Ok, so soaps aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. I can accept that. I’m not saying they’re Shakespeare, but they’re certainly an enjoyable and entertaining diversion for some of us, even if they’re at times a bit hokey.
But if you don’t watch them, how can you say that "The acting is lame, or “…the acting…—it’s like everyone was just plucked off the street and told to make something up!”? Yeah, yeah, some of you have surfed on past them and stopped momentarily, but does that really qualify you to be able to make a fair assessment?
Granted, some of the acting does suck. But some of it, in fact a good portion of it, is really outstanding. And those who’ve never really watched soaps probably have no idea that half the “stars” you see now on other series or on the big screen, actually got their start on soaps!
Here’s a short list (and believe me, it’s short in spite of its length) of actors whose names you will undoubtedly recognize whose first (or in a few cases, 2nd) acting gig was on a soap opera. And these are only primarily from two soaps!
Thomas Gibson - “As The World Turns,” 1988-1990, “Another World,” 1990. (Currently Greg on “Dharma & Greg.”)
Lauryn Hill - “As The World Turns,” 1991 (Yes, that Lauryn Hill.)
James Earl Jones - As The World Turns and “Guiding Light,” 1966.
Swoosie Kurtz - “As The World Turns,” 1971.
Judson Mills - “As The World Turns,” 1991-1993 (“Walker, Texas Ranger”)
Julianne Moore - “As The World Turns,” 1985-1988
Tonya Pinkins - “As The World Turns,” 1983-1986. (More a stage actress now - Pinkins’ portrayal of Sweet Anita in the Broadway musical Jelly’s Last Jam earned her a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award, and the Clarence Derwent Award.)
Parker Posey - “As The World Turns,” 1991-1992.
Meg Ryan - “As The World Turns,” 1982-1984.
Martin Sheen - “As The World Turns,” mid 60’s - early 70’s & “Edge of Night,” late 60’s.
John Wesley Shipp - “Guiding Light,” 1980-1984 & “As The World Turns,” 1985-1986. (Now Mitchell Leery on Dawson’s Creek.)
Kerr Smith - “As The World Turns,” 1996-1997. (Now Jack McPhee on Dawson’s Creek.)
Richard Thomas - “As The World Turns,” 1966-1967 (Yes, the “John Boy Walton” Richard Thomas.)
Marisa Tomei - “As The World Turns,” 1983-1988.
Steven Weber - “As The World Turns,” 1985-1986 (Better known as Brian Hackett on “Wings.”)
Ming Na Wen - “As The World Turns,” 1988-1991 (The voice of Fa Mulan in “Mulan,” “The Joy Luck Club,” “E.R.”)
James Van Der Beek - “As The World Turns,” 1995. (Now Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek.)
Jordana Brewster - “All My Children,” 1995 & “As The World Turns,” 1995-1998.
Scott Bryce - “As The World Turns,” 1982-1987; 1990-1994. (Now Mike McQueen on “Popular.”)
Courtney Cox - “As The World Turns,” 1984.
Kevin Bacon - “Search For Tomorrow,” 1979 & “Guiding Light,” 1980-1981.
Kimberly Brown - “Guiding Light,” 1993-1998. (Has won critical acclaim for her performance in last year’s “Tumbleweeds.” Look for a possible Oscar nom.)
Joseph Campanella - “The Edge of Night,” “Guiding Light,” 1959-1960.
Sandy Dennis - “Guiding Light,” 1956. (“Splendor in the Grass,” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Now deceased.)
Joie Lenz - “Guiding Light,” 1998-present. (Just played Mary Tyler Moore’s daughter in the “Mary & Rhoda” movie.)
Christopher Walken - “Guiding Light,” 1954-1956.
Taye Diggs - “Guiding Light,” 1997-1998 (“How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” “The Best Man.”)
Calista Flockhart - “Guiding Light,” 1989.
Melina Kanakaredes - “Guiding Light,” 1991-1994. (“NYPD Blue” & “Providence”)
Nia Long - “Guiding Light,” 1991-1993. (“The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire,” “The Best Man.”)
Wendy Moniz - “Guiding Light,” 1995-1999. (She just starred as the fiance in “Tuesday’s With Morrie.” Look for her in the mid-season replacement, “Battery Park.”)
Hayden Panattiere - “One Life To Live,” 1994-1997 & “Guiding Light,” 1996-present. (The voice of Dot in “A Bug’s Life.” I’d keep my eye on this kid!)
Cindy Pickett - “Guiding Light,” 1976-1980.
Paige Turco - “Guiding Light,” 1987-1989. (“NYPD Blue” and “Party of Five.”)
Cicely Tyson - “Guiding Light,” 1966.
Cynthia Watros - “Guiding Light,” 1995-1998. (Yeah, she’s not famous yet, but watch for her mid-season replacement series, “Titus” with Stacy Keach.)
Billy Dee Williams - “Guiding Light,” 1966.
JoBeth Williams - “Somerset,” 1975-1976 & “Guiding Light,” 1977-1981.
Ian Ziering - “Guiding Light,” 1986-1988. (“Beverly Hills, 90210”)
'Nuff said.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” - Anne Frank