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ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
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 ...
''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989.


Austin Buchanan

Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The fraternal nephew of
Asa Buchanan Asa Buchanan is a fictional character and patriarch of the Buchanan family on the American serial drama ''One Life to Live''. The Texan industrialist father of newly arrived characters Clint Buchanan, Clint and Bo Buchanan, Asa was originated in la ...
, the role was played by actor David Gautreaux from March 1989 until the character's onscreen death in August of that year. Gautreaux briefly reappeared in March 1990.


Drew Buchanan

Drew Buchanan is the son of
Bo Buchanan Beaufort Oglethorpe "Bo" Buchanan is a fictional character from the American soap opera '' One Life to Live''. Casting and awards Robert S. Woods created the character of Bo in November 1979. Woods originally screen tested for the recast of Rich ...
and
Becky Lee Abbott Becky or Beckie is a feminine given name, often a short form (hypocorism) of Rebecca. It may refer to: People * Rebecca Allison (born 1946), American cardiologist and transgender activist * Rebecca Becky Anderson (born 1967), British journalist ...
, conceived during a one-night stand between the two when Bo cheated on his then-fiancée Delilah Ralston. Upon the realization of her pregnancy with Drew, Becky Lee accepts the marriage proposal of Delilah's brother, Drew Ralston, to legitimize the pregnancy. The morning of Becky and Drew's wedding, Drew Ralston is killed.
Asa Buchanan Asa Buchanan is a fictional character and patriarch of the Buchanan family on the American serial drama ''One Life to Live''. The Texan industrialist father of newly arrived characters Clint Buchanan, Clint and Bo Buchanan, Asa was originated in la ...
, assuming the child to be the illegitimate child of his son Bo, offered to marry Becky Lee to give the child the surname "Buchanan." The child is born to Becky Lee Buchanan on the episode first-run September 23, 1983, and Becky Lee later leaves Llanview with new husband Jesse Wilde and infant Drew Buchanan in tow in 1985. A SORAS-ed, teenaged Drew returns to Llanview in 1988 for the funeral of Bo's then-wife and his stepmother,
Didi O'Neill This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
, leaving shortly thereafter in 1989. Drew returns as the bitter estranged son of Bo in 1996, influenced by his mother's torrid feelings toward the Buchanan family. A charming and troubled young man, he engages in romantic liaisons with some women in Llanview before leaving again in 1997. In 1998, a reformed Drew, freshly graduated from the police academy, returns to Llanview to repair his broken relationship with his father, and is hired by Bo as an officer for the Llanview Police Department. Months later, he is shot and killed in the line of duty by
Barbara Graham Barbara Elaine "Bonnie" Wood Graham (née Ford; June 26, 1923 – June 3, 1955) was an American criminal convicted of murder. She was executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin Prison on the same day as two convicted accomplices, Jack Santo and E ...
while trying to stop her from shooting Kevin Buchanan.


Olympia Buchanan

Olympia Buchanan (maiden name Bonard) is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The first wife of
Asa Buchanan Asa Buchanan is a fictional character and patriarch of the Buchanan family on the American serial drama ''One Life to Live''. The Texan industrialist father of newly arrived characters Clint Buchanan, Clint and Bo Buchanan, Asa was originated in la ...
and mother of Bo and Clint, the role was played by
Taina Elg __NOTOC__ Taina may refer to: People Women * Taina Asili (), Puerto Rican musician, filmmaker and activist * Taïna Barioz (born 1988), French alpine skier * Taina Bien-Aimé, Swiss social activist * Taina Bofferding (born 1982), Luxembourgish po ...
from August 1980 through Olympia's onscreen death in early January 1982. She was first seen in Paris as "Nichole Bernard" when Pat Ashley and Bo Buchanan were there on vacation, but ended up the prisoner of ex-husband Asa in the creepy mansion "Moorecliffe" where Asa's nephew Rafe Garretson took care of her. Olympia managed to escape several times, interrupting Asa and Samantha Vernon's wedding celebration. It was at this masked ball that she shot Asa and in a struggle with Samantha fell over a balcony mortally wounding herself. On her deathbed, she revealed to Bo that his real father was Yancy Ralston, although this was later to be proven a lie. It was later revealed that Olympia truly loved Asa and her sons Clint and Bo but that Asa's unfaithfulness and corrupt ways had driven her to madness.


Cassie Callison

Cassie Callison (formerly Coronal, Buchanan, and Carpenter) is a fictional character on the American
ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...
daytime Daytime as observed on Earth is the period of the day during which a given location experiences natural illumination from direct sunlight. Daytime occurs when the Sun appears above the local horizon, that is, anywhere on the globe's hemis ...
drama Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance: a play, opera, mime, ballet, etc., performed in a theatre, or on radio or television.Elam (1980, 98). Considered as a genre of poetry in general, the dramatic mode has been ...
''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. She is the daughter of Dr.
Dorian Cramer Lord Dorian Lord is a fictional character and matriarch of the Cramer family on the American daytime drama ''One Life to Live'', played most notably and for the longest duration by actress Robin Strasser. Strasser was cast by series creator Agnes Nix ...
and musician David "David Renaldi" Reynolds, and adopted by former stepfather and attorney Herb Callison. The role was portrayed for the longest duration by actress
Laura Koffman Laura Bonarrigo-Koffman (born Laura Bonarrigo) is an American actress. Early life Laura Bonarrigo was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. She became a member of ''The Shoestring Players'', a professional children’s theater group, while still in ...
.


Storylines

In 1981, a young girl named Cassie Reynolds appeared and soon revealed herself as Dorian's daughter. Dorian had been in medical school when she had given birth to Cassie, whose father David Renaldi had run off with her. Mother and daughter reunited, and Dorian's husband Herb Callison adopted Cassie. In 1985, Cassie became engaged to Rob Coronal, but by 1986 their marriage had ended in divorce. Dorian left Llanview in 1987 (and became the U.S. Ambassador to
Mendorra ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTune ...
) after discovering that Cassie was having an affair with Dorian's boyfriend, private detective Jon Russell. Cassie and Jon's relationship later fizzled as she reunited with ex-husband Rob. Cassie lives with a returned
Melinda Melinda is a feminine given name. Etymology The modern name ''Melinda'' is a combination of "Mel" with the suffix "-inda". "Mel" can be derived from names such as Melanie meaning "dark, black" in Greek, or from Melissa (μέλισσα) meaning ...
in Dorian's penthouse, but leaves town in 1988. Dorian returns in 1989, followed by Cassie in 1991. Much to Dorian's chagrin, Cassie becomes involved with
Bo Buchanan Beaufort Oglethorpe "Bo" Buchanan is a fictional character from the American soap opera '' One Life to Live''. Casting and awards Robert S. Woods created the character of Bo in November 1979. Woods originally screen tested for the recast of Rich ...
; Dorian's machinations (and a failed attempt to kill Cassie by Bo's insane ex,
Alex Olanov Alex Gwendolyn Olanov is a fictional character from the long-running ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. She was portrayed by Tonja Walker since the character's inception in 1990 to 1997, with appearances in 2001, 2002, 2007, 2009, and 2011 . S ...
) do not stop the couple from marrying. Immediately after the wedding, however, Bo's presumed-dead wife Sarah Gordon appears, very much alive. An anguished Bo chooses to stay with Cassie, but their marriage later falls apart after Cassie realizes Bo is still in love with Sarah. In 1993, Cassie marries the Reverend Andrew Carpenter; she later miscarries their son, William. She finds an abandoned baby in the manger outside St. James Church. Beth, the mother of Cassie's foundling, appears but soon dies; her last wish is for Cassie and Andrew to adopt baby
River A river is a natural flowing watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, sea, lake or another river. In some cases, a river flows into the ground and becomes dry at the end of its course without reaching another body of wate ...
. After baby William's death, Cassie and Andrew's marriage was never quite the same. Prior to their adopting River, Cassie suffered a mental breakdown, and Andrew nearly fell into an affair with close friend
Marty Saybrooke Marty Saybrooke is a fictional character from ''One Life to Live'', an American soap opera. The role was originated by Susan Haskell, who portrayed Marty from January 24, 1992, through September 16, 1997, and made brief appearances on February 16, ...
. The Carpenters' marriage seemed to be getting back on even footing as they focused on raising their new son River, but when Cassie went back to work as a journalist at ''The Banner'' in 1997, she began a tempestuous working relationship with rival reporter
Kevin Buchanan Kevin Buchanan (born Kevin Lord Riley) is a fictional character from the American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The character is the first child born to original lead protagonists Victoria Lord and Joe Riley. Casting The character of Kevin Buc ...
, one that slowly blossomed into mutual passion. Cassie broke her wedding vows and began an affair with Kevin, ruining her marriage and her reputation, even losing custody of River in the ensuing divorce and custody battle. Kevin and Cassie were deeply in love, however, and Kevin risked his life to save Cassie from the inferno that burnt down the
Cramer Cramer may refer to: Businesses * Cramer brothers, 18th century publishers * Cramer Systems, a software company * Cramer & Co., a former musical-related business in London Other uses * Cramer (surname), including a list of people and fictional ...
homestead in Canton,
Ohio Ohio () is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Of the fifty U.S. states, it is the 34th-largest by area, and with a population of nearly 11.8 million, is the seventh-most populous and tenth-most densely populated. The sta ...
. Meanwhile, Cassie's long-lost father, David Renaldi, returned to Llanview, stricken with ALS, to reconnect with his daughter and new grandson. Wounded in the fire in Canton, Kevin became enamoured of his hospital nurse,
Barbara Graham Barbara Elaine "Bonnie" Wood Graham (née Ford; June 26, 1923 – June 3, 1955) was an American criminal convicted of murder. She was executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin Prison on the same day as two convicted accomplices, Jack Santo and E ...
, who developed an obsessive fixation on Kevin after their brief affair went sour. Turning murderous, Barbara attempted to kill Cassie, who she believed stood in the way of her future with Kevin. On September 15, 1998, Barbara lured Cassie to the docks in the
warehouse district This is a list of notable warehouse districts. A warehouse district or warehouse row is an area found in many urban setting known for being the current or former location of numerous warehouses. Logistically, warehouses are often located in indust ...
of Llanview and attempted to gun her down; instead, she murdered
Drew Buchanan This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
and gravely injured Cassie, leaving her paralyzed and using a wheelchair. Eventually, Cassie discovered that Barbara was the shooter, and her rage and fury left her mind once again unhinged. Cassie turned the tables on Barbara, blackmailing her with knowledge of her crime, forcing Barbara to participate in her wedding to Kevin and become Cassie's personal nurse. As Cassie slowly regained the use of her legs, she hid the truth from her friends and family. Finally, Cassie dragged Barbara to a bell tower at gunpoint, attempting to force her to jump to her death. Kevin and Andrew arrived just in time to stop Cassie. Cassie was institutionalized, and Barbara was arrested. When Kevin and the family visited Cassie, they discovered she had suffered a full psychotic break, believing she was still happily married to Andrew. Andrew and Kevin both attempted to break through to her, to little avail. Cassie's mother, Dorian, had never approved of Cassie and Kevin's relationship, and in early 1999 decided to send Cassie to
Switzerland ). Swiss law does not designate a ''capital'' as such, but the federal parliament and government are installed in Bern, while other federal institutions, such as the federal courts, are in other cities (Bellinzona, Lausanne, Luzern, Neuchâtel ...
for further treatment. Kevin fought her every step of the way, even stowing away on the private plane bound for Switzerland to try one last time to get through to his wife. In a brief moment of lucidity, Cassie begged Kevin to let her go. Heartbroken, Kevin returned to Llanview and agreed to have his marriage annulled. Cassie had makes a series of recurring appearances. In the years since Cassie's departure to Switzerland, it was revealed that she was slowly recovering, and eventually River was even sent out of the country to spend time with his mother. Cassie herself finally reappeared in December 2001, as a guest at Todd and Blair's wedding. Cassie explained that she was almost fully recovered and living in Switzerland, and shared a somewhat awkward reunion with her cousin
Kelly Kelly may refer to: Art and entertainment * Kelly (Kelly Price album) * Kelly (Andrea Faustini album) * ''Kelly'' (musical), a 1965 musical by Mark Charlap * "Kelly" (song), a 2018 single by Kelly Rowland * ''Kelly'' (film), a 1981 Canadi ...
, who had since gone on to marry Kevin herself. Fully recovered, Cassie next returned a year later in November 2002, rushing to Blair's aid after she was apparently attacked by mob hitmen. Cassie believed Blair had been rendered catatonic, and was tasked to take her out of the country. In reality, Todd and Blair had used Cassie to lure away her supposed assailants with the help of a body double, while Blair hid out at Todd's penthouse. While back in town for Blair, Cassie also recounted her harrowing experiences with
Mitch Laurence Mitch Laurence is a fictional character from the ABC daytime soap opera '' One Life to Live''. He was portrayed by Roscoe Born from 1985 to 1987 and again from 2002 to 2003. Born returned from November 9, 2009, to April 6, 2010. Born reappeared ...
for Viki and Bo. Nothing could have prepared her for the shock of her life when she returned the following March to see Dorian, only to discover that her mother was marrying the resurrected Mitch - the man who had tried to rape Cassie! Cassie and Blair watched in shock and disgust as Dorian and Mitch took their unholy vows, and gained control of the Lord fortune. Cassie did not yet realize that Dorian was conning Mitch in the hopes of winning his trust and destroying him. Dorian haltingly tried to explain things to her daughter, but Cassie left town in disgust for her new home in
Savannah A savanna or savannah is a mixed woodland-grassland (i.e. grassy woodland) ecosystem characterised by the trees being sufficiently widely spaced so that the Canopy (forest), canopy does not close. The open canopy allows sufficient light to rea ...
. Later that year, on
Mother's Day Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the ...
, Cassie and Dorian made peace after Cassie discovered Dorian and Blair's efforts to murder Mitch. Meanwhile, a now-teenaged River came home from Savannah to spend time with his father and grandmother. During this visit, Cassie also painfully reunited with Kevin and Kelly. In the fall of 2003, Cassie was part of the Cramers' competition to win "Aunt Betsy's" inheritance, but was immediately disqualified due to her own "lapses in judgment" with Andrew and Kevin. In 2004, Cassie returned, furious about River's relationship with Adriana Colon, his newfound "aunt". She and Adriana eventually made peace, and Cassie returned to Savannah, where she resides to this day. Dorian calls Cassie to warn her about a returned Mitch on February 15, 2010. She then returns to Llanview with her ex-husband, Andrew, in tow and reveals that Melinda has died. Following a short reunion with her mother, sisters and, cousins Cassie returns to Savannah. When Bo and Nora remarry, it is revealed that Andrew travelled back with her, to visit River.


Laurel Chapin

Laurel Chapin Wolek is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. Actress
Janice Lynde Janice Lynde is an American actress. The Houston-born, Lake Charles, Louisiana-reared Lynde began her career with the Dallas Symphony, both as a pianist and as a vocal soloist. The child of German parents Marvin and Sophia Zoch, she had to learn ...
appeared in the role from November 1983 until the character's death in November 1985. She came on as the mistress of mobster Alex Coronal and mother of his son, Rob. Laurel fell in love with Dr.Larry Wolek whom she eventually married. During that time, their happiness was threatened by a psychopath named Tracy James. When Larry's old enemy, Dr.Ivan Kipling, came back from the dead, Laurel, in fear of being stalked by him, drove her car off the road, causing her death.


Ted Clayton

Ted Clayton is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was originated on the series by actor Keith Charles in May 1980, a role he played through 1981. The role was assumed in 1981 by
Mark Goddard Mark Goddard (born Charles Harvey Goddard; July 24, 1936) is an American actor who has starred in a number of television programs. He is probably best known for portraying Major Don West in the CBS series ''Lost in Space'' (1965–1968). He ...
, playing Ted until he is killed onscreen by police Lt. Ed Hall ( Al Freeman, Jr.) in November 1981.


Wade Coleman

Wade Coleman is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
serial ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by actor Doug Wert debuted June 1987, appearing continually until June 22, 1989. Wade was a troubled young man who reformed with the help of Mari Lynn Dennison. He was the son of Roberta Coleman, a former cellmate of Dorian's.


Rob Coronal

Rob Coronal is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was originated from August 1984 until 1986 by Ted Marcoux. Actor Mark Arnold assumed the role in August 1987, playing Mark through the character's last appearance in 1989. Rob was the illegitimate son of Laurel Chapin and Alex Coronal and eventually married Cassie Cramer. After their divorce, they would briefly date again, but he also would become involved with her aunt, Melinda Cramer.


Mari Lynn Dennison

Mari Lynn Dennison Coleman is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by actress Tammy Amerson from August 15, 1986 through December 7, 1989.


Character history

Arriving in fictional
Llanview Llanview, Pennsylvania is the fictional setting for the long-running American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The city exists in the same fictional universe as cities from other existing or defunct ABC daytime dramas, including Pine Valley, Penn ...
in August 1986, Mari Lynn is soon seduced into becoming a disciple of cult leader
Mitch Laurence Mitch Laurence is a fictional character from the ABC daytime soap opera '' One Life to Live''. He was portrayed by Roscoe Born from 1985 to 1987 and again from 2002 to 2003. Born returned from November 9, 2009, to April 6, 2010. Born reappeared ...
. Ultimately, she breaks free of the cult and marries Wade Coleman onscreen June 9, 1988. She later becomes a star of the fictional soap opera (within a soap opera) ''Fraternity Row'' alongside
Megan Gordon This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
, leaving town in July 1989.


Tom Dennison

Actor
Lee Patterson Lee Patterson (March 31, 1929 – February 14, 2007) was a Canadian film and television actor. Life and career Patterson was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, as Beverley Frank Atherly Patterson. He attended the Ontario College of Art and D ...
returned to the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
serial ''One Life to Live'' and fictional
Llanview Llanview, Pennsylvania is the fictional setting for the long-running American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The city exists in the same fictional universe as cities from other existing or defunct ABC daytime dramas, including Pine Valley, Penn ...
in the role of widower Thomas "Tom" Dennison with his daughter Mari Lynn in August 1986. Everyone in town — especially Victoria "Viki" Lord Buchanan (
Erika Slezak Erika Alma Hermina Slezak (; born August 5, 1946) is an American actress, best known for her role as Victoria "Viki" Lord on the American daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' from 1971 through the television finale in 2012 and again in the ...
) — are shocked at his near-exact resemblance to the late Joe Riley (Patterson), Viki's first on-screen husband and father to her first two children. It is ultimately revealed that Tom is Joe's long-lost twin put up for adoption at birth. Tom and Viki engage in a brief affair before he leaves town in 1988.
Lee Halpern This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
, a former prostitute for
Renée Divine This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera '' One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ...
(
Patricia Elliott Patricia Elliott (July 21, 1938 – December 20, 2015) was an American theatre, film, soap opera, and television actress. Early life Elliott was born July 21, 1938, in Gunnison, Colorado to Clyde and Lavon (née Gibson) Elliott. She claimed dire ...
) and now a business partner of Max Holden (
James DePaiva James Paul DePaiva (born October 8, 1957) is an American soap opera actor. Career DePaiva is known for portraying Max Holden on the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' from 1987 to 1990 and from 1991 to 2003. He made a brief return to th ...
), arrives in Llanview in 1987 and turns out to be Carol Harper Dennison, Tom's presumed-dead wife. Her awkward reunion with her daughter is cut short when Lee is accidentally shot to death by Mari Lynn in 1988.


Renée Divine Buchanan

Renée Divine Buchanan is a fictional character from the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
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 ...
''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was portrayed by
Phyllis Newman Phyllis Newman (March 19, 1933 – September 15, 2019) was an American actress and singer. She won the 1962 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Martha Vail in the musical ''Subways Are for Sleeping'' on Broadway, ...
from 1987 to 1988 and
Patricia Elliott Patricia Elliott (July 21, 1938 – December 20, 2015) was an American theatre, film, soap opera, and television actress. Early life Elliott was born July 21, 1938, in Gunnison, Colorado to Clyde and Lavon (née Gibson) Elliott. She claimed dire ...
from 1988 through 2011. Elliott was taken off contract in November 2003 and her screen time became increasingly infrequent. Renée arrives in
Llanview Llanview, Pennsylvania is the fictional setting for the long-running American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The city exists in the same fictional universe as cities from other existing or defunct ABC daytime dramas, including Pine Valley, Penn ...
in 1987 as the former employer of
Lee Halpern This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
, secretly once a prostitute at Renée's Strip Club in
Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the Southeast United States Georgia may also refer to: Places Historical states and entities * Related to the ...
. She soon runs into
Asa Buchanan Asa Buchanan is a fictional character and patriarch of the Buchanan family on the American serial drama ''One Life to Live''. The Texan industrialist father of newly arrived characters Clint Buchanan, Clint and Bo Buchanan, Asa was originated in la ...
, her old flame; they rekindle their romance and marry on November 30, 1988 in a double wedding with Asa's grandson
Cord Roberts Cord Roberts is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was originated in May 1986 by John Loprieno, who left the series in 1992 and then returned from January 28, 1993 through 1997. The character made brief app ...
, who remarries ex-wife
Tina Lord Tina Lord Roberts is a fictional character from the American daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'', originally and last played by Andrea Evans. The character is the daughter of original series patriarch Victor Lord, and sister to long-running ch ...
. Mobster
Carlo Hesser Carlo Hesser is a fictional character from the ABC daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was portrayed by Thom Christopher intermittently between 1990 and 2008. Storylines 1990–92 Upstate Pennsylvania mob boss Carlo arrives in Ll ...
—another of Renée's exes—appears in Chesnut Hills in 1990. Asa and Renée divorce in 1992 when Asa discovers old love letters that Carlo had sent Renée, but Asa and Renée eventually wed again on May 18, 1999. It is revealed that Renée had conceived a son by Asa when they had been involved in their youth, and had put the boy up for adoption. Max Holden poses as the missing heir, but Asa and Renée's real son turns out to be
Ben Davidson Benjamin Earl Davidson (June 14, 1940 – July 2, 2012) was an American football player, a defensive end best known for his play with the Oakland Raiders in the American Football League (AFL). Earlier in his career, he was with the Green Bay ...
, adoptive brother of Sam Rappaport and love interest of Asa's former daughter-in-law Victoria "Viki" Lord Carpenter. Asa and Renée divorce in 2001. Renée and Asa remarry for the last time on February 14, 2004. The marriage ends with Asa's offscreen death on August 16, 2007. Afterwards, Renée is seldom seen, but resides in Llanview running the Palace Hotel. On August 23 and 24, 2011, Renée is seen at Ava's gravesite alongside Asa's son
Bo Buchanan Beaufort Oglethorpe "Bo" Buchanan is a fictional character from the American soap opera '' One Life to Live''. Casting and awards Robert S. Woods created the character of Bo in November 1979. Woods originally screen tested for the recast of Rich ...
, in honour of the fourth anniversary of Asa's death.


Rafe Garretson

Rafe Garretson is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera on ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
'' originated by Ken Meeker in February 1980. Meekler continued in the role until his last appearance on the series in 1991. Rafe was the nephew of wealthy Asa Buchannan and was utilized by his uncle to take care of Asa's presumed dead wife Olympia. After Asa's marriage to Samantha Vernon came to an end, Rafe fell in love with her and they were married. When a pregnant Samantha was shot and ended up brain dead, Delilah Ralston took on her embryo, eventually giving birth to a daughter, Sammi. Delilah and Rafe fell in love and were married but after she was kidnapped by the Sanders family, he was left alone until she turned up a year later. They were still married when Delilah left to pursue a singing career in 1989, and Rafe eventually left Llanview too two years later.


Sammi Garretson

Samantha "Sammi" Garretson is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera on ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The character was considered a "miracle child," extracted as an embryo from the womb of her recently deceased mother
Samantha Vernon Samantha (or the alternatively Samanta) is primarily used as a feminine given name. It was recorded in England in 1633 in Newton Regis, Warwickshire. It was also recorded in the 18th century in New England, but its etymology is uncertain. Specul ...
and implanted in a family friend
Delilah Ralston This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
, whom her father
Rafe In Hebrew orthography the rafe or raphe ( he, רָפֶה, , meaning "weak, limp") is a diacritic (), a subtle horizontal overbar placed above certain letters to indicate that they are to be pronounced as fricatives. It originated with the Ti ...
later married. First appearing onscreen at birth May 16, 1985, the character was soon SORASed to a six-year-old at the introduction of child actor
Danielle Harris Danielle Andrea Harris (born June 1, 1977) is an American actress and film director. She is known as a " scream queen" for her roles in multiple horror films, including four entries in the ''Halloween'' franchise ('' Halloween 4'' and '' 5''; 19 ...
to the role, and last appeared in 1989.


Roger Gordon

Roger Gordon is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by actor
Larry Pine Larry Pine (born March 3, 1945) is an American actor. A veteran of the Broadway stage, he began his career playing the role of Fop in the 1968 production of ''Cyrano de Bergerac''. He has since starred in film and television, with recurring roles ...
from its debut in 1988 through 1992. Roger Gordon, an archaeologist, arrived on the scene determined to convince both his daughters to move away from Llanview with him. Just as he and Sarah were about to leave town (after having convinced Megan to follow them to California), Roger overheard news that Viki had found the long-lost daughter she had spent months searching for. Inexplicably, Roger changed his plans and refused to leave town! Roger knew that the 'long-lost daughter' was a fraud - because Megan was the real missing Lord heir. As a child, Roger Gordon's family participated in Victor Lord's disastrous, secret 'Eterna' project (in which a small underground city was created under Llantano Mountain). Against the wishes of the Eterna citizens themselves, they were sealed off from the outside world and abandoned to die. Roger's parents managed to break their teenaged son out of imprisonment. Once outside, Roger met and fell in love with a then-teenaged Victoria Lord. The teens married, made love, and Viki became pregnant with Roger's child. But Victor intervened, and instigated an accident that turned Viki into her alter ego Niki Smith for many months. Niki ran away to New York City and carried her baby to full term. Just as she was about to give birth, Victor tracked her down and forced her to return to Llanview with him. A very young Larry Wolek (still in med school at the time) delivered the baby, and Niki reverted to Viki immediately afterward. Victor hushed up the whole incident (including hiring a hypnotist to erase Viki's memory of the incident) and gave the baby to Roger. Roger later married Carrie Gordon, and the two passed Megan off as their own child (Carrie was the birth mother of Sarah & Anna. She was already divorced from Roger when he arrived in Llanview. Carrie appeared only rarely.) Roger confessed to Viki that Megan was their daughter. Megan was initially less than thrilled to hear the news (she and Viki did not get along), but then developed a close rapport with Viki and the Buchanan family (especially Viki's other daughter Jessica). Both Roger and Viki began to feel their old teenaged passions rekindling, even though Viki was married to Clint at the time. However, Roger eventually realized he could never have what he once had with Viki, so he left town and allowed Viki to get on with her life.


Megan Gordon

Megan Gordon Harrison is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was originated in 1988 by actress
Jessica Tuck Jessica Tuck is an American actress, best known for her performances on television as Megan Gordon Harrison on the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live'', Gillian Gray in the CBS drama series ''Judging Amy,'' and as Nan Flanagan on the HBO series ...
, who regularly appeared until February 1992. Tuck returned for guest appearances in 1993, 1999, 2004, and 2012.


Character history

Larry Wolek Larry Wolek is a fictional character from the American soap opera ''One Life to Live'', played for List of longest-serving soap opera actors#United States, 35 years by actor Michael Storm. Storm is the second longest running cast member of the ABC ...
tries to talk Viki out of attending her high school reunion in 1988; it is soon revealed that Viki had left school and had a baby — delivered by Larry. Viki's father Victor had sent her to a hypnotist, who had wiped away all memories of the experience. Viki is determined to find her daughter; meeting Roger Gordon ultimately brings Viki's memories flooding back in 1989. Roger and Viki had fallen in love, but his apparent death had shocked Viki into reverting into Niki Smith; Niki had been in control during the pregnancy, with Viki re-emerging briefly during childbirth. One of Roger's daughters is Viki's child; unfortunately, it is not sweet family friend
Sarah Sarah (born Sarai) is a biblical matriarch and prophetess, a major figure in Abrahamic religions. While different Abrahamic faiths portray her differently, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all depict her character similarly, as that of a piou ...
, but her self-absorbed sister Megan Gordon — despised by Viki since Megan's appearance in Llanview in 1988. Megan, a
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 ...
star and major diva, has a passionate romance with Max Holden and feuds with rival actress Summer Skye while working on Bo Buchanan's soap ''Fraternity Row''. Later, Megan softens towards Viki and develops a close relationship with her mother, then settles down with dashing international man of mystery
Jake Harrison This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera, ''One Life to Live'', that began their run between the beginning of 1990 and the end of 1999. Nigel Bartholomew-Smythe Nigel Bartholomew-Smythe is a fictional character on the Ame ...
, her true love. But love can't save Megan from the ravages of
lupus Lupus, technically known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body. Symptoms vary among people and may be mild to severe. Comm ...
, which takes her life on February 7, 1992. Surrounded by friends and family, Megan dies in Jake's arms, and later appears as a blithe spirit to help Jake and her loved ones through troubled times. Megan appears as a vision to her sister
Jessica Buchanan Jessica Eugenia Buchanan (formerly Santi, Vega, Brennan, Ford and Wentworth) is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera '' One Life to Live''. She is the daughter of Victoria Lord and Clint Buchanan. She is the fraternal twin sister of Natali ...
in 1999 when she miscarries her baby, Megan Buchanan, who is named after her. Megan makes a spiritual visitation to Viki in 2004, and helps her mother cope with the loss of her husband
Ben Davidson Benjamin Earl Davidson (June 14, 1940 – July 2, 2012) was an American football player, a defensive end best known for his play with the Oakland Raiders in the American Football League (AFL). Earlier in his career, he was with the Green Bay ...
. In 2008, when Victoria goes to Heaven again after a car crash, her granddaughter Megan reveals that she works with her aunt Megan, who is currently absent due to being at a network meeting. On January 9, 2012, Megan appears to Viki during her third trip to Heaven. This time Megan tries to guide and convince her mother to cross over into the afterlife, after Viki continually comments how she is so tired. However, as Viki and Megan approach Heaven's gates, Clint goes running up from Hell, declares his love for her and states how they have conquered the odds before, and that can do so again. Clint's words prove stronger than Megan's as Viki ultimately chooses to give life another chance with Clint and is revived by paramedics, as Megan smiles on happily.


Sarah Gordon

Sarah Gordon Buchanan is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera, ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was originated by actress
Jensen Buchanan Jensen Buchanan (born July 18, 1962 in Montgomery, Alabama) is an American soap opera actress, known for portraying Sarah Gordon on '' One Life to Live'' (1987–90) and twins Vicky Hudson and Marley Love on '' Another World''. Early life Buchan ...
in 1987, a role she played until 1990. Grace Phillips stepped into the role in 1991, playing the character through 1993.


Character history

Sarah, nicknamed "Paradise" by Bo, was the first member of the Gordon family to arrive in Llanview. While she was only on the show for a short time, she was a part of many memorable storylines, including Mendorra and Badderly Island. Born off-screen in 1965 to Roger and Carrie Gordon, Sarah grew up as the second of three daughters and came to Llanview in October 1987. As a therapist specializing in training newly-blind people to live without their sight, Sarah became a counsellor to
Clint Buchanan Clint Buchanan is a fictional character from the American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. Casting The role was originated on September 10, 1979, by actor Clint Ritchie, portraying the role nearly continuously through December 30, 1998. Ritchie r ...
, who had been blinded by a gunshot wound to the head. Early on, Sarah stated that her desire to help the blind was inspired by working with her sister Anna (never seen) who was blind from birth and died young. Sarah started out as
Tina Lord Tina Lord Roberts is a fictional character from the American daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'', originally and last played by Andrea Evans. The character is the daughter of original series patriarch Victor Lord, and sister to long-running ch ...
's rival for
Cord Roberts Cord Roberts is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was originated in May 1986 by John Loprieno, who left the series in 1992 and then returned from January 28, 1993 through 1997. The character made brief app ...
' affection, but Sarah and Cord never progressed far in their relationship. She later met the love of her life, Bo Buchanan, on the set of Fraternity Row, where she was working as a consultant. Though the two were deeply in love with each other, they often found themselves in dangerous situations that threatened their future. In 1989, Bo was sentenced to time in prison after being found guilty of killing Alicia Grande. Believing that Bo was being framed by his cousin Austin Buchanan, Sarah set out to get the truth and exonerate Bo by seducing Austin (who was obsessed with her) and tricking him into telling her the truth. Her plan, which was successful, had dire consequences. After discovering the tape recorder that Sarah was hiding under her blouse, Austin forced her to have sex in Asa's garage. Bo was ultimately set free thanks to the recorded confession, but Sarah's relationship with Bo suffered because she refused to tell him the truth about the rape; she was terrified that Bo would never be able to love her the same way again if he found out that she'd been violated by Austin. Unfortunately, Sarah wasn't able to keep the truth from Bo when she discovered that she was pregnant with Austin's baby. Always supportive, Bo stood by Sarah as she struggled with the decision to terminate the pregnancy or not. Ultimately she never had to make a choice because she suffered a miscarriage. Despite the drama resulting from Austin's rampage, Bo and Sarah's relationship blossomed and the two became engaged. Their plan was to marry on Valentine's Day 1990, but Sarah was once again swept up into trouble when she was summoned to the kingdom of Mendorra to work with the future king, Prince Raymond, who was progressively losing his sight. Accompanied by Megan and Ambassador to Mendorra,
Dorian Lord Dorian Lord is a fictional character and matriarch of the Cramer family on the American daytime drama '' One Life to Live'', played most notably and for the longest duration by actress Robin Strasser. Strasser was cast by series creator Agnes Ni ...
, Sarah walked right into a trap set by Raymond's scheming brother Roland. In an effort to steal the throne from his brother, Roland kidnapped Megan and Dorian to force Sarah into a marriage with his brother. Because Sarah was a commoner, Raymond would have to abdicate the throne, making Roland next in line. Little did Roland suspect that Bo and his nephew Cord were on their way to Mendorra to save Sarah, Megan and Dorian after Sarah subtly signalled her fiancé that something was wrong during a live television broadcast. Unbeknownst to Roland, Bo took Raymond's place at the altar and married Sarah in a lavish royal wedding, thwarting his plans to become king. With Raymond's help, Bo, Sarah, and Megan were finally able to escape from Mendorra, but only after Raymond was forced to shoot and kill his brother near the Austrian/Mendorran border. A little over a month later, on March 21, Bo and Sarah were legally married in a small ceremony held at Llanfair. Soon after, Bo planned a location shoot for a prime time Fraternity Row movie and after looking at several exotic locations, he settled on Badderly, an island off the coast of Canada that was home to a deserted four-star resort. It seemed like the perfect location with private beaches and a large estate, but he wasn't the only one who had his eyes set on the secluded island resort.
Johnny Dee Johnny Dee (John D.) is a fictional mutant character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He debuted in ''Son of M #1'' (2005). Fictional character biography Johnny was one of the few mutants who kept his powers after ...
,
Carlo Hesser Carlo Hesser is a fictional character from the ABC daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was portrayed by Thom Christopher intermittently between 1990 and 2008. Storylines 1990–92 Upstate Pennsylvania mob boss Carlo arrives in Ll ...
's lawyer and secret son, had arranged a meeting on Badderly with Frank "Whitey" Whitehead, one of Carlo's rivals, and several other top mob bosses to forge an uneasy peace with one another and discuss their plans to flood Llanview with drugs, which were being manufactured on the island. What Johnny hadn't counted on was Bo ending up with Whitey's invitation to the meeting. Because no one knew what the real Whitey looked liked (he always avoided having his picture taken), Bo was easily mistaken for the reclusive Whitehead by Johnny and his guests and welcomed into the soiree. To make matters worse, Sarah, Megan, Cord, Lucky Lippmann and Spring Skye also ended up on the island, each one taking on a new persona to pose as Whitey's entourage. Sarah, using a fake Texas accent and donning a curly blond wig, found herself constantly having to run interference for Bo after Hesser's daughter, Charlotte, set her sights on seducing him. It wasn't until
Jake Harrison This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera, ''One Life to Live'', that began their run between the beginning of 1990 and the end of 1999. Nigel Bartholomew-Smythe Nigel Bartholomew-Smythe is a fictional character on the Ame ...
arrived on Badderly days later that Charlotte forgot all about "Whitey" and shifted her focus to Jake. After several more days on the island and a few mishaps later (Megan nearly drowning and Sarah almost dying in a pit of quicksand), Bo and his crew finally discovered the secret location of the drug manufacturing lab and were able to destroy the operation and bring down Johnny and his men. Thinking that the entire ordeal was over, everyone returned to Llanview to get back to their lives. Sarah became a witness to the drug-trafficking activities of
Carlo Hesser Carlo Hesser is a fictional character from the ABC daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was portrayed by Thom Christopher intermittently between 1990 and 2008. Storylines 1990–92 Upstate Pennsylvania mob boss Carlo arrives in Ll ...
, who kidnapped her, and was thought to have killed her. Sarah turned up alive, just as Bo was about to marry
Cassie Callison This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
. Sarah and Bo divorced, but reconciled, all during a time in which Sarah was a major suspect in the first murder investigation of Carlo Hesser. Tragically, Sarah was killed on November 25, 1992 when the car she was riding in with Bo was run off of Llantano Bridge by a truck on the night before their wedding. Their car landed in the water and Sarah, who wasn't wearing her seat belt, died shortly after impact while Bo sustained only minor injuries.


Lee Halpern

Lee Halpern (originally Carol Harper; formerly Dennison) is a fictional character from the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
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 ...
''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was first played by
Janet Zarish Janet Zarish (born April 21, 1954) is an American actress known for her work in television, movies and the theatre. She is Associate Arts Professor and Head of Acting of the Graduate Acting Program at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. She received ...
from 1987 until 1988, then again from April 2, 2008 until November 11, 2008 and January 12, 2009 until February 3, 2009. In 2008, the character assumes the alias Janet Ketring. Lee Halpern arrives in Llanview in 1987 as a former prostitute for
Renee Divine This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
and now business partner of Max Holden. She marries Charles Sanders, former
US Ambassador Ambassadors of the United States are persons nominated by the president to serve as the country's diplomatic representatives to foreign nations, international organizations, and as ambassadors-at-large. Under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S ...
to the
Europe Europe is a large peninsula conventionally considered a continent in its own right because of its great physical size and the weight of its history and traditions. Europe is also considered a Continent#Subcontinents, subcontinent of Eurasia ...
an principality of
Mendorra ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTune ...
, during a drunken night in Las Vegas, and he dies of a heart attack on their wedding night. It is soon revealed that Lee is in fact Carol Harper Dennison, the presumed-dead wife of Tom Dennison and mother to Tom's daughter, Mari Lynn. The revelation of Carol's past as a prostitute had ended her marriage to Tom, and she had subsequently chosen to fake her death. Lee's awkward reunion with her daughter is cut short when it appears that Lee is accidentally shot to death by Mari Lynn in 1988.In the October 13, 2008 episode, John McBain reiterates that Lee/Janet faked her death in 1988. In April 2008, private nurse Janet Ketring appears in Llanview, helping
Lee Ramsey A list of notable characters from the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that made their first appearance between the beginning of 2000 and the end of 2009. Kimberly Andrews Kimberly Andrews (born Aubrey Wentworth) is a fictional characte ...
care for a bedridden and
amnesia Amnesia is a deficit in memory caused by brain damage or disease,Gazzaniga, M., Ivry, R., & Mangun, G. (2009) Cognitive Neuroscience: The biology of the mind. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. but it can also be caused temporarily by the use ...
c
Marty Saybrooke Marty Saybrooke is a fictional character from ''One Life to Live'', an American soap opera. The role was originated by Susan Haskell, who portrayed Marty from January 24, 1992, through September 16, 1997, and made brief appearances on February 16, ...
. Ramsey is killed and
Todd Manning Thomas Todd Manning is a fictional character from the American daytime drama ''One Life to Live'' (''OLTL''). Created by writers Michael Malone (author), Michael Malone and Josh Griffith, the role was originated in 1992 by actor Roger Howarth. T ...
secretly takes custody of Marty, who all of Llanview believes had been killed in an explosion in December 2007. Todd coerces Janet to continue tending to Marty under his employ. For the sum of $1 million, Janet also agrees to keep Marty's existence a secret. Neither Marty nor Janet are aware that Todd had raped Marty over a decade before. Seeking absolution for his crimes against Marty at any cost, Todd lies about their relationship as well as the existence of Marty's son. During a conversation with Todd, Janet reveals that she is estranged from her loved ones and claims she is "dead to them." Llanview Police Detective John McBain discovers that Janet is, in fact, Lee Halpern. He uses this information to try to pressure Janet into revealing that her mystery patient is, as he now suspects, the presumed-dead Marty. Janet is horrified to hear from John that Todd had raped Marty and is keeping her from her son. Janet confronts Todd, who also knows her true identity and threatens to expose her unless she continues to keep his secret. He soon forces her to assist him in his intended kidnapping of his unborn grandchild. Todd calls off the plan, but his mentally ill niece
Jessica Buchanan Jessica Eugenia Buchanan (formerly Santi, Vega, Brennan, Ford and Wentworth) is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera '' One Life to Live''. She is the daughter of Victoria Lord and Clint Buchanan. She is the fraternal twin sister of Natali ...
switches her own
stillborn Stillbirth is typically defined as fetal death at or after 20 or 28 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the source. It results in a baby born without signs of life. A stillbirth can result in the feeling of guilt or grief in the mother. The ter ...
baby girl with the new-born daughter of Todd's daughter
Starr Manning Starr Manning is a fictional character from the daytime drama '' One Life to Live''. Born onscreen on January 8, 1996, the role was initially portrayed by infant children. In 1998, Starr was rapidly aged when young actress Kristen Alderson debuted ...
. With Starr's baby believed dead, Janet leaves Llanview on November 11, 2008, but reappears on
Renee Buchanan This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera '' One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ...
's doorstep on January 9, 2009, desperate for sanctuary. Janet fears prosecution and Todd's wrath, but soon agrees to cooperate with the authorities. Todd catches her wearing a wire, but Janet is kept in protective custody. Todd publishes an exposé on Janet in his newspaper, ''The Sun'', to sabotage her credibility before the upcoming trial. Terrified that one of the people she had conned will come after her, Janet escapes police custody. Todd discovers Janet stabbed to death on his living room floor on January 30, 2009. Believing that Todd is innocent but realizing that he would be blamed, Téa confesses to the police that she had stabbed Janet in selfdefense, and Janet's body is taken away.
Powell Lord III This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera, '' One Life to Live'', that began their run between the beginning of 1990 and the end of 1999. Nigel Bartholomew-Smythe Nigel Bartholomew-Smythe is a fictional character on the Am ...
later confesses to the murder, as part of his plan to punish anyone who has hurt Marty and punish Todd.


Andy Harrison

Andrea "Andy" Harrison (formerly Guthrie and Vega) is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was originated by Bronwen Booth from August 1989 through 1991. Wendee Pratt assumed the role upon its reappearance onscreen in 1994, playing the character through 1997.


Character history

Max Holden's sister Andrea arrives in fictional
Llanview Llanview, Pennsylvania is the fictional setting for the long-running American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The city exists in the same fictional universe as cities from other existing or defunct ABC daytime dramas, including Pine Valley, Penn ...
in August 1989 with news of their mother Patricia's death; Max and Andy's volatile relationship eventually cooled before she left town in 1991 after marrying Hunter Guthrie. She would return in 1994 (divorced from the abusive Hunter) as a police officer, and become involved with fellow officer and ex-con Antonio Vega, who she had a whirlwind romance with, before marrying him and leaving again for
Berkeley, California Berkeley ( ) is a city on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay in northern Alameda County, California, United States. It is named after the 18th-century Irish bishop and philosopher George Berkeley. It borders the cities of Oakland and Emer ...
in 1997. Years later, Andy and Antonio's marriage ended when Andy cheated on him with her partner on the police force.


Al Holden

Alonzo "Al" Holden is a fictional character on the 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 ...
, ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. Originally introduced in April 1987, Al was first featured as a regular character in 2001 played by Michael Tipps from March through November 2001.
Nathaniel Marston Nathaniel Marston (July 9, 1975 – November 11, 2015) was an American actor and producer. He is known for his two roles on ABC's ''One Life to Live'' as Al Holden and Dr. Michael McBain from 2001 to 2007. Early life Born on July 9, 1975, in ...
assumed the role from December 4, 2001 until Al’s onscreen death on September 22, 2003, and as Al's spirit through his last appearance on February 14, 2004. Marston immediately began playing the role of
Michael McBain Michael McBain is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera '' One Life to Live''. Casting The role was originated by R. Brandon Johnson in November 2003. Nathaniel Marston stepped in on February 16, 2004, and ultimately left on November 29, ...
, whose body Al's spirit inhabited, thereafter in 2004.


Steve Holden

Steven "Steve" Holden, Sr. is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by Russ Anderson from March 1987 through the character's onscreen death November 30, 1988.


Character history

Max Holden's brother Steve Holden arrives in fictional
Llanview Llanview, Pennsylvania is the fictional setting for the long-running American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The city exists in the same fictional universe as cities from other existing or defunct ABC daytime dramas, including Pine Valley, Penn ...
in March 1987 and soon begins a relationship with and marries Max's first love,
Gabrielle Medina Gabrielle Medina is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was played by actress Fiona Hutchison, who debuted in the role February 20, 1987. Hutchison briefly reprised the role for the series finale January 6 ...
. Gabrielle's perpetual feeling for Max doom their relationship and they divorce. In 1988, at the double wedding of
Cord Roberts Cord Roberts is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was originated in May 1986 by John Loprieno, who left the series in 1992 and then returned from January 28, 1993 through 1997. The character made brief app ...
to
Tina Lord Tina Lord Roberts is a fictional character from the American daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'', originally and last played by Andrea Evans. The character is the daughter of original series patriarch Victor Lord, and sister to long-running ch ...
and
Asa Buchanan Asa Buchanan is a fictional character and patriarch of the Buchanan family on the American serial drama ''One Life to Live''. The Texan industrialist father of newly arrived characters Clint Buchanan, Clint and Bo Buchanan, Asa was originated in la ...
to
Renée Divine This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera '' One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ...
, Steve notices a bomb in a wedding cake and throws himself on it to protect his fiancée
Brenda McGillis This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
. Brenda gives birth Steve's child, his namesake, in 1989.


Dante Medina

Dante Medina is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by actor
Henry Darrow Henry Darrow (born Enrique Tomás Delgado Jiménez; September 15, 1933 – March 14, 2021) was an American character actor of stage and film known for his role as Manolito "Mano" Montoya on the 1960s television series ''The High Chaparral''. In ...
for months in 1987.


Debra Medina

Debra Medina is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by Lucinda Fisher from July 1989 through 1991.


Connie O'Neill

Constance Kathleen "Connie" O'Neill (formerly Vernon) is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
serial ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was originated by actress
Elizabeth Keifer Elizabeth Keifer (born November 14, 1961) is an American actress. Keifer was born in Pacific Palisades, California. She played the role of Christina "Blake" Marler on '' Guiding Light'' from August 1992 until the program ended in September 2009 ...
from April 1984 until 1985, reappearing briefly in 1988. Terry Donahoe assumed the role from August 1985 until September 1986.


Didi O'Neill

Deidra Cecilia "Didi" O'Neill Buchanan is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was portrayed by actress Barbara Treutelaar from April 1984 until the character's on-screen death on September 3, 1988.


Harry O'Neill

Harry O'Neill is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
serial ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was originated by Arlen Dean Snyder in April 1984.
Frank Converse Frank Converse (born May 22, 1938) is an American actor. Early life Converse was born in 1938 in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1962, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama at Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in ...
assumed the role in October 1984 through the character's onscreen death in July 1985.


Character history

Factory worker Harry O'Neill is introduced in April 1984 when he is about to lose his job at the Lord-Manning plant joint-owned by Victoria Lord Buchanan and her husband
Clint Buchanan Clint Buchanan is a fictional character from the American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. Casting The role was originated on September 10, 1979, by actor Clint Ritchie, portraying the role nearly continuously through December 30, 1998. Ritchie r ...
when they consider closing it for financial reasons. Harry soon engages in romance with Niki Smith, a personality symptom of Victoria's
multiple personality disorder Dissociative identity disorder (DID), better known as multiple personality disorder or multiple personality syndrome, is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of at least two distinct and relatively enduring personality states. The di ...
. The relationship ends when Harry is murdered in 1985 by con man
Mitch Laurence Mitch Laurence is a fictional character from the ABC daytime soap opera '' One Life to Live''. He was portrayed by Roscoe Born from 1985 to 1987 and again from 2002 to 2003. Born returned from November 9, 2009, to April 6, 2010. Born reappeared ...
, who had intended to kill Clint and frame Viki.


Joy O'Neill

Joy O'Neill is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
serial ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was originated by actress
Kristen Vigard Kristen Vigard (born May 15, 1963) is an American actress and singer. She is known for being the first actress to play the title role in '' Annie'' in its pre-Broadway run and for her two-year run as Morgan Richards on ''Guiding Light'' (1980–8 ...
from April 1984 until 1985. Julie Ann Johnson assumed the role from 1985 until the character left town in 1986.


Pete O'Neill

Pete O'Neill is fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by James O'Sullivan from July 1985 until 1987.


Character history

Arriving in the wake of the death of his brother
Harry Harry may refer to: TV shows * ''Harry'' (American TV series), a 1987 American comedy series starring Alan Arkin * ''Harry'' (British TV series), a 1993 BBC drama that ran for two seasons * ''Harry'' (talk show), a 2016 American daytime talk show ...
, Pete O'Neill arrives in fictional
Llanview Llanview, Pennsylvania is the fictional setting for the long-running American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The city exists in the same fictional universe as cities from other existing or defunct ABC daytime dramas, including Pine Valley, Penn ...
in 1985 to support his family in their grief. A lawyer, he soon defends
Tina Lord Tina Lord Roberts is a fictional character from the American daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'', originally and last played by Andrea Evans. The character is the daughter of original series patriarch Victor Lord, and sister to long-running ch ...
when she is accused of killing Harry, believing her alibi. Pete later falls for the ex-wife of business tycoon
Asa Buchanan Asa Buchanan is a fictional character and patriarch of the Buchanan family on the American serial drama ''One Life to Live''. The Texan industrialist father of newly arrived characters Clint Buchanan, Clint and Bo Buchanan, Asa was originated in la ...
, Pamela Stuart, leaving town with her for her home island of Malakeva in 1987.


Delilah Ralston

Delilah Ralston Garretson (formerly Buchanan) is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was portrayed by actress
Shelly Burch Shelly Burch (born March 19, 1960) is an American actress and singer known to television audiences for her role as Delilah Ralston Garretson on ABC's daytime soap opera '' One Life to Live'', a role she played for eight years. Life and career ...
from January 1982 until December 20, 1989. Burch briefly reprised the role in November 2001. She first came to Llanview, believing that Bo Buchannan was her cousin and married the wealthy Asa whose late wife Olympia had lied about Bo not being Asa's son. Delilah's scheming mother, Euphemia, knew the truth, and having vowed revenge on Asa for destroying her family, kept the secret. Asa and Delilah eventually divorced and she married Bo, but her constant lying caused him to leave her shortly into their marriage and fall in love with Didi O'Neill. Delilah showed she had a heart when the pregnant Samantha Garretson suddenly became brain dead and Delilah agreed to have Samantha's embryo transplanted into her. She eventually married her widower Rafe Garretson (Asa's nephew!) but was kidnapped by Elizabeth Sanders and her cohort Lord Henry Leighton as part of revenge against Asa. Delilah was eventually discovered (along with Bo) and reunited with Rafe. However, she left town to pursue a modeling career, only returning for one of Asa's several "fake" funerals.


Euphemia Ralston

Euphemia Ralston is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
serial ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by actress
Grayson Hall Grayson Hall (September 18, 1922 – August 7, 1985) was an American television, film, and stage actress. She was widely regarded for her avant-garde theatrical performances from the 1960s to the 1980s. Hall was nominated for an Academy ...
from July 1982-April 1983. She was introduced as Euphemia Ralston Massey (although daughter Delilah used Euphemia's maiden name), the once wealthy owner of a Southern estate and now down on her luck because of a vendetta against her family by
Asa Buchanan Asa Buchanan is a fictional character and patriarch of the Buchanan family on the American serial drama ''One Life to Live''. The Texan industrialist father of newly arrived characters Clint Buchanan, Clint and Bo Buchanan, Asa was originated in la ...
. In July 1982,
Bo Buchanan Beaufort Oglethorpe "Bo" Buchanan is a fictional character from the American soap opera '' One Life to Live''. Casting and awards Robert S. Woods created the character of Bo in November 1979. Woods originally screen tested for the recast of Rich ...
, believing that Euphemia's late brother Yancy was his father, visited her, and Euphemia immediately began to put into motion a plot of revenge against Asa. She sent her nephew Drew to Llanview to ingratiate himself with Bo, and when she learned that her daughter Delilah had shown up to meet Bo, immediately went there for an extended visit. Asa, referring to Euphemia as "that witch in a turban", made a play for Delilah who had fallen in love with her own supposed cousin, Bo. To set her plans into motion, Euphemia encouraged Delilah to accept Asa's marriage proposal. Shortly afterwards, Asa was believed to have been killed in a boat explosion, but had survived, and hid out at his own funeral. Euphemia's somewhat eccentric cousin Twyla arrived and threatened Euphemia's plans with the knowledge that Yancy was sterile, and this was confirmed when Yancy's widow Blanche showed up. Cousin Twyla spilt the beans that Euphemia had known the truth all along, and Delilah ordered her mother to leave town.


David Renaldi

David "David Renaldi" Reynolds is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was originated by actor
Michael Zaslow Michael Joel Zaslow (November 1, 1942 – December 6, 1998) was an American actor. He was best known for his role as villain Roger Thorpe on CBS's ''Guiding Light'', a role he played from 1971 to 1980 and again from 1989 to 1997. Life a ...
in May 1983, and he continued in the role until 1986. Zaslow reprised the role suffering from ALS (a fate mirrored for the character) onscreen in late 1997, appearing onscreen in the role until shortly before his death from the disease in 1998. Born as David Reynolds, he was a composer and conductor who used the name David Renali professionally. He was hired to come to Llanview to conduct the orchestra there, and became friends with Victoria. He and Dr.Dorian Callison had known each other before either came to Llanview, and he was, in fact, the father of Cassie Callison. He fell in love with Jenny Woleck Siegel Vernon, R. N., and they were involved in a Romeo and Juliet type story. After the conclusion of that story, Jenny and David married and left Llanview to move to Switzerland.


C.J. Roberts

Clinton James "C.J." Roberts is a fictional character from the original
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
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 ...
''One Life to Live''. The character is first shown on-screen in April 1987 and was portrayed by child actors, most notably Tyler Noyes from 1992 to 1997.
Cord Roberts Cord Roberts is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was originated in May 1986 by John Loprieno, who left the series in 1992 and then returned from January 28, 1993 through 1997. The character made brief app ...
happily marries social climber and heiress,
Tina Lord Tina Lord Roberts is a fictional character from the American daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'', originally and last played by Andrea Evans. The character is the daughter of original series patriarch Victor Lord, and sister to long-running ch ...
in April 1986. In 1987, Cord's mother, Maria Roberts does not approve of the relationship and convinces Max Holden to take Tina to Argentina where she soon discovers she is pregnant. Meanwhile, Cord marries Kate Sanders. Cord follows Tina to Argentina where Max and Tina have gotten mixed up with crime lord,
Carlo Hesser Carlo Hesser is a fictional character from the ABC daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was portrayed by Thom Christopher intermittently between 1990 and 2008. Storylines 1990–92 Upstate Pennsylvania mob boss Carlo arrives in Ll ...
and his drug ring. Carlo sends Tina over a waterfall in a raft; Tina and her unborn child are presumed dead. Tina survives and meets up with
Gabrielle Medina Gabrielle Medina is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was played by actress Fiona Hutchison, who debuted in the role February 20, 1987. Hutchison briefly reprised the role for the series finale January 6 ...
, Max's former lover and convinces her that she and Max are now married. Gabrielle gives her and Max's new-born son to Tina so they can raise him. Tina returns to
Llanview Llanview, Pennsylvania is the fictional setting for the long-running American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The city exists in the same fictional universe as cities from other existing or defunct ABC daytime dramas, including Pine Valley, Penn ...
with baby Al, named after Cord's late step-father. Maria soon learns about Al's true identity and blackmails Tina into divorcing Cord in July 1987. In 1988, it is learned that Tina's real son did not die, but was being cared for in the Argentinean jungle under the name "Milagro". Max's enemies later kidnap the infant and place him in an Italian convent; Tina must pose as nun to get him back. Cord and Tina later name him Clinton James, after Cord's biological father,
Clint Buchanan Clint Buchanan is a fictional character from the American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. Casting The role was originated on September 10, 1979, by actor Clint Ritchie, portraying the role nearly continuously through December 30, 1998. Ritchie r ...
. After Tina and Cord's divorce in January 1990, C.J. and Tina move to
San Diego San Diego ( , ; ) is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a 2020 population of 1,386,932, it is the List of United States cities by population, eigh ...
. In February 1991, C.J. becomes a big brother to Sarah Victoria. When Cord is presumed dead in 1992, C.J. and Sarah become attached to their mother's new boyfriend,
Cain Rogan This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera, ''One Life to Live'', that began their run between the beginning of 1990 and the end of 1999. Nigel Bartholomew-Smythe Nigel Bartholomew-Smythe is a fictional character on the Ame ...
. Cord returns in 1993, suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome. Tina marries Cain in 1994 and leaves town, leaving Cord to raise the kids. She returns in July 1994 and rededicates her life to raising C.J. and Sarah. Convicted rapist
Todd Manning Thomas Todd Manning is a fictional character from the American daytime drama ''One Life to Live'' (''OLTL''). Created by writers Michael Malone (author), Michael Malone and Josh Griffith, the role was originated in 1992 by actor Roger Howarth. T ...
escapes from prison, but saves the lives of C.J., Sarah, and their cousin
Jessica Buchanan Jessica Eugenia Buchanan (formerly Santi, Vega, Brennan, Ford and Wentworth) is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera '' One Life to Live''. She is the daughter of Victoria Lord and Clint Buchanan. She is the fraternal twin sister of Natali ...
. A man named
David Vickers David Vickers is a fictional character from the American soap opera ''One Life to Live'' portrayed by Tuc Watkins. Casting The character David Vickers was first introduced in 1994 by Watkins, who played the character until 1996 and then reprised ...
comes to town, claiming to be Tina's long lost brother; soon Tina joins forces with imposter David to unsuccessfully try to swindle the massive inheritance from her and Viki's real brother, Todd Manning. Ultimately, Tina moves to Baltimore with C.J. and Sarah in June 1996, the three returning briefly in 1997 to say good bye to Cord as he leaves for London. In February 2003, Sarah, now going by the nickname "Flash," comes to town searching for her brother C.J.. Sarah reveals that Tina's parenting forced C.J. and Sarah to run away from home. It is soon discovered that C.J. has joined the U. S. Navy and was deploying to the
Indian Ocean The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, covering or ~19.8% of the water on Earth's surface. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west and Australia to the east. To the south it is bounded by th ...
. Later that year,
Al Holden This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera '' One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ...
, the baby that C.J. was switched with as a child, dies at the age of 22, which revises their birth year to 1981. Tina calls C.J. on the day his parents tie the knot for the fourth time in 2011.


Maria Roberts

Maria Roberts (maiden name Vasquez) is a fictional character on the
ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. Maria was portrayed by BarBara Luna from May 1986 until the character's onscreen death in 1987.
Melissa Archer Melissa Jean Archer (born December 2, 1979 in Dallas, Texas, Dallas, Texas) is an American actress best known for her portrayal of Natalie Buchanan on ''One Life to Live'', portraying the role from 2001 until its final episode in 2013. She also ...
briefly played the role in a July 2008 storyline that took several characters back in time to the show's inception year of 1968. Maria is the mother of long-running character
Cord Roberts Cord Roberts is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was originated in May 1986 by John Loprieno, who left the series in 1992 and then returned from January 28, 1993 through 1997. The character made brief app ...
.


Storylines

History revisited during the show's 40th anniversary episodes in 2008, around the series inception in 1968, Maria Vasquez becomes pregnant with the love child of
Clint Buchanan Clint Buchanan is a fictional character from the American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. Casting The role was originated on September 10, 1979, by actor Clint Ritchie, portraying the role nearly continuously through December 30, 1998. Ritchie r ...
. Clint's father,
Asa ASA as an abbreviation or initialism may refer to: Biology and medicine * Accessible surface area of a biomolecule, accessible to a solvent * Acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin * Advanced surface ablation, refractive eye surgery * Anterior spinal ar ...
, uncovered the pregnancy before Clint was told. Because Maria was of Mexican heritage, Asa condescended Maria and refused to allow her to marry Clint (as Clint may have characteristically done). Asa pressured Maria into abandoning Clint without ever telling him about the baby. Maria married the sturdy, reliable ranch hand Al Roberts instead, and gave birth to a boy named Cordero "Cord" Roberts. The Roberts family lived in El Paso, Texas. Al was a good husband and father, even though he knew Cord was not truly his son. Cord grew up believing that Al was his father. Maria however nursed a bitter grudge against Asa and spent her life pining for Clint. In 1986, when Cord expressed an interest in photography, Maria sent Clint a telegram asking him to provide Cord a job at ''The Banner''. Tina was in the midst of a bitter feud with Clint at the time. She intercepted the request and snooped about in El Paso, hoping to get some dirt on him. Cord met and quickly fell for Tina Clayton, and followed her back to Llanview. Tina reciprocated his interest, but had no intention of marrying a dirt-poor cowboy like Cord...until she discovered that he was Clint's biological son, and potential heir to the Buchanan mega-billions! After learning that, she wasted no time marrying him. Maria, who pegged Tina as a gold-digging tramp from their first meeting, became bitter enemies with her. Al Roberts died of cancer very soon after Cord wed Tina. With no-one keeping her in El Paso, Maria relocated to Llanview to be near her son. By then, she had grown strong enough to hold her own against Asa's threats. Eventually she confessed to both Clint and Cord that they were father and son, and Clint welcomed Cord into the Buchanan family. Maria wheedled her way into both Clint and Viki's confidences, pretending to be just an 'old friend' to Clint. But she secretly conspired to break up their marriage. Maria had two overwhelming desires - to win Clint's love once again, and to break up Tina and Cord. Maria brought Tom Dennison to Llanview, hoping Viki would leave Clint for him. That failed to happen. Later, Maria discovered before anyone else that
Allison Perkins Allison Perkins is a fictional character on the American soap opera '' One Life to Live''. Barbara Garrick originated the role from 1986 to 1987, returning from August 15, 2001 to August 27, 2002 and then making brief appearances from October 24 ...
had kidnapped Viki's newborn baby Jessica. Maria secretly helped Allison return the baby, but arranged circumstances to make it look as if Viki had become
Niki Smith Niki Smith is an American author and cartoon artist. Personal life Although Smith was raised in Kansas, they currently live in Germany. Selected works ''The Deep and Dark Blue'' (2020) ''The Deep and Dark Blue'' is a middle-grade graphic ...
again and kidnapped her own baby. Her shenanigans were ultimately discovered, and Clint railed against her for her evil deeds. Going completely off the deep end, Maria attempted to poison Viki, and frame Tina for the crime, only to become tainted by the fatal poison herself and die.


Jon Russell

Jon Russell is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by actor John Martin from December 1986 through December 27, 1989, and from 1991 until 1992. Jon Russell was romantically involved with Dorian Lord, her daughter Cassie Callison , And Audrey Ames
n actress on the fictional Fraternity Row N, or n, is the fourteenth letter in the Latin alphabet, used in the modern English alphabet, the alphabets of other western European languages and others worldwide. Its name in English is ''en'' (pronounced ), plural ''ens''. History ...
He defended Gabrielle Medina Holden in 1989 when she was charged with the baby switching crime of Michael Grande's baby Garrick Grande and Brenda McGillis' baby Steven Holden McGillis. He also served as a producer for "Fraternity Row" while Bo Buchanan was wrongly sentenced to prison for killing Alicia Grande Jon was also the brother of Judith Russell Sanders


Judith Russell Sanders

Judith Russell (formerly Sanders) is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role appeared and was played by actress
Louise Sorel Louise Jacqueline Sorel (née Cohen, born August 6, 1940) is an American actress. She is perhaps best known for her role as Vivian Alamain in '' Days of Our Lives'' from 1992 to 2000, 2009 to 2011, 2017 to 2018, and 2020, Augusta Wainwright on '' ...
from August 1986 through November 1987.


Character history

Judith Russell Sanders first arrives in fictional
Llanview Llanview, Pennsylvania is the fictional setting for the long-running American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The city exists in the same fictional universe as cities from other existing or defunct ABC daytime dramas, including Pine Valley, Penn ...
in August 1986 as the D.A. in Dorian Lord's murder trial for Mitch Lawrence. Her husband Charles Sanders, the former ambassador from Mendora, arrives soon thereafter hoping to mend their crumbling marriage, as did their children Jamie and Kate. It is established that the Sanders family has lived in Llanview for years. Judith was a free-spirited idealistic lawyer who never truly fit into the conservative, aristocratic lifestyle maintained by Charles, whose mother, Elizabeth, felt prejudiced against Judith because she was Jewish. The two eventually divorce but remained friends, and Judith even made amends with Elizabeth. Judith engages in an affair with fellow attorney Herb Callison (Dorian's ex-husband) before leaving Llanview after in 1987 after ex-husband Charles dies and Kate's marriage to Cord ended upon Tina Lord's return from the dead.


Charles Sanders

Charles Sanders III is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role appeared and was originated by actor Michael Billington for one episode and then played by actor Peter Brown from September 1986 through September 1987.


Character history

Charles Sanders arrives in fictional
Llanview Llanview, Pennsylvania is the fictional setting for the long-running American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The city exists in the same fictional universe as cities from other existing or defunct ABC daytime dramas, including Pine Valley, Penn ...
soon after his wife Judtih in September 1986 to save their marriage. Unfortunately, the two couldn't resolve their differences over issues with their children and his mother Elizabeth's feelings of anti-Semitism towards her, and divorced. Judith subsequently has an affair with Herb Callison, while Charles romanced Dr.
Dorian Lord Dorian Lord is a fictional character and matriarch of the Cramer family on the American daytime drama '' One Life to Live'', played most notably and for the longest duration by actress Robin Strasser. Strasser was cast by series creator Agnes Ni ...
as part of a money-making scheme. When Dorian realizes Charles is using her, she turns the tables on him by revealing that he had had an affair with a member of Mendorra's royal family. Charles is replaced as ambassador by Dorian herself. Later, Charles eloped with businesswoman
Lee Halpern This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
during a drunken night in
Las Vegas Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
, and died of a heart attack on their wedding night in 1987.


Elizabeth Sanders

Elizabeth Sanders is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by actress
Lois Kibbee Lois Kibbee (July 13, 1922 – October 18, 1993) was an American actress. Kibbee was born in Wheeling, West Virginia. The daughter of actor Milton Kibbee and the niece of actor Guy Kibbee, Kibbee played in a number of television and film roles. ...
from December 1986 through September 1988, returning briefly on April 13, 1989, and later from July 10 to 1989. Elizabeth was a powerful business woman who ran Sanders Chemicals. She disapproved of son Charles' marriage to the Jewish Judith Sanders and initially objected to the romance of granddaughter Kate and Cord Roberts. When Charles and Judith divorced, Elizabeth tried to pair him with Dorian who later took over Charles' former position as ambassador to Mendora. She was aghast when he took up with former hooker Lee Halpern and married her right before he died of a heart attack. Elizabeth vowed revenge on the Buchannan family after Cord broke up with Kate to return to Tina and Asa took control of Sanders chemicals. She was imprisoned after scheming to destroy the Buchannans through kidnapping and murder. The following spring, she was visited in prison by an information-seeking Clint. Later that summer, she escaped from prison with the help of her grandson Jamie. After they were captured, Elizabeth was brought to see Asa thanks to Bo's insistence that he see her, but Asa refused to accept her apologies for crimes against his family. Elizabeth was freed thanks to Bo's testimony on her behalf as to preventing Jamie and his co-hort Ursula Blackwell from electrocuting Tina and left town after revealing that she had a terminal illness.


Jamie Sanders

Jamie Sanders is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role appeared and was played by actor Mark Philpot from December 1986 until 1989.


Character history

Jamie is introduced as the mean-spirited foil of a brother to gentle Kate Sanders in December 1986. He plays on his mother Judith's sympathies to bail him out of one dilemma after another. Eventually, Jamie's criminal behaviour (including running a
crack cocaine Crack cocaine, commonly known simply as crack, and also known as rock, is a free base form of the stimulant cocaine that can be smoked. Crack offers a short, intense high to smokers. The ''Manual of Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment'' calls ...
factory with drug lord
Dante Medina This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
, killing a fellow cocaine dealer, and kidnapping
Cassie Callison This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
) caught up with him and he was sent to Statesville Prison for a life sentence. Even in jail, he was a menace: he threatened Tina when she was wrongly imprisoned for the murder of Maria Roberts, broke out and shot
Clint Buchanan Clint Buchanan is a fictional character from the American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. Casting The role was originated on September 10, 1979, by actor Clint Ritchie, portraying the role nearly continuously through December 30, 1998. Ritchie r ...
, and led a widescale prison riot with paternal grandmother
Elizabeth Elizabeth or Elisabeth may refer to: People * Elizabeth (given name), a female given name (including people with that name) * Elizabeth (biblical figure), mother of John the Baptist Ships * HMS ''Elizabeth'', several ships * ''Elisabeth'' (sch ...
when last seen in 1989.


Kate Sanders

Kathryn "Kate" Sanders (formerly Roberts) is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role appeared and was played by
Marcia Cross Marcia Anne Cross (born March 25, 1962) is an American actress. She acted in daytime soap operas such as ''The Edge of Night'', '' Another World'', and ''One Life to Live'' before moving to primetime television with a recurring role on ''Knots ...
from December 1986 through January 1988.


Character history

Kate is an anthropologist with a taste for adventure when introduced in December 1986, falling in love with
Cord Roberts Cord Roberts is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was originated in May 1986 by John Loprieno, who left the series in 1992 and then returned from January 28, 1993 through 1997. The character made brief app ...
(then married to
Tina Lord Tina Lord Roberts is a fictional character from the American daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'', originally and last played by Andrea Evans. The character is the daughter of original series patriarch Victor Lord, and sister to long-running ch ...
). When Tina was believed to be dead, Kate accepted Cord's proposal. But just as their wedding ceremony was coming to an end, Tina abruptly burst into the chapel — very much alive and carrying a baby she claimed to be Cord's son (who was actually the son of
Gabrielle Medina Gabrielle Medina is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was played by actress Fiona Hutchison, who debuted in the role February 20, 1987. Hutchison briefly reprised the role for the series finale January 6 ...
and Max Holden). While Cord sought a divorce from Tina, Kate became entangled with Patrick London, her ex-fiancé, who stooped to insane measures to break up Cord and Kate. He didn't need to bother though; as Kate came to realize Cord loved Tina, she broke up with him and left Llanview.


Pamela Stuart

Pamela Reed Stuart Buchanan O'NeillChristine Jones was mistakenly credited as "Pamela Stewart" onscreen on January 18 and January 25, 2008. is a fictional character from the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. Christine Jones portrayed the character, first from 1986–87, then in 1988, October 2001, January 18 – 21, 2008, April 9–10, 2008, June 3, 2008 and October 19, 2009. Pamela is one of
Asa Buchanan Asa Buchanan is a fictional character and patriarch of the Buchanan family on the American serial drama ''One Life to Live''. The Texan industrialist father of newly arrived characters Clint Buchanan, Clint and Bo Buchanan, Asa was originated in la ...
's many ex-wives. In 1985,
Tina Lord Tina Lord Roberts is a fictional character from the American daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'', originally and last played by Andrea Evans. The character is the daughter of original series patriarch Victor Lord, and sister to long-running ch ...
discovers that Asa has been leading a double life for years; on the tropical island of Malakeva, he is known as Jeb Stuart, and has been married to a kindly woman named Pamela for a decade. Tina tells Pamela that her husband is not a sea captain, as she believes, but actually a millionaire with a family in
Llanview Llanview, Pennsylvania is the fictional setting for the long-running American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The city exists in the same fictional universe as cities from other existing or defunct ABC daytime dramas, including Pine Valley, Penn ...
. Noting that Asa and Pamela's marriage is not legal, Tina convinces Pamela to pretend she is dying to manipulate Asa into marrying her for real. He does on January 20, 1986, and Pamela springs from her "deathbed" and confronts him. Arriving in Llanview to live as Mrs. Asa Buchanan, Pamela is at first a thorn in his side. As Asa realizes he wants her to be his wife, she demands a divorce — and half of his fortune. Their marriage ends in 1987; Pamela marries lawyer Pete O'Neill, and they leave town that year to return to Malakeva. The following year, Pamela comes back for the funeral of Pete's niece, Didi. Pamela was the manager of the Palace Hotel which Asa owned and later turned over to his next wife,
Renee Divine This is a list of characters from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''One Life to Live'' that began their run between the beginning of 1980 and the end of 1989. Austin Buchanan Austin Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC Daytime soap opera ' ...
. Asa fakes his death in 2001, framing his wife
Gabrielle Medina Gabrielle Medina is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. The role was played by actress Fiona Hutchison, who debuted in the role February 20, 1987. Hutchison briefly reprised the role for the series finale January 6 ...
and her lover Max Holden; Pamela and all of Asa's other living ex-wives appear for the funeral. Ex-wife
Alex Olanov Alex Gwendolyn Olanov is a fictional character from the long-running ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. She was portrayed by Tonja Walker since the character's inception in 1990 to 1997, with appearances in 2001, 2002, 2007, 2009, and 2011 . S ...
finds Asa in hiding on his private island, St. Blaze's, and he is ultimately dragged back to Llanview. Pamela returns to Llanview on January 18, 2008 at the invitation of Asa's son
Bo Buchanan Beaufort Oglethorpe "Bo" Buchanan is a fictional character from the American soap opera '' One Life to Live''. Casting and awards Robert S. Woods created the character of Bo in November 1979. Woods originally screen tested for the recast of Rich ...
, and attends the Buchanan Enterprises board meeting to weigh in on the possibility that
Jared Banks Jared Banks is a fictional character on the American daytime drama ''One Life to Live''. Originally slated to debut on August 17, 2007, the character, as portrayed by John Brotherton, first appeared a week earlier on August 10, 2007. Chris Bones p ...
is the illegitimate son of Asa, who had died on August 16, 2007. Bo had determined that Asa had been with Pamela around the time of Jared's conception; Pamela confirms that Asa had never met Jared's mother Valerie Banks. To the shock of everyone assembled, Pamela reveals that Valerie had in fact been her sister; Pamela then drops the bombshell that ''she'' is actually Jared's biological mother. Afraid of losing Asa's love by bringing a child into the relationship, Pamela had asked Valerie to secretly adopt Asa's son. Pamela declares him the Buchanan heir; after the board meeting lets out, however, Pamela returns to meet with Jared alone. It is revealed that Pamela has lied to the Buchanans and is merely going along with Jared's scheme; Pamela is not really Jared's mother. Jared had not been aware that Pamela was going to appear at the meeting or lie for him, but Pamela explains that it was the least she could do "after everything my brother" — a violent abuser named Harlan Oliver who dated Jared's mother after Charlie left the Banks household — "did to you and your family."The February 1, 2008 episode included a flashback that reveals that Jared and Valerie had been abused by some of her boyfriends after Charlie had left the Banks household, and in the February 15, 2008 episode Jared confirms that one of the abusers had been Pamela's brother. Pamela wishes Jared good luck with the company. Pamela is summoned back to Llanview by
Natalie Buchanan Natalie Buchanan is a fictional character from the American soap opera ''One Life to Live''. After a brief appearance in 1986, the character was played by Melissa Archer, who made her first on-screen appearance on July 16, 2001 and remained on the ...
on April 9, 2008; Jared has admitted his true identity to Natalie, who wants to know why Pamela lied to the Buchanans. Pamela relates Jared's troubled childhood, and explains that she had only wanted to help him. Pamela appears again on June 3, 2008, making a surprise appearance at the Buchanan Enterprises shareholders' meeting. Reluctant and saddened, she confirms
Dorian Lord Dorian Lord is a fictional character and matriarch of the Cramer family on the American daytime drama '' One Life to Live'', played most notably and for the longest duration by actress Robin Strasser. Strasser was cast by series creator Agnes Ni ...
's reveal that Jared is not really Asa's son. On October 19, 2009, Natalie and John McBain find Pamela's corpse at the Buchanan cabin.


Julia Wheaton

Julia Wheaton (formerly Medina) is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
soap opera ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by actress
Linda Thorson Linda Thorson (born Linda Robinson; June 18, 1947) is a Canadian actress, known for playing Tara King in '' The Avengers'' (1968–69). Personal life Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, she attended Bishop Strachan School, and then moved to the ...
from July 1989 through June 1992. Julia originally came to town to aid her daughter Gabrielle and remained after she left town. Julia was revealed to be the accidental killer of Du Anne Demarest, the blackmailing housekeeper of Victoria Lord Buchanan, and was paralyzed for a time after being in a coma.


Courtney Wright

Courtney Wright is a fictional character on the
ABC Daytime ABC Daytime (sometimes shortened to ABC-D or ABCD) is a division responsible for the daytime programming block on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC Network and syndicated programming. The block has historically encompassed soap operas, game ...
serial ''
One Life to Live ''One Life to Live'' (often abbreviated as ''OLTL'') is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes ...
''. The role was played by actress Phylicia Rashād (credited as "Phylicia Ayers") from 1983 until 1984, when she left the series to accept the role of Claire Huxtable on the
NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American English-language commercial broadcast television and radio network. The flagship property of the NBC Entertainment division of NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast, its headquarters are l ...
sitcom ''
The Cosby Show ''The Cosby Show'' is an American television sitcom co-created by and starring Bill Cosby, which aired Thursday nights for eight seasons on NBC between September 20, 1984, until April 30, 1992. The show focuses on an upper middle-class Africa ...
''.


References


Notes

{{OLTL
1980s File:1980s replacement montage02.PNG, 420px, From left, clockwise: The first Space Shuttle, ''Columbia'', lifts off in 1981; US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev ease tensions between the two superpowers, leading to the ...
One Life to Live characters (1980s)