Star Power? When Famous Folks Make Soap Cameos

Suddenly you spot a famous face in your favorite soap town — it can be jarring or it can be the coolest thing ever — but which is it?

There was a time when there was nothing cooler than General Hospital. Luke and Laura were about to get married and they were getting congratulatory notes from fans (many of them famous) all over the world. One lucky celebrity fan even got to appear at the wedding: just a little-known actress named Elizabeth Taylor!

She was hardly the first celebrity cameo to appear in Soap Town, USA but she was arguably one of the most famous. But it isn’t just famous fans who appear in guest shots.

Primetime actors have been tapped to play short, pivotal roles (James Eckhouse from Beverly Hills, 90210 is currently a judge on Days of Our Lives), but how do fans feel about that? Soap Hub asked just that question and the results are in.

Star Power Shines
After a possible record-breaking turnout of over 21,500 votes was tallied, a healthy 62% say to bring it on — the more star power, the better. You love seeing your favorites from another medium pop up in your favorite soap towns. Remember when Little Richard married Bo and Nora on One Life to Live? It was hilarious!

And it always seems like there is one sports figure or another popping up in Genoa City to meet Victor on The Young and the Restless. Athletes love their soaps and they love appearing on them even more.

What about the time living legend Betty White appeared as Stephanie and Pam’s mother on The Bold and the Beautiful? There was nothing funny about her incredibly dramatic portrayal of the mother who made both of those women who they were.

Enough is Enough
For the other 38%, you find these visits to be pointless. It takes you out of the moment and leaves you wishing they had never bothered. Perhaps if they wanted to stick around, you would feel different, but otherwise, it feels like a stunt and that’s not what you watch soaps for.