Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 11, 1993 TAG: 9303100132
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Nancy Reichardt
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Medium
`AMC' TAPES ITS 6,000TH EPISODE
These days, few television shows last an entire season, but the ABC soap opera "All My Children" has been wowing audiences since 1970. When the show recently reached the taping of its 6,000th episode, the powers-that-be at the network held an on-set celebration with champagne and cake to mark the milestone.Sharing in the bubbly and a delicious chocolate cake during a break in the taping were original cast members Susan Lucci (Erica Montgomery) and Frances Heflin (Mona Tyler), who play mother and daughter on the show. Also attending the festivities were James Kiberd (Trevor Dillon), Michael E. Knight (Tad Martin), Cady McClain (Dixie Cooney) and Kelly Ripa (Hayley Vaughan).
Agnes Nixon, who is the creator and executive head writer of the soap, told the crowd that she was shocked when she realized the show had reached its 6,000th episode. Says Nixon, "I talked to someone who pointed out to me that if `All My Children' were a prime-time show, we would have had to be on for 240 years! No wonder I'm so tired!"
On a serious note, she added, "Thank God we've got the best show in the world, the best company, and I love you all."
After executive producer Felicia Minei Behr thanked everyone for their efforts, ABC Daytime President Dennis Swanson took the spotlight. Swanson praised the efforts of Nixon and Behr, as well as the show's other writers and technical staff, in helping keep the serial at the top of the ratings. "But you don't go anywhere in television without stars," he said. "We're fortunate that at `All My Children,' our star power starts with Susan (Lucci) and runs through the show's entire ensemble. It is a wonderful cast. It's one thing to get to the top in this business, but the true champion, the true grit, comes from the ability to sustain it. To sustain success for 6,000 episodes is unbelievable. This has always been a wonderful program. My congratulations to everybody who works on this show. Keep up the good work."
Champagne and the cutting of the cake followed before cast members stepped back into character and continued with their work day.
Deborah Adair, who is well-remembered by soap opera fans for her portrayal of Jill Abbott on "The Young and the Restless" (1980-83), has signed a contract with "Days of Our Lives" to create the role of Kate Roberts. In the story line, Kate is the head of Titan Publishing, which is owned by Victor Kiriakis (played by John Aniston). Besides her daytime role, Adair also is seen on the Fox series "Melrose Place." Adair has guest-starred on prime-time series since her exit from "The Young and the Restless." She also was seen on the nighttime soap "Dynasty" in the role of Tracy Kendall (1983-84).
Tragedy has struck the world of daytime soaps again with the passing of veteran "Another World" star Constance Ford. Just as we were about to go to press, we received word that Ford, who originated the role of Ada Hobson in 1967, died Feb. 26. The exact cause of Ford's death had not been announced as of this writing. Ford also was seen on "Search for Tomorrow" as Rose Peterson (1955-56) and as Eve Morris on "Edge of Night" (1964-65). The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded Ford a certificate of merit for "Outstanding Contribution to Daytime Drama." Her best-remembered film was "A Summer Place," but she also appeared in numerous other films, including "Rome Adventure," "The Caretakers" and "Home from The Hill." Ford also had numerous stage credits. The actress will be sorely missed by her castmates and by her "Another World" fans.
Send your questions about soap operas to Nancy Reichardt, "Tune in Tomorrow," in care of the Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010-2491. Questions cannot be answered personally, but those of general interest will be answered in future columns. United Feature Syndicate