Jill Larson(I)

Jill Larson has carved out a vibrant niche in the entertainment world, most famously as the flamboyant Opal Cortlandt on All My Children, a role she inhabited from 1989 to 2011 and reprised in 2013 . Her portrayal earned her two Daytime Emmy nominations and the affectionate moniker "All My Children royalty" from co-star Kelly Ripa . Before her soap opera fame, Larson's journey began in Minneapolis and led her through European modeling gigs to Paris, where she transitioned into acting with roles in films like The Deadly Trap . Her stage presence was equally commanding, with Broadway performances in Death and the King's Horseman and Romantic Comedy, as well as regional theater roles including Agnes of God and Gypsy . Beyond daytime TV, Larson showcased her versatility in films such as Shutter Island and The Taking of Deborah Logan, where her chilling lead performance garnered critical acclaim . She also made notable appearances in series like Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Desperate Housewives. In 2014, she participated in the viral short film First Kiss, which amassed over 94 million views, highlighting her enduring appeal . An advocate for the arts, Larson co-founded GLM Productions and produced the Emmy-nominated documentary Gibbs Garden, reflecting her commitment to storytelling both on and off the screen . Continuing to captivate audiences, she appeared in the 2023 holiday film A Holiday I Do, demonstrating that her passion for performance remains as dynamic as ever .