Nancy Lee Grahn, A Martinez, and More Pay Tribute to Santa Barbara Creator Bridget Dobson

Bridget Dobson, the co-creator of the gone-but-not-forgotten Santa Barbara, recently died at the age of 85. Now, actors from that show, Nancy Lee Grahn, A Martinez, Lane Davies, and others remeber the late, great award-winning writer/producer.

Nancy Lee Grahn On Bridget Dobson

“Bridget Dobson and her husband Jerry hired me to play the most curious, absorbing, complex, inspiring, character of my career,” Grahn posted on Instagram referring to the part of Julia Wainwright Capwell. (Grahn won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1989 for playing Julia.)

“Realizing the role of Julia Wainwright, having the privilege of feeling my way through this beautifully constructed character’s relationship with herself and others was life-altering for me,” Grahn continued. “It advanced me as an actress and a woman. It introduced 140 some countries to me and me to them and it set the path to a career that has so far lasted 38 yrs. The effect just one person can have on your life is quite extraordinary. Rest in greatness, Bridget and thank you.”

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The Dobsons cast A Martinez as Cruz Castillo, the show’s leading man who was paired opposite Marcy Walker’s Eden Capwell. “Bridget and her husband Jerry eventually ascended into the realm of legend,” Martinez, who won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1990, wrote on Facebook. “As is always the case with great writers who will not be denied, their obsession to build their own world –– and share it ––delivered emotional medicine for years to millions of people around the world, and the power of that medicine lingers to this day. Thank you, Bridget. May a warm wind carry you always.”

Lane Davies played Mason Capwell, firstborn son to C.C. Capwell (Jed Allan) and leading man to Nancy Lee Grahn on-screen. “Bridget was possessed of an indomitable spirit, irrepressible creativity, and a truly wicked sense of humor,” Davies shared on Instagram. “Together with her husband of 60-plus years, Jerry, she gave us some of the most memorable moments and characters in the history of Daytime Television. She will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.”

John Wesley Shipp (ex-Kelly, Guiding Light; ex-Douglas, As the World Turns; ex-Eddie, One Life to Live) won a Daytime Emmy in 1987 in the category of Outstanding Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series for his turn as abusive tennis pro, Martin Ellis on Santa Barbara. “My condolences, Jerry, during this time of deep loss and recovery,” Shipp posted on Facebook. “Thank you both for #MartinEllis #SantaBarbara – you certainly made your mark and have helped many others make ours. Thinking of you with gratitude and appreciation.”