"I plan to stay for as long as possible."

The soap opera has been a mainstay of daytime TV for many years. While there aren't as many as in the past, there are a few classic series that have endured.

Many actors who have been on the show since the beginning are about to celebrate "General Hospital's" 60th anniversary and "The Young and the Restless'" 50th anniversary. They have been with their soaps for decades and will continue to do so for as long they can.

Check out the actors who have been on soaps for the longest...

10. Bill Hayes: 40 years

Bill Hayes, who has played Doug Williams since 1970 on "Days of Our Lives," is a native of New York. Doug Williams has been on "Days of Our Lives" for 40 years. He married his costar Susan Seaforth Hayes. Bill admits that he didn't know what he was in for when he first joined the cast.

"At the time, I had never seen a bar of soap. I had no idea what soaps were, and it only took me a couple of minutes to see how amazing they are. The actors in 'Days of Our Lives were incredible...They were just so good, I couldn't believe my eyes! Bill said, "I thought maybe I could survive a year. I've done just over 2,100 episodes."

9. Kate Linder – 41 years

Kate Linder, who has been playing housekeeper Esther Valentine for more than four decades on "Young and the Restless", is a veteran of the show. She was originally supposed to appear on the show only for a small role in one episode in 1982. Her character did not even have a title. Jeanne Cooper, who played her co-star in the show, began calling her Esther as they expanded her part. Then, a nationwide contest was held to choose a name. Kate has been in the cast ever since and still plays her part today.

It's truly unbelievable. Wow. It's amazing to have started on this show and be a part of "The Young and the Restless" for so long. It's amazing to think that it has been 40 years. I absolutely love my job, I love this show, and I feel honored to be able to bring Esther into life. Kate said: "It has given me so many opportunities to give back. I am thrilled and honored."

8. Deidre hall - 41 Years

Deidre has played Marlena in thousands of episodes of 'Days of Our Lives' over the last 41 years. Deidre Hall thought that she would never get the role because she auditioned against many other famous actresses. But when she was offered the part, Deidre actually declined it!

I was convinced they wouldn't have chosen me with all the familiar faces I saw at the audition. In my rational mind, I thought, "They must have gone through 10 actors that turned it down, something must be wrong with it." Then I also turned it down and she called me two weeks later to ask, "What's wrong with the part?" I replied, "I love this part." I thought they might not have chosen me first. She told me, "You were the first choice." She told Closer Weekly, "I took it. It's now been 40 years since I did it.

7. Doug Davidson – 42 years

Doug Davidson joined the cast of "The Young and the Restless", in 1978. He has been a member of the cast ever since. Since then, Doug Davidson has played Paul Williams on thousands of episodes. He also won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series.

In 2018, Doug's contract wasn't renewed. He would be returning only as a recurring role. Doug was still a cast member but there were dramas behind the scenes. He hasn't been on the show for several years. He decided not to appear in the recent episode celebrating the 50th anniversary of the show and hopes he will be able to tell fans what happened soon.

6. Eric Braeden, 43 years old

Eric Braeden has been a part of the cast of 'The Young and the Restless' since 1980 as Victor Newman. He admits that he wasn't sure about his role at first, but he helped writers to give the character more depth. Eric is still going strong at age 81.

He told People that he felt "very loyal" to the show, and was "very beholden" to Victor and the audience for their support over the years. "I plan to stay for as long as possible."

5. Jackie Zeman, 43 years old

Jackie Zeman has been part of "General Hospital" since 1977, and she's actively appeared in the show for the past 43 years as nurse Bobbie Spencer.

Zeman passed away in May 2023, at 70 years old, after a brief battle with cancer

Zeman said that her character's ability to connect with so many people was the reason why it has endured.

Jackie told TV Insider that "so many of Bobbie’s stories -- her abusive marriage, which led to her hysterectomy; her daughter's death by a drunken driver -- I've had people stop and tell me, 'That's what happened to me, too. You really helped me through it'." "Yeah. We're here primarily to entertain, but we are also pertinent. I'm so proud that the people who watch "GH" connect with us like we're family. "What we do is very important."

4. Melody Thomas Scott, 44 years old

Melody Thomas Scott was cast in "The Young and the Restless", as Nikki Reed, who later became Nikki Newman. She has appeared in thousands of episodes and is one of the longest-running members of the show. Melody admits that she didn't know the show would last over 50 years when she signed up.

"I don’t think anyone of us stopped to ask, "Well, gee, will we make it to 50?" It's not in our heads. We don't even think like that. We're actors. What actor's job lasts for a whole year? Few. "It is a true blessing that it has lasted so long for us all," she said.

3. Susan Seaforth Hayes, 44 years old

Susan Seaforth Hayes, who has been playing Julie Olson Williams for 44 years on "Days of Our Lives", is a true legend. She has been nominated six times for Daytime Emmys since joining the cast. In 2018, her and husband Bill Hayes were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.

There aren't too many actors who can say they have played the same part at that level for so long. Susan revealed to Digital Journal that there used to be 14 soaps airing, but now only four. "I'm probably the oldest person currently on the show, screen-time wise. Bill joined the show a year-and-a half after, but that time was magical, and it hasn't worn out. "I think the award was given to us because the magic had not worn off."

2. Leslie Charleson, 45 years old

Leslie Charleson, who plays Monica Quartermaine in "General Hospital", has been on the show for over 45 years. Leslie Charleson says that she only signed up for three years with the show, but it turned into so much more. Leslie enjoys her role as Monica because of her versatility.

"When I hear about 45 years I wonder who they're talking about, because I don't even know what happened. I signed up for only three years, but I think it's because I was having so much fun playing Monica. If I didn't enjoy what I did, I couldn't do the demanding schedule they have. You're done. Thanks, Monica!" Leslie told Soap Opera Digest.

1. Suzanne Rogers, 48 years old

Suzanne Rogers hasn't turned back since 1973 when she took over the role of Maggie Horton in "Days of Our Lives". Suzanne Rogers returned to the show 48 years after being killed off.

Fans have been loyal to 'Days,' especially the families. They've done so for over 55 years. A few years back, I was at Costco and this handsome guy said to me: "I know who you're." You do? I asked. He replied, "Well, Station 51 is watching you every day!" He was a Fireman! We have the most loyal fans because of this. All of them invest. "I think we need something else to invest in than the sadness of the world," Suzanne Soap hub.

-----------------------------------

Title: Top 10 Longest Running Soap Opera Stars
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/05/26/longest-running-soap-opera-stars/
Published Date: Fri, 26 May 2023 15:24:16 +0000

Read More