In short order, a massive earthquake rocked the California-based characters and many of the shows less talented actresses were disposed of by the “Carnation Killer” who was revealed to be Kelly’s new intended, Peter Flint.
Epic Romances
After spending six months cleaning house a new Santa Barbara emerged. The Perkins were long gone and the action-focused much more on the Capwell family, as well as a number of fan-favorite love stories. Older fans swooned over C.C. (Jed Allen) and Sophia (Judith McConnel).
But, the epic romance between Eden (Marcy Walker) and Latino heartthrob Cruz (A Martinez) proved to be the show’s most popular pairing and one of the most popular in soap history.
Not a series to rest on its laurels, SB also had other beloved couplings, including schemers in-arms Keith (Justin Deas) and Gina (Robin Mattson) and the troubled Mason (Lane Davies) and feminist lawyer Julia (Nancy Lee Grahn).
The final episode of Santa Barbara focused on a reception held for newlyweds Warren (Jack Wagner) and B.J. Lockridge (Sydney Penny).
Trivia
Creators Bridget and Jerome didn’t have to look far for inspiration for their new series. They lived in the real California city of Santa Barbara.
Actress Louise Sorel was fired after she objected to playing a story where her character, Augusta, would fall in love with her sister’s rapist.
Santa Barbara was the first American program to air in Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
A wealthy uber-fan modeled his home to resemble the Capwell mansion. Since the home’s bathroom had never been shown the fan paid the soap’s set designer to come to France and design the en suite.
When aired in America, Santa Barbara was a one-hour program. When it was syndicated in the United Kingdom, it was re-edited into two half-hour episodes. Fans in that country have never seen the 60-minute editions.
A lawsuit launched by the soap’s creators for unfair dismissal has long been referenced as a reason for the shows sharp ratings decline and its eventual cancelation.
Awards Season
Despite never being a true ratings success, Santa Barbara certainly cleaned up come awards day. Among it’s 24 Daytime Emmy wins the show claimed Best Drama series three times (1988, ’89, & ’90) and Outstanding Writing twice (’89 and ’91).
Princess Bride
Without a doubt, the series biggest breakout star was Robin Wright. She was an original member of the cast, playing the show’s main ingénue Kelly Capwell who was caught between her devotion to family and her love Joe Perkins.
Wright stayed with the soap until 1988 when she finally left to pursue a full-time movie career after the immense success of her 1987 film, The Princess Bride.
Video Credit: General Hospital
Share this: