It’s the kind of heartbreak that daytime viewers know all too well when a favourite character is gone from the screen, it hurts. But when actors portraying them are gone from us in the world in general, it hurts even more. This year, the soap opera community lost some of its brightest lights, from first-generation producers to irreplaceable on-screen legends.
These were not simply actors and writers; they were players in living room rituals, the accessible faces that introduced midday meals and afternoon slumps into comfortable territory. Their plot turns might have been contrived, but the feelings that accompanied them were authentic. And although the cameras no longer roll for them, their influence on television and on hearts viewing it will never be silenced. Here’s a look back at nine incredible actors whose performances defined the world of soaps and whose legacies will continue to inspire for years to come.
1. Leslie Charleson – The Heart of Port Charles
Leslie Charleson, who passed away at age 79 on Jan. 12, was the archetypal General Hospital Monica Quartermaine. With her bantering quickness and multifaceted performances, she revitalised the soap heroine simultaneously compassionate physician and remorseless schemer. Her three-decade tenure established her as one of daytime’s longest-running performers.
Charleson’s Monica never was a second banana she was a force who drove significant storylines, from medical thrillers under the utmost of pressure to intricate love triangles. Her ability to make Monica flawed but likable cemented her as a fan favourite. As GH’s executive producer Frank Valentini stated, “She broke barriers on-screen and off, playing Dr. Lesley Webber, one of the first female physicians on daytime television” for nearly five decades.
2. Francisco San Martin – A Talent Cut Down in the Prime of His Years
39-year-old Francisco San Martin took his own life on January 16, causing waves in the world of soap operas. Initially making waves as Days of Our Lives’ Dario Hernandez, he brought a compelling presence to The Bold and the Beautiful as Mateo, the handsome masseur with ambitions.
San Martin’s acting was characterized by vulnerability and charm that made audiences love his characters. Off the screen, he was loved for being kind and affectionate to fans. His death is a bitter reminder of the need for mental health care among actors in the movie industry.
3. Michelle Trachtenberg – Daytime to Primetime
Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for playing Lily Montgomery on All My Children during the mid-1990s, passed away in February at age 39. Although most of us remember her from Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, her earliest soap work demonstrated the emotional depth she would bring to her future roles.
Her stint as Lily introduced fresh, new energy to Pine Valley, and her move to primetime success was a testament to the changing potential of soap actors. Her death touched across multiple fandoms, uniting fans in sorrow.
4. Gail Kobe Behr – The First Lady of Daytime Production
Gail Kobe Behr, who passed away on March 2 at the age of 82, was not merely a producer, she was a trailblazer. As the first woman producer in the history of daytime television, she introduced All My Children in 1970 and went on to become its executive producer. She produced Ryan’s Hope and As the World Turns, too, and rose to become ABC Daytime’s senior vice president.
Behr’s impact extended beyond creative vision she was an advocate for strong women characters and intricate storytelling when daytime was frequently marginalised. Her vision set the gold standard for the golden age of the soaps, establishing that behind-the-scenes artistry could be just as innovative as on-screen.
5. Denise Alexander – A Pioneer in White Coats
Denise Alexander, who passed away in March at age 85, was a presence in quite a few soap universes. With wit and depth of emotion, she played Susan Hunter on Days of Our Lives, General Hospital’s Lesley Williams, and Mary McKinnon on Another World.
Her own Dr. Lesley Webber character was a highlight one of the first major female physicians on daytime television. She had storylines that addressed personal and professional concerns, indicative of the genre’s openness to social change.
6. Wings Hauser – The Rugged Charmer
Wings Hauser, who died on March 15 at age 78, had more than 115 credits, but soaps fans called him by name as Greg Foster on The Young and the Restless. His rough-around-the-edges, tough-talking charm and combustible energy stood out in his work, whether daytime soap or primetime smashes such as Beverly Hills, 90210.
Hauser’s skill at balancing charm and menace kept viewers under his spell. His decades-long affiliation with Y&R established him as a familiar and welcome face for decades.
7. Eileen Fulton – The Queen of Oakdale
As the World Turns veteran Eileen Fulton passed away on July 14 at the age of 91. Fulton was the first and longest-serving Lisa, portraying the role for over 50 years. Fulton’s constantly evolving surname and soap opera drama were a master class in soap reinvention.
Fulton’s series not only entertained but also provided the blueprint for the urbane, long-running soap siren. She stayed in the role that long, proving talent and the warm connection she had with audiences.
8. Tristan Rogers – Scorpio Forever
Tristan Rogers, who died on August 15 at 79, was the heartbeat of General Hospital’s espionage intrigue as Robert Scorpio. Introduced to the soap in its heyday, Scorpio was a fan favourite for his combination of smooth sophistication and firm moral compass.
Rogers also attempted at The Young and the Bold, but Scorpio was what ushered him into stardom. “He loved being Scorpio, and he developed that role out of thin air. He managed to make it into something gigantic,” is what his manager, Meryl Soodak, has to say.
9. Chris Robinson – The Steadfast Doctor
Chris Robinson, who died on June 9 at 86, left behind a legacy as Dr. Rick Webber on General Hospital. He also appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful as Jack Hamilton and Another World as Jason Frame, upholding the strong, reliable archetype that served as the springboard for so many of the show’s storylines.
Robinson’s performances worked because he was such an earthy and accessible a presence. His characters tended to function as ethical reminders, reminding people about the essence of soap opera melodrama.
Their departures are more than a muster roll of names it’s a farewell to shards of television history. They were creators, producers, and friends to millions of fans throughout the years. Though the sets may be empty without them, their legacies can be seen in reruns, fan memory, and the numerous actors and producers they encouraged. In the continually shifting sands of soaps, their contribution is a constant, guiding light.
