1954: Radio soap The Road of Life made its TV debut.
1979: General Hospital's Monica gave birth to Aj. 1991: All
My Children's Adam and Erica married for the second time.
2010: One Life to Live's Natalie accepted John's proposal."History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1954: Procter & Gamble's popular radio soap opera The Road of Life, created by Irna Phillips in 1937, made its television debut on CBS in the 1:15-1:30 p.m. Et time slot.
Because many CBS affiliates chose to run local news and talk shows during this time, the program never achieved the popularity...
1979: General Hospital's Monica gave birth to Aj. 1991: All
My Children's Adam and Erica married for the second time.
2010: One Life to Live's Natalie accepted John's proposal."History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1954: Procter & Gamble's popular radio soap opera The Road of Life, created by Irna Phillips in 1937, made its television debut on CBS in the 1:15-1:30 p.m. Et time slot.
Because many CBS affiliates chose to run local news and talk shows during this time, the program never achieved the popularity...
- 12/14/2017
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Feature Simon Brew 28 Jun 2013 - 07:11
Ever watched a big movie, and stopped with a jolt when a star of a British sitcom pops up? Us too...
This feature is all the fault of the late Richard Marner. As the incompetent Colonel in 'Allo 'Allo, he built a performance that was indelible in our eyes. Thus, when he turned up in a big Hollywood thriller as the President of Russia, we unsuccessfully stifled a guffaw. A big guffaw.
And it got us thinking: what other times has a British sitcom star appeared out of the blue in a big movie, causing a sedentary double take from the comfort of our local Odeon? Glad you asked.
Two things. Firstly, this isn't designed to be a complete list, and also, we've covered films made after the actor or actress confirmed rose to prominence in a sitcom. Oh, and another thing: none of...
Ever watched a big movie, and stopped with a jolt when a star of a British sitcom pops up? Us too...
This feature is all the fault of the late Richard Marner. As the incompetent Colonel in 'Allo 'Allo, he built a performance that was indelible in our eyes. Thus, when he turned up in a big Hollywood thriller as the President of Russia, we unsuccessfully stifled a guffaw. A big guffaw.
And it got us thinking: what other times has a British sitcom star appeared out of the blue in a big movie, causing a sedentary double take from the comfort of our local Odeon? Glad you asked.
Two things. Firstly, this isn't designed to be a complete list, and also, we've covered films made after the actor or actress confirmed rose to prominence in a sitcom. Oh, and another thing: none of...
- 6/27/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
The BBC has confirmed that it is axing comedy series Last Of The Summer Wine after 37 years. BBC One controller Jay Hunt promised that the last series, which will air this summer, will provide a "fitting farewell" for the Roy Clarke-penned sitcom. Following the adventures of characters such as Compo (Bill Owen), Nora Batty (Kathy Staff) and Edie Pegden (Thora Hird), the programme has survived for nearly four decades, despite a large number of the cast members passing away and frequent rumours that the show would be pulled off air. The final run will feature long-time cast member Peter Sallis as Norman Clegg, alongside Russ Abbott (Hobbo) and Brian Murphy (Alvin). "It is a testimony to the wit and warmth of the characters (more)...
- 6/2/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
More than 400 people attended a service held yesterday for Last Of The Summer Wine actress Kathy Staff. The 80-year-old, best known for playing Nora Batty in the sitcom, died last week after a short illness. Reverend Alison Cox told mourners at St Mark's Church in Dukinfield that Staff was a good woman, saying: "She was cheerful, generous and supportive. I can't (more)...
- 12/24/2008
- by By Michael Thornton
- Digital Spy
The BBC has denied rumours that Last Of The Summer Wine is going to be axed. Producer Alan Jw Bell sparked reports the long-running comedy series may be coming to an end after he was interviewed about the death of cast member Kathy Staff. Staff was one of three remaining members of the original cast alongside Peter Sallis and Jane Freeman. However, a spokesperson for the broadcaster insisted that plans for further (more)...
- 12/18/2008
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Last Of The Summer Wine actor Peter Sallis has paid tribute to co-star Kathy Staff. Staff, who played battleaxe Nora Batty for 243 episodes of the BBC comedy, died last week at the age of 80. Sallis is now one of only two remaining original cast members. Jane Freeman, who plays Ivy, is the second. Speaking about the late actress, he said: "I'm terribly upset that she's not with us, and I don't know quite for sure whether we are going to do any more [episodes]. (more)...
- 12/16/2008
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Beloved British TV star Kathy Staff has died at the age of 80.
The actress passed away last week after a lengthy illness, according to BBC producer Alan Bell.
Staff made a name for herself playing fearsome female characters in popular U.K. TV shows including Open All Hours and Crossroads.
Her most famous role was as Nora Batty in long-running BBC sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine, appearing in 243 episodes over a 25 year period.
Staff filmed her last episode of the show in August.
The actress passed away last week after a lengthy illness, according to BBC producer Alan Bell.
Staff made a name for herself playing fearsome female characters in popular U.K. TV shows including Open All Hours and Crossroads.
Her most famous role was as Nora Batty in long-running BBC sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine, appearing in 243 episodes over a 25 year period.
Staff filmed her last episode of the show in August.
- 12/14/2008
- WENN
Kathy Staff has died at the age of 80 after a short illness. The actress was best known for playing Nora Batty in 243 episodes of BBC sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine. "We're distraught, but we have very fond memories of her," the show's producer Alan Bell told BBC News. Bell also revealed that Staff's kind nature meant she had trouble adapting to the part of battleaxe Batty, saying: "She would play a scene quite gently, and I'd say: 'But Kathy, you've got to harden up, because that's (more)...
- 12/14/2008
- by By Michael Thornton
- Digital Spy
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