Soap operas have long been a cornerstone of television, captivating audiences with dramatic storylines, unforgettable characters, and compelling performances. Soap operas have long provided a platform for actors to hone their craft, connect with audiences, and launch into stardom. These stars, whether still active in the soap world or branching into new arenas, remain symbols of dedication and storytelling excellence. Many soap stars have become household names, using their time in daytime TV as a springboard to stardom. Here’s a look at 20 of the most famous soap stars, their rise to fame, and what they’re up to now.
Susan Lucci (*Erica Kane on All My Children)
How She Started: Susan Lucci made her debut on All My Children in 1970, portraying the fiery Erica Kane.
Fame Factor: Known as “Daytime’s Leading Lady,” Lucci was nominated for 18 Daytime Emmy Awards before finally winning in 1999.
Where She Is Now: Lucci has embraced theater, primetime roles, and reality TV (Dancing with the Stars), and continues to champion heart health awareness.
Fun Fact: Erica Kane married (and divorced) 11 times on-screen!
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Anthony Geary (*Luke Spencer on General Hospital)
How He Started: Geary joined General Hospital in 1978 as Luke Spencer, part of the iconic “Luke and Laura” supercouple.
Fame Factor: The 1981 wedding of Luke and Laura remains one of the most-watched events in daytime history.
Where He Is Now: Geary retired from acting in 2015 but occasionally makes appearances and enjoys a quiet life in Amsterdam.
Fun Fact: Geary has won a record eight Daytime Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Luke.
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Deidre Hall (*Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives)
How She Started: Hall joined Days of Our Lives in 1976 as the compassionate Dr. Marlena Evans.
Fame Factor: Marlena’s possession storyline in the mid-’90s is one of soap opera history’s most unforgettable arcs.
Where She Is Now: Hall remains a staple on Days of Our Lives, still portraying Marlena decades later.
Fun Fact: Hall has been honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—one for herself and one for Days.
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Eric Braeden (*Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless)
How He Started: German-born Braeden joined Y&R in 1980 as ruthless businessman Victor Newman.
Fame Factor: Victor’s complicated relationships and corporate takeovers have made him a fan favorite.
Where He Is Now: Braeden is still a central figure on The Young and the Restless and has shown no signs of slowing down.
Fun Fact: Braeden originally signed on for a short-term role, but Victor’s popularity led to a permanent spot.
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Genie Francis (*Laura Spencer on General Hospital)
How She Started: Francis began her role as Laura Webber at just 14 years old in 1976.
Fame Factor: The “Luke and Laura” wedding made her a soap legend.
Where She Is Now: Francis has returned to General Hospital on and off, balancing soap work with family life.
Fun Fact: Francis initially left the show because she felt overwhelmed by the fame at such a young age.
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Victoria Rowell (*Drucilla Winters on The Young and the Restless)
How She Started: Rowell joined Y&R in 1990 as Drucilla, a character who transitioned from streetwise youth to soap royalty.
Fame Factor: Her dynamic portrayal earned her multiple NAACP Image Awards.
Where She Is Now: Rowell works as an advocate for foster care reform and remains active in acting, producing, and directing.
Fun Fact: Rowell herself grew up in foster care, which inspired her advocacy.
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Sarah Michelle Gellar (*Kendall Hart on All My Children)
How She Started: Gellar’s role as Erica Kane’s troubled daughter Kendall earned her a Daytime Emmy in 1995.
Fame Factor: Gellar used her soap success as a launchpad for primetime stardom, notably in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Where She Is Now: Gellar balances acting with business ventures and family life.
Fun Fact: Gellar clashed with Susan Lucci on set, a drama that rivaled their on-screen tension.
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Eileen Davidson (*Ashley Abbott on The Young and the Restless)
How She Started: Davidson joined Y&R in 1982 as chemist Ashley Abbott.
Fame Factor: Her versatility in portraying multiple characters, including Kristen DiMera on Days of Our Lives, is unparalleled.
Where She Is Now: Davidson continues to act and appeared on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Fun Fact: She’s one of the few soap stars to win a Daytime Emmy for playing multiple characters.
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Maurice Benard (*Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital)
How He Started: Benard joined GH in 1993, playing mob boss Sonny Corinthos.
Fame Factor: His portrayal of Sonny, complete with mental health struggles, brought depth to the soap’s storytelling.
Where He Is Now: Benard still stars on GH and is an advocate for mental health awareness.
Fun Fact: Benard’s portrayal of Sonny’s bipolar disorder is based on his own experiences.
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Jack Wagner (*Frisco Jones on General Hospital)
How He Started: Wagner’s role as Frisco, a charming spy and musician, made him a heartthrob in the 1980s.
Fame Factor: Wagner leveraged his soap fame into a music career, including the hit single “All I Need.”
Where He Is Now: Wagner acts in Hallmark Channel movies and occasionally returns to daytime TV.
Fun Fact: Wagner competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2012.
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Kristen Alderson (*Starr Manning on One Life to Live)
How She Started: Alderson debuted as Starr at just six years old in 1998.
Fame Factor: She grew up on-screen, making Starr one of the most relatable characters for younger viewers.
Where She Is Now: Alderson has stepped away from acting but occasionally appears at fan conventions.
Fun Fact: Alderson won a Daytime Emmy for her role on General Hospital after transitioning her character there.
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Michael E. Knight (*Tad Martin on All My Children)
How He Started: Knight joined AMC in 1982, becoming the beloved “Tad the Cad.”
Fame Factor: His mix of charm and humor made him one of the soap’s most popular leading men.
Where He Is Now: Knight guest-stars in various soap operas and continues to act in TV and film.
Fun Fact: Knight has won three Daytime Emmys.
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Erika Slezak (*Victoria Lord on One Life to Live)
How She Started: Slezak joined OLTL in 1971, portraying the multi-faceted Viki Lord.
Fame Factor: Her portrayal of Viki’s dissociative identity disorder storyline remains iconic.
Where She Is Now: Slezak retired from acting but occasionally engages with her fanbase.
Fun Fact: She won six Daytime Emmy Awards for her role.
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Kimberly McCullough (*Robin Scorpio on General Hospital)
How She Started: McCullough debuted as Robin Scorpio at age seven in 1985.
Fame Factor: Her long-term portrayal of Robin, including her HIV-positive storyline, broke barriers.
Where She Is Now: McCullough works as a TV director and occasionally reprises her GH role.
Fun Fact: McCullough was one of the youngest Daytime Emmy winners.
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Nathan Fillion (*Joey Buchanan on One Life to Live)
How He Started: Fillion played Joey, a central character, from 1994 to 1997.
Fame Factor: His time on OLTL helped launch a primetime career with hits like Castle.
Where He Is Now: Fillion stars in The Rookie and remains a fan favorite.
Fun Fact: Fillion has joked about returning to soaps someday.
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Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady – Days of Our Lives)
How She Started: Sweeney joined Days in 1993 as Sami, one of the show’s most complex characters. Fame Factor: Her portrayal of Sami’s scheming and redemption arcs made her unforgettable. Where She Is Now: Sweeney hosts The Biggest Loser and stars in Hallmark movies.
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Peter Reckell (Bo Brady – Days of Our Lives)
How He Started: Reckell debuted as Bo Brady in 1983, becoming part of Days’ beloved “Bo and Hope” supercouple. Fame Factor: His rugged charm and dramatic storylines made him a fan favorite. Where He Is Now: Reckell occasionally returns to Days while pursuing other projects.
Rick Springfield (Dr. Noah Drake – General Hospital)
How He Started: Springfield played Dr. Noah Drake on GH in the early 1980s. Fame Factor: Simultaneously a pop star, Springfield balanced music and acting fame. Where He Is Now: Springfield tours as a musician and occasionally revisits his GH role.
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Laura Wright (Carly Corinthos – General Hospital)
How She Started: Wright joined GH in 2005 as Carly, adding depth to an already beloved character. Fame Factor: Her chemistry with Maurice Benard made her a GH staple. Where She Is Now: Wright remains a key player on GH.
ABC
Heather Locklear (Sammy Jo Carrington – Dynasty)
How She Started: Locklear’s early soap appearances transitioned her to primetime soap Dynasty. Fame Factor: She became an ‘80s TV icon. Where She Is Now:Locklear focuses on advocacy and personal projects.
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