Soap operas have been popular since the days of radio, and remain an integral part of many viewers’ lives today. I have been a fan of several soaps since the late ’70s; here is my list of the top 10 female soap stars.
10. Helen Wager (Nancy Hughes on Ryan’s Hope, 1956-present)
An original cast member, Helen Wagner holds the distinction of playing the same character for over fifty years.
9. Kim Zimmer (Reva Shayne on Guiding Light, 1983-1990 and 1995-present)
As Reva, Kim Zimmer has wed 9 times, been presumed dead twice and committed innumerable crimes. Her portrayal of Reva is so unforgettable that she has won four Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress.
8. Linda Dano (Felicia Gallant on Another World, 1984-1999)
The dramatic Mrs. Dano has appeared on several soaps, but is perhaps best known for her 15 year run on Another World.
7. Patsy Pease (Kimberly Brady Donovan on Days of Our Lives, 1984-1990, 1991-1992, 2008)
As part of the “super couple” Shane and Kimberly, Patsy Pease was an overwhelmingly popular star on Days of Our Lives in the late 80’s. Nearly 20 years later, I still remember vividly the sense of loss that I felt when Patsy Pease left DOOL.
6. Ericka Slezak (Viki Lord Davidson on One Life to Live, 1971-present)
Ericka Slezak has the most Daytime Emmy wins (six) of any actress. Recently, persistent rumors have hinted that the long running actress may be written off of One Life to Live in the near future.
5. Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman on The Young and the Restless, 1979-present)
Nikki is considered the ultimate survivor on The Young and the Restless, and her character has wed Y&R; mainstay Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) three times.
4. Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady on Days of Our Lives, 1983-1987, 1990, 1994-present)
As Hope “Fancyface” Williams Brady, Kristian Alfonso has had an immensely popular storyline over the last twenty plus years with Peter Reckell playing her husband Bo Brady. Despite being 45 years old, she seems ageless.
3. Genie Francis (Laura Spencer on General Hospital, 1976-2002, 2006, 2008)
As half of the ultimate soap super couple, Luke and Laura, Genie Francis is an iconic figure in soap opera history. Luke and Laura’s wedding (taking place on November 16, 1981) was the highest rated hour in soap opera history.
2. Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives, 1976-1987, 1991-2009)
Soap veteran Deidre Hall has been through it all with Marlena Evans- demon possession, presumed death, a stint as a presumed serial killer and multiple marriages. Days of our Lives fans protested the removal of Hall (and longtime co-star Drake Hogestyn) from the cast in early 2009.
1. Susan Lucci (Erica Kane on All My Children, 1970-present)
Susan Lucci is perhaps best known for her 19 unsuccessful Daytime Emmy nominations before she finally triumphed with the 1999 Outstanding Lead Actress award. Erica Kane is a self seeking diva who has been married ten to twelve times (some of her marriages were deemed invalid so the number is unclear even to longtime fans). TV Guide referred to her as “Daytime’s Leading Lady”, reflecting her status as perhaps the best female soap opera actress.
Each of these actresses have put their own unique stamp on a soap opera character. What is your opinion about the best female soap opera actresses? Please feel free to add a comment and remember the divas of days past.
Sources:
www.soapcentral.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Daytime_Emmy_Award_winnershttp://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards
http://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards/
