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After its April 6, 1956, the longest running daytime drama will say its final farewell (on the air) Sept. 17, 2010. The episode began with Nancy Hughes (who was portrayed by Helen Wagner) uttering the words, “Good morning dear.” This was the birth of the double lives that the actors would live for 54 years. Each day presented the challenge of learning a new script, evolving with their characters, presenting a life far different that the one dealt to them once the cameras ceased. "But now your character is no longer going to be there," stated Kathryn Hays (who portrayed Kim Hughes since 1972). "You've been living that character for almost 40 years. You invest yourself in that character.” Many of the cast members share the sentiment of Hays, especially during their final taping together this past Wednesday.
With the ‘conclusion’ of ATWT’s forthcoming, ‘General Hospital’ hill be taking its crown as the longest running daytime drama due to its April 1963 start. The, formerly, wide array of soap operas will narrow to six this fall. The once staple, is swiftly becoming a novelty of sorts. With the increasing births of reality TV shows, and talk shows, people appear to be finding their dramatic fixes in the semi-scripted rather than the fully scripted. Soon to be gone are the days that the next hot movie star will propel from the ranks of the serial drama. Procter & Gamble’s production arm that reached into the realm of the soap opera is exiting systematically. It is a bit ironic that one of the companies that began shows such as ATWT on the radio in order to advertise their soap/detergent products (where the term ‘soap opera’ was coined) is now putting an end to the era.
ATWT does end its final season with 13 Daytime Emmy nominations. How well the show will fare at the event will be determined Sunday. This loss is like the loss of a close family friend to the cast and crew and their legions of fans. Yet as it has been stated many times before, all good things must come to an end.
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