One Life to Live (1968– )

One Life to Live premiered in 1968, centering on the lives of the citizens of the fictional town of Llanview, PA. Concentrating on the wealthy Lord family, and the middle-class Woleks and ... See full summary »

Creator:

Agnes Nixon

Stars:

Michael Easton, Kristen Alderson, Kassie Wesley DePaiva

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 88 wins & 382 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Michael Easton	...	John McBain (848 episodes, 2003-2012)
Kristen Alderson	...	Starr Manning (775 episodes, 1998-2012)
Kassie Wesley DePaiva	...	Blair Cramer (747 episodes, 1993-2013)
John-Paul Lavoisier	...	Rex Balsom (734 episodes, 2002-2012)
Melissa Archer	...	Natalie Buchanan (727 episodes, 2001-2013)
Bree Williamson	...	Jessica Brennan (648 episodes, 2003-2012)
Erika Slezak	...	Victoria Davidson Banks (591 episodes, 1971-2013)
Robert S. Woods	...	Bo Buchanan (591 episodes, 1979-2013)
Robin Strasser	...	Dorian Lord (582 episodes, 1979-2013)
Farah Fath	...	Gigi Morasco (555 episodes, 2007-2012)
Brandon Buddy	...	Cole Thornhart (531 episodes, 2006-2010)
Jerry Ver Dorn	...	Clint Buchanan (502 episodes, 2005-2013)
Hillary B. Smith	...	Nora Hanen (500 episodes, 1992-2013)
Mark Lawson	...	Brody Lovett (451 episodes, 2008-2012)
Florencia Lozano	...	Téa Delgado (449 episodes, 1997-2013)
David Fumero	...	Cristian Vega (444 episodes, 1998-2012)
Brittany Underwood	...	Langston Wilde (439 episodes, 2006-2012)

Storyline

One Life to Live premiered in 1968, centering on the lives of the citizens of the fictional town of Llanview, PA. Concentrating on the wealthy Lord family, and the middle-class Woleks and Rileys, the show was one of the first daytime dramas to depict people from all sorts of backgrounds. The show was the first to depict an interracial relationship, and among the first to explore drug addiction. It has also depicted dissociative identity disorder, cultism, out-of-body experiences, international espionage, time travel, and even underground cities!

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Plot Keywords:

interracial relationship | multiple personality | soap | 1970s | 20th century | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Official Sites:

ABC

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 July 1968 (USA)

Also Known As:

Between Heaven and Hell

Filming Locations:

ABC Studios, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Capital Cities/ABC Video Enterprises Inc., Creative Horizons

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 30 min (1968-1976) 45 min (1976-1978) 60 min (1978-)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital (2001-) Mono (1968-1984) Stereo (1984-2000)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Robin Strasser (the actress most closely associated with the character Dorian Lord) almost joined the series in an entirely different role earlier than she did. On the rival soap "Another World" during the early 1970s - actors George Reinholt, Jacqueline Courtney and Robin Strasser were arguably the most popular stars on daytime television, and the love triangle between them was the most popular storyline of the day. Strasser left "Another World" in 1972. By 1975, because of backstage politics, George Reinholt and Jacqueline Courtney were fired (both had reputations as uncooperative divas). Since Reinholt and Courtney were still very popular with viewers, the producers at "One Life to Live" (which was trailing "Another World" in the ratings at that time) quickly hired them and created new roles for them on the show; they became Tony Lord and Pat Ashley respectively and were quickly put into a new love triangle situation with a character called Cathy Craig. The "Live" producers hoped to entice Strasser to take over the role of Cathy, in order to re-create the wildly popular triangle situation from their competitors. Strasser declined, stating that she did not want to take over a role from another actress. By the time Strasser did take over the role of Dorian in 1979, George Reinholt had already left "One Life to Live."

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Quotes

Adam Chandler, Sr.: Talking to you would be a waste of my breath, David.
David Vickers: Continue to talk to me, waste your breath, because if you waste your breath, you just might drop dead.

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Connections

Referenced in Designing Women: How Long Has This Been Going On? (1991)

User Reviews

Watch OLTL Wherever, However You Can

After 43 years, One Life to Live remains one of my favorite television shows of all time. I join millions of fan who are heartbroken over the absurd cancellation of this show. The writing, acting and production of One Life to Live are stellar, particularly in the last several years. Viewers can still watch episodes on SoapNet and YouTube; also there are a few clips and shows available on Hulu. This is more than just a review of a fabulous show; it is a plea to all fans out there who love it to join the thousands of us on FB at "Save AMC & OLTL" who are working daily to find a new home not only for One Life to Live, but also for All My Children. In addition, SWANS4Nixon (FB Group) has thousands of members dedicated to honoring the wonderful Agnes Nixon and is also working to find homes for both shows. We are determined to give a second life to One Life to Live!