I started watching “General Hospital” in 1978, at the beginning of my career as a soap journalist. That was the year that Anthony Geary made his debut on “GH” as Luke Spencer. I liked Luke immediately. He was charming, funny, and true. And Geary was a terrific actor who won over his already approving audience with his character’s warmth and … [Read more...]
John McCook of “The Bold and the Beautiful”: An Appreciation
December 16, 2025 by 2 Comments
A note from Marlena: As you know the soap world lost its most important alumnus Monday morning when Anthony Geary (Luke Spencer, “General Hospital”) passed away at 78, two days after an operation in Amsterdam, where he lived with his husband, Claudio Gama. Mon readers, a major piece on Tony’s life and achievements is more than merited and to … [Read more...]
On Soaps, You’ve Got to Have Friends
December 7, 2025 by 6 Comments
When I started writing for the newish publication USA Today in 1988, I was sent to cover the premiere of Bette Midler’s new movie “Beaches” at the Museum of Modern Art. Over-the-top Marlena getting to interview the divine Miss M? OMG, was I thrilled! A decade earlier, I had heard her in concert at the Continental Baths with her accompanist Barry … [Read more...]
The Joys of Soap Swag
December 1, 2025 by 4 Comments
Marlena and Moose are on the move again and I’m digging out a lot of things I forgot I had. What I’ll never forget or part with is an amazing collection of soap souvenirs I as a soap opera journalist received from the networks and Procter and Gamble during the eighties and early nineties. Those were the days when the profits from daytime soaps (and … [Read more...]
“Dynasty” Fondly Remembered
November 21, 2025 by 10 Comments
Marlena’s been a little blue lately. Whenever trouble strikes, I tend to turn to my two favorite pastimes, soaps and journalism. So how did the CW network know something was up with me? I adore their new Monday night nostalgia show “TV We Love” which featured in its first two weeks “I Love Lucy” and “Happy Days.” This week--how did they know—CW … [Read more...]
Outback the Beagle on “General Hospital” — The Story of a Star
November 13, 2025 by 13 Comments
Have you ever noticed that “General Hospital” has a track record of performers who became soap superstars not long after their debuts? Think Tony Geary as Luke, Tristan Rogers as Robert, Rick Springfield as Noah, Ingo Rademacher as Jax, and even a pre-“Full House” John Stamos as Blackie. Fast forward to now. On “GH” we currently have a beautiful … [Read more...]
Thank You “General Hospital” for the Gift of Erika Slezak
November 2, 2025 by 11 Comments
I was very excited when it was announced that Erika Slezak, the six-time winner of a Best Actress Emmy for her 41 years on “One Life to Live” as Victoria Lord Riley Burke Buchanan, was joining “General Hospital” for a guest stint as Veronica (Ronnie) Bard, the sister of the late Monica Quartermaine (played the late Leslie Charleson.) I watched … [Read more...]
Remembering “Santa Barbara,” a Quirky Soap of the 80s
October 26, 2025 by 8 Comments
Marlena says: “Santa Barbara” debuted in 1984, a smartly written – some would say wacky --and engagingly cast product of its time, that flourishing era when soap operas were awash in money and brave ideas. Compared to established soap fare, it had a different sense of itself. Proudly sophisticated and droll, it chronicled the complex interactions … [Read more...]
The 2025 Daytime Emmys: The Pajama Game
October 20, 2025 by 8 Comments
I attended my first Daytime Emmys as a soap journalist in 1981. The winners were two powerhouse performers: Best Actor Douglass Watson, who played Mackenzie Cory on “Another World” and Best Actress Judith Light, who played Karen Wolek on “One Life to Live.” Both were so terrific, they won the same awards again in 1982. For all of us who cover … [Read more...]
Marlena’s Soap Opera Press Memories, Part Two
October 16, 2025 by 5 Comments
In Part One of this collection of Marlena’s “back in the day” soap press memories, I revisit some of the very wonderful experiences I had as a young soap journalist. It’s a job I still have 40 years later, and I still take a lot of pride in my work. I spent most of my early years in the soap press writing for just about every soap magazine out … [Read more...]
