''Generations'' is an American

soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...

that aired on

NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an Television in the United States, American English-language Commercial broadcasting, commercial television network, broadcast television and radio network. The flagship property of the NBC Enterta ...

from March 27, 1989, to January 25, 1991. The show was groundbreaking in that it was the first soap opera to feature from its inception an

African-American African Americans (also referred to as Black Americans and Afro-Americans) are an Race and ethnicity in the United States, ethnic group consisting of Americans with partial or total ancestry from sub-Saharan Africa. The term "African American ...

family.

Premise

This half-hour serial was promoted as television's first fully integrated daytime soap. It focused on the relationship between two

Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

families: the Whitmores and the Marshalls. Their association began several decades ago when Vivian Potter ( Lynn Hamilton) was housekeeper and nanny for Rebecca Whitmore and her three children: Laura (Gail Ramsey), Stephanie (nicknamed Sam) (

Kelly Rutherford Kelly Rutherford (born November 6, 1968) is an American actress. She is known for her television roles as Stephanie "Sam" Whitmore on the NBC daytime soap opera ''Generations'' (1989–1991), as Megan Lewis on the Fox primetime soap opera ''Mel ...

), and J.D. Vivian's young daughter, Ruth (

Joan Pringle Joan Pringle (born June 2, 1945) is an American actress known for her roles on ''General Hospital'' (1963), '' The White Shadow'' (1978), and ''Original Sin'' (2001). One of her best-known roles was that of vice principal (and subsequently princi ...

) lived with her in the Whitmore mansion. When Ruth grew up, she married Henry Marshall (Taurean Blacque, James Reynolds), who owned and operated five moderately successful ice cream parlors. With Ruth's urging, Henry enlisted the help of business mogul Martin Jackson (

Rick Fitts Rick Fitts is an American film and television actor. He is known for playing the role of the ruthless businessman Martin Jackson on 120 episodes of the American soap opera television series '' Generations''. Fitts guest-starred in numerous telev ...

), who marketed Marshall's ice cream nationwide. The move proved so successful that Ruth was able to buy the Whitmore mansion. Ruth and Henry had three children, Chantal (Sharon Brown,

Debbi Morgan Deborah Ann Morgan (born September 20, 1956) is an American film and television actress. She played the role of Angie Baxter–Hubbard on the ABC soap opera ''All My Children'' for which she was the first African-American to win the Daytime Emm ...

), a lawyer, Jacquelyn Marshall Rhymes, a homemaker and mother, and Adam (

Kristoff St. John Kristoff St. John (July 15, 1966 – February 3, 2019) was an American actor best known for playing Neil Winters on the CBS daytime soap opera ''The Young and the Restless'' from 1991 until his death in 2019, which earned him two Daytime Emmy A ...

), a junior executive with the Hale Hotel chain. Living with the Marshalls was Ruth's mother, Vivian ( Lynn Hamilton). Sam, Monique and Adam were all childhood friends who grew up together. Like Ruth Marshall, Rebecca Whitmore (Pat Crowley;

Dorothy Lyman Dorothy Lyman is an American television actress, director and producer. She is most known for her work as Gwen Frame on '' Another World'' and on ''All My Children'' as Opal Sue Gardner, as Rebecca Whitmore on '' Generations'', and on the sitcom ...

) also had a challenging past to overcome. Unknown to Rebecca, her ex-husband Peter (

Ron Harper Ronald Harper (born January 20, 1964) is an American former professional basketball player. He played for four teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) between 1986 and 2001 and is a five-time NBA champion. Early life Harper was born ...

) stole her inheritance, and abandoned her. Determined to move forward with her life, a middle-aged Rebecca enrolled in law school and succeeded in becoming one of the nation's leading attorneys. When the serial premiered, her daughter Laura was married to advertising executive Trevor McCallum. Realizing that Trevor was cheating on her, Laura ended the marriage. They had an adult daughter, Monique (

Nancy Sorel Nancy Sorel (born May 14, 1964) is a Canadian-American actress known for her roles on many TV series. Life and career Born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts, Sorel received a degree in Theatre and Film from the University of Massachusetts/ ...

). Although Rebecca was saddened by the break-up of her oldest daughter's marriage, she was happy to see her granddaughter, Monique, marry photographer Jason Craig. Soon after their marriage, Jason inherited a multimillion dollar fortune, making him a murder target for his mother's crazy aunt, Mary Gardner. Monique's aunt, Sam accepted a position as model and spokesperson for the upscale Hale Hotel chain after leaving college. Sam was a seductive, slightly promiscuous young woman initially, and was having an affair with one of her college professors, Rob Donnelly (

George Deloy George DelHoyo (born November 23, 1953), also known as George Deloy, is a Uruguayan-born American actor. Theatre DelHoyo, who was also raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, began performing in the theatre in New York City during the 1970s. Working und ...

). As time went on however, Sam matured into a warmer, more responsible person and became one of the show's most popular characters. Sam's boss, the dastardly Jordan Hale, expressed an interest in Sam that went beyond business. Police detective Kyle Masters (

Robert Torti Robert Felix Torti (born October 22, 1961) is an American actor. Torti originated the roles of Jesus and Jack in both the New York City and Los Angeles stage productions of ''Reefer Madness''. Earlier in his career, Torti was honored with a To ...

) was also wildly attracted to Sam. Doreen Jackson (

Jonelle Allen Jonelle Allen (born July 18, 1944) is an American actress, singer, and dancer from Harlem, New York, United States. Beginning her professional career in the late 1960s, Allen has co-starred in films, Broadway productions, and television. In 19 ...

), a recovering drug addict, was married to Martin Jackson. Following a brief fling with Adam Marshall, Doreen found herself pregnant. Before their daughter, Danielle, was born, the relationship died. When he discovered the affair, a vengeful Martin tried to destroy Adam's life, but Doreen gathered damning evidence against Martin and his numerous ruthless business dealings over the years and threatened to expose him if he ever tried to harm Adam again. She would eventually use that information to help Henry and Ruth drive Martin out of the country when he tried to take over Marshall's Ice Cream. Martin kidnapped Danielle, attempting to flee with her, but Adam and Sam stopped him and he was forced to leave without her to save himself. However, Martin had a videotape of him revealing Danielle'a true parentage sent to the Marshalls shortly afterward. The family was shocked over the revelation and Ruth, furious at being deceived, cut Doreen out of her life, devastating her. The rest of the family urged Ruth to forgive Doreen, reminding her that destroying their friendship with her was giving Martin exactly what he wanted. After an emotional conversation with Doreen, Ruth realized just how difficult it had been for her to keep Danielle's secret for so long and they reconciled. Doreen next took up with her doctor, Daniel Reubens (

Richard Roundtree Richard Roundtree (born July 9, 1942) is an American actor. Roundtree is noted as being "the first black action hero" for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film '' Shaft'', and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2 ...

). He resurfaced in Chicago in 1990 with his daughter, Maya Davis – alias Diana Reubens (

Vivica A. Fox Vivica Anjanetta Fox (born July 30, 1964) is an American actress, producer, and television host. Fox began her career on ''Soul Train'' (19821983). She eventually continued her career with roles on the daytime television soap operas ''Days of O ...

) – after falsely being accused of killing his wife.

Original cast

Marla Adams Marla Adams (born August 28, 1938) is an American television actress, best known for her roles as Belle Clemens on ''The Secret Storm'', from 1968 to 1974, and as Dina Abbott Mergeron on ''The Young and the Restless'', for which she received Day ...

(Helen Mullin) *

Anthony Addabbo Anthony Addabbo (September 14, 1960 – October 18, 2016) was an American actor and model. Early years Addabbo was born on September 14, 1960, in Coral Gables. He grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Addabbo wanted to become a tree surgeon. He ...

(Jason Craig) *

(Doreen Jackson) *

Jack Betts Jack Fillmore Betts, also credited as Hunt Powers, is an American character actor and playwright. He has acted in film, on stage, and on television. Career Betts portrayed Chris Devlin in the CBS mystery series '' Checkmate'' (1960-1962). He ...

(Hugh Gardner) *

Taurean Blacque Taurean Blacque (born Herbert Middleton Jr.; May 10, 1940 – July 21, 2022) was an American television and stage actor, best known for his role as Detective Neal Washington on the series ''Hill Street Blues''. He stated that he chose the name ...

/ James Reynolds (Henry Marshall) * Sharon Brown/

(Chantal Marshall) *

Patricia Crowley Patricia Crowley (born September 17, 1933) is an American actress. She was also frequently billed as Pat Crowley. Early life Crowley was born in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Helen (''née'' Swartz) and coal mining foreman Vincent Cr ...

(Rebecca Whitmore) *

(Rob Donnelly) *

Elinor Donahue Elinor Donahue (born Mary Eleanor Donahue, April 19, 1937) is an American actress, best known today for playing the role of Betty Anderson, the eldest child of Jim and Margaret Anderson on the 1950s American sitcom ''Father Knows Best''. Early ...

(Sylvia Furth) *

(Martin Jackson) *

(Maya Reubens) *

Bruce Gray Bruce Gray (September 7, 1936 – December 13, 2017) was a Canadian actor, known for multiple roles in films and television shows for over 5 decades. Early Years Gray was born in Puerto Rico and lived in Toronto after 1949. He graduated from ...

(Phillip Webb) * Lynn Hamilton (Vivian Potter) *

(Peter Whitmore) * Andrew Masset (Trevor McCallum) *

(Ruth Marshall) * Gail Ramsey (Laura McCallum) *

Barbara Rhoades Barbara Rhoades (born March 23, 1946) is an American actress, known primarily for her comedy and mystery roles, especially as lady bandit Penelope "Bad Penny" Cushings in '' The Shakiest Gun in the West'' (1968). She had a recurring role on ''Soa ...

Linda Gibboney Linda Gibboney (born March 7, 1951 in New York City, New York) is an American actress, best known for her roles on soap operas and serials. These roles included "Sybil Thorne, R. N." on '' All My Children'' (1979–1981) and "Jenny Deacon K ...

(Jessica Gardner) *

(Dr. Daniel Ruebens) *

(Stephanie "Sam" Whitmore) * George Shannon / Robert Gentry (Jordan Hale) *

(Monique McCallum) *

(Adam Marshall) *

(Lt. Kyle Masters) *

Joseph Whipp Joseph Whipp (born July 12, 1941) is an American actor who has starred in many films and starred on television. He is known for playing police officers in films and on television. Career Whipp taught drama at Carlmont High School in the 1970 ...

(Charles Mullin)

Production

Sally Sussman Morina Sally Sussman Morina is an American documentary filmmaker, television writer, and producer. Personal life She is married to Anthony Morina, a CBS Daytime director and producer. She has gone by her married name Sally Sussman Morina on various proj ...

served as creator and executive producer. Directors included

Casey Childs Casey Childs is the Founder of Primary Stages (www.primarystages.org)], a New York State non-profit, Off-Broadway theater company in New York City. Since 1984 they have produced over 175 productions of new plays, many of them world premieres and ...

Michael Eilbaum Michael Eilbaum is an American television soap opera director. Directing Credits '' Another World'' * Director (1980-1999) ''As the World Turns'' * Director (1999-2010) '' One Life to Live'' * Director (September 2010-January 2012) '' Hollywoo ...

, and

Maria Wagner Maria Wagner is an American television soap opera director and writer. Directing credits ''As the World Turns'' * Director (1984–2010) *Breakdown Writer (January 2008 – March 2008) Awards and nominations Daytime Emmy Award The Daytime ...

. The series was written by Sally Sussman Morina and Michelle Val Jean.

Ratings

* 1988–89 season: 2.7 rating (Ranking: #12 out of 13 soap operas) * 1989–90 season: 2.6 rating (Ranking: #12 out of 12 soap operas) * 1990–91 season: 2.4 rating (Ranking: #12 out of 12 soap operas) ** Final week ratings (January 21-25, 1991): 2.7 rating/8 share (12th out of 12), against '' Loving'' (3.2 rating/10 share, 11th) and ''

The Young and the Restless ''The Young and the Restless'' (often abbreviated as ''Y&R'') is an American television soap opera created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell for CBS. The show is set in fictional Genoa City (not the real-life similarly-named Genoa City, Wi ...

'' (8.4 rating/26 share, 1st)

Awards

* 1990

Soap Opera Digest Awards ''The Soap Opera Digest Awards'', originally known as ''The Soapy Awards'' when introduced in 1977, is an awards show held by the daytime television magazine ''Soap Opera Digest''. History 1977 until 1983 The Soapy Awards were an award presen ...

for Outstanding Daytime Serial Nomination * 1990

Creative Arts Emmy Award The Creative Arts Emmys are a class of Emmy Awards presented in recognition of technical and other similar achievements in American television programming. They are commonly awarded to behind-the-scenes personnel such as production designers, set ...

for Outstanding Graphics and Title Design Win * 1990

Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series The Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series is an award presented annually by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) and Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). It is given to honor an ...

(

) Nomination * 1990 Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design for a Drama Series Nomination * 1990 Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling for a Drama Series Nomination * 1990 Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Technical Direction/Electronic Camera/Video Control for a Drama Series Nomination * 1990 ''Soap Opera Digest'' Award for Outstanding Daytime Serial Nomination * 1991

Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series The Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series is an award presented annually by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) and Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). It is given in honor of an acto ...

( James Reynolds) Nomination * 1991

Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series The Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series was an award presented annually by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) and Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). It was given annually from 198 ...

(

) Nomination * 1991 ''Soap Opera Digest'' Award for Outstanding Daytime Soap Nomination * 1991 ''Soap Opera Digest'' Award for Outstanding Heroine: Daytime (

) Nomination * 1991 ''Soap Opera Digest'' Award for Outstanding Male Newcomer: Daytime (

) Nomination * 1991 ''Soap Opera Digest'' Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor: Daytime (

) Nomination * 1991 ''Soap Opera Digest'' Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress: Daytime (

) Nomination * 1992 ''Soap Opera Digest'' Award for Best Love Story: Daytime or Prime Time ''Kyle'' and ''Sam'' Nomination * 1992 ''Soap Opera Digest'' Award for Outstanding Daytime Serial Nomination * 1992 ''Soap Opera Digest'' Award for Outstanding Villain: Daytime ( Robert Gentry) Nomination

References

External links

* {{US daytime soaps 1989 American television series debuts 1991 American television series endings 1980s American drama television series 1990s American drama television series American television soap operas English-language television shows NBC original programming Television series by Universal Television Television shows set in Chicago NBC network soap operas