Soap Stars Who've Played Their Roles for 40 Years or More

Mar. 15, 2025

Susan Lucci as Erica Kane on ‘All My Children’; James Reynolds as Abe on ‘Days of Our Lives’; Deidre Hall as Marlena Evans on ‘Days of Our Lives’.Photo:ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images; NBC; NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images; NBC; NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

Soap operas are where stars are born.

Daytime veterans likeSusan Lucci, Frances Reid, Rachel Ames andEric Braedenknow a thing or two about this, having made household names for themselves on such melodramas asAll My Children,Days of Our Lives,General HospitalandThe Young and the Restless.

To honor some of the longest-serving soap stars to grace the small screen, we’ve gathered a list of actors who have played the same part for 40 years or longer.

01of 22Susan LucciSusan Lucci as Erica Kane on ‘All My Children’; Susan Lucci at a ‘Devious Maids’ fan event in April 2014.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/GettySusan Lucci played Erica Kane onAll My Childrenfor the duration of the show’s run, from 1970 to 2011.“It’s been a fantastic journey,” the screen queen said in a statement after the iconic series wrapped. “I loved playing Erica Kane and working with [show creator] Agnes Nixon and all the incredible people involved withAll My Children.“During that time, Erica was married 10 times, accused of murder and forced to go on the run, served time in prison, been facially disfigured in a car accident, beat addictions to prescription drugs and alcohol following a back injury and met a daughter she didn’t know existed.For her part, Lucci was nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award a staggering 21 times, winning the outstanding lead actress in a drama honors in 1999.

01of 22

Susan Lucci

Susan Lucci as Erica Kane on ‘All My Children’; Susan Lucci at a ‘Devious Maids’ fan event in April 2014.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Susan Lucci played Erica Kane onAll My Childrenfor the duration of the show’s run, from 1970 to 2011.

“It’s been a fantastic journey,” the screen queen said in a statement after the iconic series wrapped. “I loved playing Erica Kane and working with [show creator] Agnes Nixon and all the incredible people involved withAll My Children.”

During that time, Erica was married 10 times, accused of murder and forced to go on the run, served time in prison, been facially disfigured in a car accident, beat addictions to prescription drugs and alcohol following a back injury and met a daughter she didn’t know existed.

For her part, Lucci was nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award a staggering 21 times, winning the outstanding lead actress in a drama honors in 1999.

02of 22Ray MacDonnellRay MacDonnell in a 1973 episode of ‘All My Children’; Ray MacDonnell in a 2010 episode of ‘All My Children’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Lorenzo Bevilaqua/Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyJust behind Lucci, Ray MacDonnell was the longest-running original cast member onAll My Children. The actor played Dr. Joe Martin until retiring in 2009, when production moved from New York to Los Angeles.MacDonnell stepped back into character as the family patriarch for a few episodes in 2011, including the finale.On June 10, 2021,MacDonnell diedof natural causes at age 93.

02of 22

Ray MacDonnell

Ray MacDonnell in a 1973 episode of ‘All My Children’; Ray MacDonnell in a 2010 episode of ‘All My Children’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Lorenzo Bevilaqua/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Just behind Lucci, Ray MacDonnell was the longest-running original cast member onAll My Children. The actor played Dr. Joe Martin until retiring in 2009, when production moved from New York to Los Angeles.

MacDonnell stepped back into character as the family patriarch for a few episodes in 2011, including the finale.

On June 10, 2021,MacDonnell diedof natural causes at age 93.

03of 22Frances ReidFrances Reid as Alice Horton on ‘Days of Our Lives’; Frances Reid poses as Alice Horton for season 25 of ‘Days of Our Lives’.NBCU Photo Bank/Getty; Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/GettyLike sands through the hourglass … she was there from the start. Frances Reid played matriarch Alice Horton onDays of Our Livesfrom its 1965 debut until 2007, when she exited the soap at age 93.The role won her the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. She died on Feb. 3, 2010, at the age of 95.

03of 22

Frances Reid

Frances Reid as Alice Horton on ‘Days of Our Lives’; Frances Reid poses as Alice Horton for season 25 of ‘Days of Our Lives’.NBCU Photo Bank/Getty; Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

NBCU Photo Bank/Getty; Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

Like sands through the hourglass … she was there from the start. Frances Reid played matriarch Alice Horton onDays of Our Livesfrom its 1965 debut until 2007, when she exited the soap at age 93.

The role won her the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. She died on Feb. 3, 2010, at the age of 95.

04of 22Susan Seaforth HayesSusan Seaforth Hayes as Julie Williams on ‘Days of Our Lives’; Susan Seaforth Hayes poses as Julie Williams to celebrate the 55th anniversary of ‘Days of Our Lives’.Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/GettySusan Seaforth Hayes joined theDays of Our Livescast in 1968 as Julie Olson Williams, a role she’s played ever since. In 1974,she married her costarBill Hayes, who played her on-screen love interest and husband on the hit soap.“I have the best husband, the best family, and the best job in entertainment,” Hayes said,according to her actor bio on USA Network. “And best of all, as I once sang, ‘I’m still here!’ "

04of 22

Susan Seaforth Hayes

Susan Seaforth Hayes as Julie Williams on ‘Days of Our Lives’; Susan Seaforth Hayes poses as Julie Williams to celebrate the 55th anniversary of ‘Days of Our Lives’.Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

Susan Seaforth Hayes joined theDays of Our Livescast in 1968 as Julie Olson Williams, a role she’s played ever since. In 1974,she married her costarBill Hayes, who played her on-screen love interest and husband on the hit soap.

“I have the best husband, the best family, and the best job in entertainment,” Hayes said,according to her actor bio on USA Network. “And best of all, as I once sang, ‘I’m still here!’ "

05of 22Bill HayesBill Hayes as Doug Williams in season 11 of ‘Days of Our Lives’; Bill Hayes poses as Doug Williams to celebrate the 55th anniversary of ‘Days of Our Lives’.Fred Sabine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/GettyHayes debuted onDays of Our Livesas Doug Williams in 1970; four years later, he married Susan, his costar. In 1976, the Williams' were the first daytime soap stars to cover TIME magazine,perSoap Opera Digest. In 2005, he and Susan co-wrote the memoirLike Sands Through the Hourglass, which chronicled their on- and off-screen romance.Sharing the spotlight with his wife, Hayes remained in the role up untilhe died at 98on Jan. 12, 2024. His character, Doug, would later die on the series.“The show has written into the fact thathe was an icon to the audience,” Susan told PEOPLE at the annual Days ofDaysfan event in Los Angeles on Nov. 2, 2024. “I appreciate the fact that they appreciated him so much. He deserved to be lifted up.”

05of 22

Bill Hayes

Bill Hayes as Doug Williams in season 11 of ‘Days of Our Lives’; Bill Hayes poses as Doug Williams to celebrate the 55th anniversary of ‘Days of Our Lives’.Fred Sabine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

Fred Sabine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

Hayes debuted onDays of Our Livesas Doug Williams in 1970; four years later, he married Susan, his costar. In 1976, the Williams' were the first daytime soap stars to cover TIME magazine,perSoap Opera Digest. In 2005, he and Susan co-wrote the memoirLike Sands Through the Hourglass, which chronicled their on- and off-screen romance.

Sharing the spotlight with his wife, Hayes remained in the role up untilhe died at 98on Jan. 12, 2024. His character, Doug, would later die on the series.

“The show has written into the fact thathe was an icon to the audience,” Susan told PEOPLE at the annual Days ofDaysfan event in Los Angeles on Nov. 2, 2024. “I appreciate the fact that they appreciated him so much. He deserved to be lifted up.”

06of 22Suzanne RogersSuzanne Rogers as Maggie Horton and Bill Hayes as Doug Williamson on ‘Days of Our Lives’; Suzanne Rogers poses as Maggie Horton for season 54 of ‘Days of Our Lives’.Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty; Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/GettySuzanne Rogers originated her role as Maggie Horton onDays of Our Livesin 1973 and never looked back. In fact, a twist of fate took her to the show when an audition for another soap didn’t pan out as planned.According to her actor bio on USA Network, Rogers “originally auditioned for a part onThe Young and the Restless, but it turned out they were looking for blondes. The folks atDayssaw her tape, though, and Maggie Horton was born.”

06of 22

Suzanne Rogers

Suzanne Rogers as Maggie Horton and Bill Hayes as Doug Williamson on ‘Days of Our Lives’; Suzanne Rogers poses as Maggie Horton for season 54 of ‘Days of Our Lives’.Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty; Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty; Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

Suzanne Rogers originated her role as Maggie Horton onDays of Our Livesin 1973 and never looked back. In fact, a twist of fate took her to the show when an audition for another soap didn’t pan out as planned.

According to her actor bio on USA Network, Rogers “originally auditioned for a part onThe Young and the Restless, but it turned out they were looking for blondes. The folks atDayssaw her tape, though, and Maggie Horton was born.”

07of 22Deidre HallDeidre Hall as Dr. Marlena Evans on ‘Days of Our Lives’; Deidre Hall at a ‘Days of Our Lives’ fan event in 2017.NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty; Paul Archuleta/GettyDays of Our Livesalso showcased the role of a lifetime forDeidre Hall, who has played Dr. Marlena Evans since 1976, save for her briefly leaving the show in 1987 for a main role on NBC’s short-lived dramaOur House, which was canceled in 1988.In 2016, she washonored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Famefor her contributions to the daytime drama.Hall spoke exclusively to PEOPLE in honor of her 5,000thDaysepisode in 2023. “It’s a big moment for me,” she said. “I said to my agent, ‘I want a regular job. I want a home.‘Dayshappened and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh.’ It’s the family I always wanted.”

07of 22

Deidre Hall

Deidre Hall as Dr. Marlena Evans on ‘Days of Our Lives’; Deidre Hall at a ‘Days of Our Lives’ fan event in 2017.NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty; Paul Archuleta/Getty

NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty; Paul Archuleta/Getty

Days of Our Livesalso showcased the role of a lifetime forDeidre Hall, who has played Dr. Marlena Evans since 1976, save for her briefly leaving the show in 1987 for a main role on NBC’s short-lived dramaOur House, which was canceled in 1988.

In 2016, she washonored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Famefor her contributions to the daytime drama.

Hall spoke exclusively to PEOPLE in honor of her 5,000thDaysepisode in 2023. “It’s a big moment for me,” she said. “I said to my agent, ‘I want a regular job. I want a home.‘Dayshappened and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh.’ It’s the family I always wanted.”

08of 22James ReynoldsJames Reynolds as Abe on ‘Days of Our Lives’; James Reynolds poses as Abe to celebrate the 55th anniversary of ‘Days of Our Lives’.NBC/Getty; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/GettyAn October 2021 episode ofDays of Our Liveswas dedicated to James Reynolds’ character, Abe Carver, in celebration of his 40th anniversary in the role,Soap Opera Networkreported.In a larger achievement,according to his actor bio, the star states he’s proud to have been a principal actor on a series “longer than any African American actor in the history of television, daytime or nighttime.”

08of 22

James Reynolds

James Reynolds as Abe on ‘Days of Our Lives’; James Reynolds poses as Abe to celebrate the 55th anniversary of ‘Days of Our Lives’.NBC/Getty; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

NBC/Getty; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

An October 2021 episode ofDays of Our Liveswas dedicated to James Reynolds’ character, Abe Carver, in celebration of his 40th anniversary in the role,Soap Opera Networkreported.

In a larger achievement,according to his actor bio, the star states he’s proud to have been a principal actor on a series “longer than any African American actor in the history of television, daytime or nighttime.”

09of 22

Genie Francis

Genie Francis as Laura Spencer on ‘General Hospital’; Genie Francis as Laura Spencer in a 2015 episode of ‘General Hospital’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Michael Yada/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Michael Yada/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

The actress shot to stardom as Laura Spencer onGeneral Hospitalin 1977, playing the role for more than four decades.

In the late-1970s and early-1980s, Laura and Luke were billed a “supercouple” in the soap world, but attention later turned critical due to the nature of their relationship: Luke had raped Laura, but the two fell in love and eventually married.

10of 22Leslie CharlesonLeslie Charleson as Monica Quartermaine on ‘General Hospital’; Leslie Charleson posing with the ‘General Hospital’ cast on set in 2021.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Todd Wawrychuk/ABC/GettyLeslie Charlesonhas portrayedGeneral Hospital’s Dr. Monica Quartermaine since 1977. ThoughSoap Central reportedin 2010 that she’d been taken off contract, she’s remained a recurring cast member ever since. For her part, the actress has received four Daytime Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actress.

10of 22

Leslie Charleson

Leslie Charleson as Monica Quartermaine on ‘General Hospital’; Leslie Charleson posing with the ‘General Hospital’ cast on set in 2021.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Todd Wawrychuk/ABC/Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Todd Wawrychuk/ABC/Getty

Leslie Charlesonhas portrayedGeneral Hospital’s Dr. Monica Quartermaine since 1977. ThoughSoap Central reportedin 2010 that she’d been taken off contract, she’s remained a recurring cast member ever since. For her part, the actress has received four Daytime Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actress.

11of 22Jacklyn ZemanJacklyn Zeman as Bobbie Spencer on ‘General Hospital’; Jacklyn Zeman as Bobbie Spencer in a 2021 episode of ‘General Hospital’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Scott Kirkland/ABC/GettyJacklyn Zemanstarred as nurse Bobbie Spencer onGeneral Hospitalfor 45 years, first portraying the role in 1977. For her depiction of the beloved character, Zeman earned four Daytime Emmy nominations: three for outstanding supporting actress and one for outstanding lead actress. (She earned a fifth nomination in 2021 for a supporting role as Sofia Madison onThe Bay.)On May 9, 2023,the actress diedshortly after being diagnosed with cancer. She was 70.

11of 22

Jacklyn Zeman

Jacklyn Zeman as Bobbie Spencer on ‘General Hospital’; Jacklyn Zeman as Bobbie Spencer in a 2021 episode of ‘General Hospital’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Scott Kirkland/ABC/Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Scott Kirkland/ABC/Getty

Jacklyn Zemanstarred as nurse Bobbie Spencer onGeneral Hospitalfor 45 years, first portraying the role in 1977. For her depiction of the beloved character, Zeman earned four Daytime Emmy nominations: three for outstanding supporting actress and one for outstanding lead actress. (She earned a fifth nomination in 2021 for a supporting role as Sofia Madison onThe Bay.)

On May 9, 2023,the actress diedshortly after being diagnosed with cancer. She was 70.

12of 22Kin ShrinerKin Shriner as Scott Baldwin on ‘General Hospital’; Kin Shriner as Scott Baldwin in a 2020 episode of ‘General Hospital’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Todd Wawrychuk/GettyKin Shriner joinedGeneral Hospitalin 1977, playing Scott Baldwin on and off in the four decades since. The star also led the cast on the spinoff,Port Charles, which aired from 1997 to 2003.Shriner continued landing soap gigs, including a small stint onMelrose Placein 1998, as Harrison Bartlett onThe Young and the Restlessin 2004 and as Keith Morrissey onAs the World Turnsfrom 2005 to 2006. He also briefly filled in for Ted Shackelford as Jeffrey Bardwell onThe Young and the Restlessin 2011.

12of 22

Kin Shriner

Kin Shriner as Scott Baldwin on ‘General Hospital’; Kin Shriner as Scott Baldwin in a 2020 episode of ‘General Hospital’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Todd Wawrychuk/Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Todd Wawrychuk/Getty

Kin Shriner joinedGeneral Hospitalin 1977, playing Scott Baldwin on and off in the four decades since. The star also led the cast on the spinoff,Port Charles, which aired from 1997 to 2003.

Shriner continued landing soap gigs, including a small stint onMelrose Placein 1998, as Harrison Bartlett onThe Young and the Restlessin 2004 and as Keith Morrissey onAs the World Turnsfrom 2005 to 2006. He also briefly filled in for Ted Shackelford as Jeffrey Bardwell onThe Young and the Restlessin 2011.

13of 22Tristan RogersTristan Rogers as Robert Scorpio on ‘General Hospital’; Tristan Rogers as Robert Scorpio in a 2021 episode of ‘General Hospital’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Todd Wawrychuk/ABC/GettyTristan Rogers originated the role of Robert Scorpio onGeneral Hospitalin 1980. Rogers also portrayed the character on the second season of the 2008 spinoff serial,General Hospital: Night Shift. During his tenure on the series, Rogers expanded his soap work with a role onThe Young and the Restlessfrom 2010 to 2012.

13of 22

Tristan Rogers

Tristan Rogers as Robert Scorpio on ‘General Hospital’; Tristan Rogers as Robert Scorpio in a 2021 episode of ‘General Hospital’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty; Todd Wawrychuk/ABC/Getty

Tristan Rogers originated the role of Robert Scorpio onGeneral Hospitalin 1980. Rogers also portrayed the character on the second season of the 2008 spinoff serial,General Hospital: Night Shift. During his tenure on the series, Rogers expanded his soap work with a role onThe Young and the Restlessfrom 2010 to 2012.

14of 22Doug DavidsonDoug Davidson as Paul Williams on ‘The Young and the Restless’; Doug Davidson at the 40th Daytime Emmy Awards on June 16, 2013, in Beverly Hills, Calif.getty (2)Doug Davidson played Paul Williams onThe Young and the Restless from 1978 until 2018. Despite learninghis contract had not been renewedat the time, he continued portraying Paul in a recurring role until 2020.In 2021, the actor bemoaned how his exit was handled while responding to fans’ queries on Paul’s whereabouts on social media. “I just want to thank you again for all your support,“he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “But I think I am done. After 43 years I am treated like a day player. No bueno.“Davidson was the longest-serving current cast member of the soap and won the Daytime Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 2013.

14of 22

Doug Davidson

Doug Davidson as Paul Williams on ‘The Young and the Restless’; Doug Davidson at the 40th Daytime Emmy Awards on June 16, 2013, in Beverly Hills, Calif.getty (2)

getty (2)

Doug Davidson played Paul Williams onThe Young and the Restless from 1978 until 2018. Despite learninghis contract had not been renewedat the time, he continued portraying Paul in a recurring role until 2020.

In 2021, the actor bemoaned how his exit was handled while responding to fans’ queries on Paul’s whereabouts on social media. “I just want to thank you again for all your support,“he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “But I think I am done. After 43 years I am treated like a day player. No bueno.”

Davidson was the longest-serving current cast member of the soap and won the Daytime Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 2013.

15of 22

Melody Thomas Scott

Melody Thomas Scott as Nikki Newman on ‘The Young and the Restless’; Melody Thomas Scott as Nikki Newman in a 2021 episode of ‘The Young and the Restless’.CBS/Getty; Sonja Flemming/CBS/Getty

CBS/Getty; Sonja Flemming/CBS/Getty

16of 22Eric BraedenEric Braeden as Victor Newman on ‘The Young and the Restless’; Eric Braeden as Victor Newman in a 2015 episode of ‘The Young and the Restless’.Archive Photos/Getty; Cliff Lipson/CBS/GettyEric Braedan originated the iconic Victor Newman onTheYoung and Restlessin 1980, launching the role of a lifetime. Reflecting on his longevity as a soap star in 2021, the actor told PEOPLE that retirement was the last thing on his mind.“I feel very loyal toThe Young and the Restless, very beholden to Victor and very beholden to the audience who has supported us for all those years,” Braeden said. “I intend to stay as long as I can.“For his part, the actor took home a Daytime Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1988.

16of 22

Eric Braeden

Eric Braeden as Victor Newman on ‘The Young and the Restless’; Eric Braeden as Victor Newman in a 2015 episode of ‘The Young and the Restless’.Archive Photos/Getty; Cliff Lipson/CBS/Getty

Archive Photos/Getty; Cliff Lipson/CBS/Getty

Eric Braedan originated the iconic Victor Newman onTheYoung and Restlessin 1980, launching the role of a lifetime. Reflecting on his longevity as a soap star in 2021, the actor told PEOPLE that retirement was the last thing on his mind.

“I feel very loyal toThe Young and the Restless, very beholden to Victor and very beholden to the audience who has supported us for all those years,” Braeden said. “I intend to stay as long as I can.”

For his part, the actor took home a Daytime Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1988.

17of 22

Helen Wagner

Helen Wagner as Nancy Hughes on ‘As the World Turns’; Helen Wagner at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Sept. 27, 2005.CBS via Getty; Jim Spellman/WireImage

CBS via Getty; Jim Spellman/WireImage

“Good morning, dear.” This opening line ofAs the World Turnsis credited to Helen Wagner, who spoke these words when the show premiered on April 2, 1956. The actress portrayed the matriarchal Nancy Hughes for more than 50 years and was presented a Lifetime Achievement Emmy for her part in 2004.

18of 22Rachel AmesRachel Ames as Audrey Hardy on ‘General Hospital’; Rachel Ames accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmys in 2004.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Marc Bryan-Brown/WireImageRachel Ames originated the role of Audrey Hardy onGeneral Hospitalfrom 1964 to 2007, making her the longest-running performer in that soap’s history. The actress later returned to the series in 2009, 2013 and 2015 and appeared on its spinoff,Port Charles, from 1997 to 2003.For her part asGeneral Hospital’s beloved registered nurse, Ames received three Daytime Emmy nominations (two for outstanding actress in a daytime drama series and one for outstanding supporting actress in a daytime drama series) and a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.

18of 22

Rachel Ames

Rachel Ames as Audrey Hardy on ‘General Hospital’; Rachel Ames accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmys in 2004.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Marc Bryan-Brown/WireImage

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Marc Bryan-Brown/WireImage

Rachel Ames originated the role of Audrey Hardy onGeneral Hospitalfrom 1964 to 2007, making her the longest-running performer in that soap’s history. The actress later returned to the series in 2009, 2013 and 2015 and appeared on its spinoff,Port Charles, from 1997 to 2003.

For her part asGeneral Hospital’s beloved registered nurse, Ames received three Daytime Emmy nominations (two for outstanding actress in a daytime drama series and one for outstanding supporting actress in a daytime drama series) and a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.

19of 22Erika SlezakErika Slezak as Victoria Lord on ‘One Life to Live’; Erika Slezak at the 32nd annual Daytime Emmys in 2005.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Marc Bryan-Brown/WireImageOne of the most enduring actors in soap history isErika Slezak, best known as Victoria “Viki” Lord onOne Life to Live. The actress — who initially auditioned forAll My Children,per theNew York Times— was offered to play the Lord family matriarch in 1971 and remained in the role until 2013. The part garnered Slezak themost Daytime Emmys for outstanding lead actress in a drama seriesof any other actress, with six wins.

19of 22

Erika Slezak

Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord on ‘One Life to Live’; Erika Slezak at the 32nd annual Daytime Emmys in 2005.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Marc Bryan-Brown/WireImage

One of the most enduring actors in soap history isErika Slezak, best known as Victoria “Viki” Lord onOne Life to Live. The actress — who initially auditioned forAll My Children,per theNew York Times— was offered to play the Lord family matriarch in 1971 and remained in the role until 2013. The part garnered Slezak themost Daytime Emmys for outstanding lead actress in a drama seriesof any other actress, with six wins.

20of 22Jeanne CooperJeanne Cooper as Katherine Chancellor on ‘The Young and the Restless’; Jeanne Cooper at the 45th Monte Carlo Television Festival on June 29, 2005.CBS via Getty; Christian Alminana/FilmMagicJeanne Cooper portrayed Katherine Chancellor onThe Young and the Restlessfor more than 40 years, first landing the role in 1973.For playing “The Dame of Genoa City,” Cooper earned 10 Daytime Emmy nominations, including one for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series and nine for outstanding lead actress in a drama series. In 1993, shereceived a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fameand was honored with a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.Cooper died on May 8, 2013, at the age of 84.

20of 22

Jeanne Cooper

Jeanne Cooper as Katherine Chancellor on ‘The Young and the Restless’; Jeanne Cooper at the 45th Monte Carlo Television Festival on June 29, 2005.CBS via Getty; Christian Alminana/FilmMagic

CBS via Getty; Christian Alminana/FilmMagic

Jeanne Cooper portrayed Katherine Chancellor onThe Young and the Restlessfor more than 40 years, first landing the role in 1973.

For playing “The Dame of Genoa City,” Cooper earned 10 Daytime Emmy nominations, including one for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series and nine for outstanding lead actress in a drama series. In 1993, shereceived a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fameand was honored with a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.

Cooper died on May 8, 2013, at the age of 84.

21of 22Eileen FultonEileen Fulton as Lisa Miller on ‘As the World Turns’; Eileen Fulton at the ‘As the World Turns’ farewell event at the Paley Center for Media on Aug. 18, 2010, in New York City.CBS via Getty; Bryan Bedder/GettyEileen Fulton starred onAs the World Turnsfrom 1960 to 2010 as Lisa Grimaldi, who experienced quite the life of ups and downs on the series — experiencing eight marriages and three divorces. Fulton’s character,considered one of soap’s most infamous vixens, led her to be inducted into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998. She also received a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 for her work on the soap opera.

21of 22

Eileen Fulton

Eileen Fulton as Lisa Miller on ‘As the World Turns’; Eileen Fulton at the ‘As the World Turns’ farewell event at the Paley Center for Media on Aug. 18, 2010, in New York City.CBS via Getty; Bryan Bedder/Getty

CBS via Getty; Bryan Bedder/Getty

Eileen Fulton starred onAs the World Turnsfrom 1960 to 2010 as Lisa Grimaldi, who experienced quite the life of ups and downs on the series — experiencing eight marriages and three divorces. Fulton’s character,considered one of soap’s most infamous vixens, led her to be inducted into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998. She also received a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 for her work on the soap opera.

22of 22

Don Hastings

Don Hastings as Bob Hughes on ‘As the World Turns’; Don Hastings at the ‘As the World Turns’ farewell event at the Paley Center for Media on Aug. 18, 2010, in New York City.CBS via Getty; Bryan Bedder/Getty

source: people.com