Though it’s been some time since Gloria Loring has graced either the silver or small screen with her presence, she remains a much-beloved performer — a feat truly worthy of celebration. And just as notable, is the special milestone that Loring will recognize today.
Happy Birthday, Gloria Loring!
And that’s because she was born on December 10, 1946, in New York City, New York, which means that this very talented lady is turning 77 years old today! Loring launched her music career at age 14 alongside the folk group Those Four.
Subsequently, she went on to appear in the film, Once Upon a Coffee House (1965) and a number of primetime programs, including two variety series: The Carol Burnett Show (1968) and The Bobby Vinton Show (1977). She released her first album, Today, in 1968.
In 1980, Loring joined the cast of the NBC daytime drama Days of our Lives. Her character, chanteuse Liz Chandler, quickly became a fan favorite as did her pairing opposite Joseph Gallison’s Dr. Neil Curtis.
Liz would remain a fixture of the serial for six years, and in that time, Loring found herself playing out numerous kidnapping scenarios – usually instigated at the hand of her devious father-in-law, via her marriage to Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis), Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo) — adulterous situations, and participating in a near murder!
Liz wasn’t always able to tell Neil how she felt about him due to her controlling in-laws. However, she could sing how she felt. She’d perform a heartfelt rendition of “Always on My Mind,” but Neil couldn’t bring himself to believe she was directing the lyrics towards him.
During her tenure with the soap, Loring continued to appear on other scripted fares, including episodes of Fantasy Island (1984) and Hotel (1985). Loring also used her newfound fame to further her singing career. She scored a No. 2 Pop and No. 1 Adult Contemporary hit with “Friends and Lovers” – a duet with Carl Anderson.
After leaving DAYS, Loring continued to act. Among her many credits are episodes of The New Mike Hammer (1987), Murder, She Wrote (1989), Freddy’s Nightmares (1989), Living Dolls (1993), Saved by the Bell: The College Years (1993), Burke’s Law (1994), and Silk Stalkings (1994), as well as the made-for-TV movies, Convicted: A Mother’s Story (1987), Police Story: The Freeway Killings (1987), and Correcting Christmas (2014).
She is also a songwriter — and was the co-composer of television theme songs including Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life (which she also performed), cementing herself in the annals of pop culture.
Loring has been married to production designer production designer Rene Lagler since 1994. She is a mother of two sons, Brennan and singing sensation Robin Thicke, whom she shares with her first husband, the late Alan Thicke. Loring is known for her dedication to raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes — an ailment from which Brennan suffers — and fighting hunger. Soap Hub would like to wish Gloria Loring a very happy birthday.
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