critical observations about soap operas, past present, and future...

Assessing the fate of soap opera actors

Everyone loves to talk about the successful actors who got their start on soaps, especially the mainstream media. When they deign to write about soaps, this is often the first, and only positive thing they have to say. And just what does that say about actors who spend their entire career on soaps? That they're less talented, less ambitious? Less successful? Keep reading

So it's not just about life after soaps; it's about life during soaps. Soap actors have long used their salaries to subsidize interesting and satisfying, but less lucrative work. back in the 60s and 70s (less so now), Broadway and Off-Broadway shows were filled with soap opera actors: just from As the World Turns, Larry Bryggman (John Dixon); Henderson Forsyth (David Stewart); Benjamin Hendrickson (Hal Munson); Scott Holmes (Tom Hughes) are but a few examples. I believe Marie Masters (Susan Stewart) is still working as a director with an Off-Broadway group. The New York soaps always had a different look and feel to them, and I think this close connection between soaps and the stage played a role in that. Then there's independent film; lots of soap actors on both coasts there.

Perhaps the best example is Tamara Tunie: she currently plays the medical examiner on Law & Order SVU; before she left ATWT, she did double duty for several years, and helped produced several Broadway shows, including Spring Awakenings, which won last year's Tony for best musical. In fact, all the L&O shows, but in particular, the original have featured actors, past and present, from virtually every New York soap, far too many to list here.

Back in the day, soap opera writers and producers made it possible for actors to juggle more than one project. While doing research a few years back, I came across a letter from Henderson Forsyth to the soap's producers detailing his availability during a Broadway run. In a recent tribute to ATWT's late head writer, Douglas Marland, Tunie talked about how he helped her keep all the balls in the air:

"He was an actors' head writer. Having been an actor himself, he knew the importance of actors continuing to work outside daytime, to continue to strengthen their chops,' and always made it possible for me and my fellow actors to do theater, primetime TV, and feature films. I guess I am a multi-tasker because of Doug. He never said, No, it won't work.'"

These days, soap actors have out clauses in their contracts so they can go the LA for pilot season. But keep your eyes open; see how many return hoping to get their old job back.

May 2008