Judith Light Shares ‘One Life’ Memories… And A Thrilling New Project

Emmy-winning soap actress and famed primetime star Judith Light is taking on the mental health system in America with the story of pioneer journalist, Nellie Bly.

The actress recently visited The Talk to discuss her newest project, the Lifetime flick  titled Escaping the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story.

Not surprising to soap fans, the majority of her visit was spent with questions about her memorable run on One Life to Live and her role as Karen Wolek.

At first, Light suggested that the Talk audience was too young to remember her time in Llanview, but then an audience member yelled out “Karen!” Cheers from other soap fans indicated that many present fondly recall Light’s critically acclaimed soap run.

“I love that you all know that,” said Light, who won two Daytime Emmys as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Karen.

Then, host Sheryl Underwood, a daytime devotee, chimed in, recounting in detail Karen’s journey from wife of a respected doctor to prostitute in addition to her off-screen marriage to co-star Robert Desiderio (ex-Steve) in 1985.

“Everybody in my life should know my story like you do,” Light said with a smile. “It was a pretty interesting and daunting challenge to do that every day.”

“You’re such an amazing actress because you gave [Karen] such humanity,” Underwood added.

In Escaping the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story, Light also brings humanity to Matron Grady, a head nurse at the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on New York’s Blackwell’s Island where Nellie Bly has placed herself in order to uncover how patients are improperly treated.

Josh Bowman (ex-Daniel, Revenge) plays Dr. Josiah. SAG nominated actress Christina Ricci portrays the title role of Nellie Bly.

Escaping the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story airs Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

The Talk airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.