suzanne Rogers — Performer of the Week
Though the spotlight shone brightest on Rogers during Friday’s proceedings — which endeavored to honor the actress’ 50-year anniversary — we’d be remiss if we didn’t fete her for the cornucopia of emotions she exhibited in the lead-up to, and the aftermath of, the announcement of Victor’s untimely passing.
When alerted to the fact that her alter-ego’s husband’s plane was MIA, Rogers at first stood stoned-faced. Then her bottom lip quivered ever so noticeably. With a clearing of her throat, Rogers cleared away the obviously encroaching dread and simply requested a further explanation. What exactly did Justin (Wally Kurth) mean when he said missing? How could an entire plane be missing?
Even as it was explained that there was no news as of yet, Rogers kept Maggie as sedate and in control as possible. She fought back the tears and the panic and remained collected. For the briefest of moments, Rogers telegraphed hope. Perhaps Victor would pick up if she placed a call. When that proved fruitless, she clung to the possibility that he was still by Bo’s side and hadn’t even boarded the plane. Maggie was clearly grasping at straws, she knew it, Rogers knew it, and the audience too.
When news came courtesy of John that Victor’s body had been found amongst the wreckage of the downed aircraft, Rogers finally let loose a torrent of mourning.
In subsequent scenes opposite decades-long scene partner Susan Seaforth Hayes AKA Julie Williams, Rogers ran the gamut from blubbering mess to stoic reflector. Delight and regret flashed over Rogers’s face in equal measure as she recalled the highs and lows of a life lived with two great loves, now both lost.
By the conversation’s end, a strengthening resolve of sorts had seemed to descend upon Maggie — no doubt due to the reflection on a half-century of survival…of the elements, of the pain, of her struggle with sobriety. To quote POW Suzanne Rogers, “50 years…and sometimes, it feels like yesterday.” Here’s to 50 more!
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