Turnover is often the name of the game in soap land. However, occasionally a soap star sticks with their dramatic role for many decades throughout his or her career.
While this is an exception rather than a rule, it’s always interesting to see which of daytime’s best have portrayed their characters the longest. Check out which actor or actress is the longest-serving active soap star on Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful!
For Days on DAYS
The astonishing Susan Seaforth Hayes is the longest active talent on Days of Our Lives. Off and on for 40 years, she’s portrayed Julie. And believe it or not — Hayes didn’t even originate the role of Julie!
Although Julie is fascinating in her own right, one of her most unique aspects is that her step-sister Hope is also her step-daughter. And of course the fact that the actress met and married the love of her life — co-star Bill Hayes (Doug). This DAYS matriarch is the cornerstone of this long-running show.
Doug & Julie Sing ~Always~ 2011
Doctor is Longest Serving on General Hospital
For four decades, the talented Leslie Charleson has brought Monica to life in Port Charles! Early on, Patsy Rahn played this character. However, from 1977 until now, Charleson has been the one fans have loved decade after decade with her nuanced portrayal of this very complicated woman.
Throughout General Hospital’s history, the good doctor has endured many familial losses, survived breast cancer, and been married to two different men. She’s a strong woman, and a Port Charles mainstay.
Law and Order for The Young and the Restless
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In 1978, Doug Davidson brought Paul to Genoa City where he’s been a (mostly) steadfast pillar of the community for 39 years. Except for a short stint as a waiter in his earlier years, Paul has been devoted to law and order either through the police department or his private detective agency.
In nearly 40 years, the detective has married and divorced four different woman. These days, he’s typically the voice of reason even in the midst of a storm.
It’s a Tie for The Bold and the Beautiful
The handsome John McCook (Eric) and the beautiful Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) are tied at 30 years of service on the Bold and the Beautiful! During those three decades, this duo took walks down the aisle twice and had two beautiful children. Unfortunately for their fans, their marriages weren’t meant to be.
The show is celebrating its 30 years on CBS Daytime this year, and the throwbacks to when Eric and Brooke first met are must-see for sure!
Did any of these longest-serving active soap stars surprise you? Who else do you remember as long-time talent on your daytime favorites?
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Video Credit: Leanne Koch
Video Credit: TED
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