Soap Opera Legend And Icon Erika Slezak Celebrates Her Birthday

Although Erika Slezak hasn’t appeared in a daytime drama in over six years, she still continues to act — a feat that deserves celebrating. As does the milestone that the actress is currently recognizing.

Happy Birthday, Erika Slezak!

And that’s because she was born on August 5, 1946, in Hollywood, CA, which means that this uber-talented actress is turning 77 years old today! At age 17, Slezak — the daughter of Tony award-winning actor Walter Slezak — became one of the youngest individuals to ever be accepted into, and graduate from, the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England.

She subsequently performed in a plethora of theater productions all across the United States, including ones in Milwaukee, Chicago, and Houston. In 1971, Slezak agreed to screen test for the role of Mary Kennecott, R.N. — a character on the ABC soap opera All My Children.

That tape eventually netted her an audition to be the third (and final) actress to take on the role of Victoria “Viki” Lord Riley on One Life to Live. Slezak made her debut on March 17, 1971, and she remained in the part continually throughout its run on the ABC network, which ended on January 13, 2012. Slezak reprised the part in The Online Network continuance from its April 29, 2013 premiere to its August 19, 2013 conclusion.

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For her efforts, Slezak won six Daytime Emmy Awards — all in the Outstanding Lead Actress category — setting a record that has only recently been tied by her former OLTL co-star Heather Tom (ex-Kelly; now Katie on The Bold and the Beautiful).

Slezak’s other acting credits include a starring role in the made-for-television movie Danielle Steel’s Full Circle (Jean Roberts), guest spots on The Resident (Dr. Eileen Jacoby) and Blue Bloods (Donna Duvall), and a small part in the Jeff Daniels-starring feature film Guest Artist (Helen).

Slezak has been married to fellow actor Brian Davies since August 4, 1978. They have two children: Michael (born 1980) and Amanda (born 1981). In 2003, Amanda portrayed a younger version of Victoria in flashback scenes. Soap Hub would like to wish Erika Slezak a very happy birthday and many more.

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