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28 February 10th, 2011 Oprah’s Soap Star Spectacular- What did you think of the show?

Courtesy/Harpo Prods

Yesterday, soapers were ecstatic that the The Oprah Winfrey Show was designating a full episode devoted to Soap Opera Legends. And while many fans have written to us that many of their favorite soap legends were not included, and that as we saw certain segments seemed shorter than others, especially Tony Geary and Genie Francis’s reunion as soaps all-time power couple, GH’s Luke and Laura, there were some highlights that should be pointed out.

All My Children’s Susan Lucci (Erica Kane), who got the most time on the show, showed fans why she is the reigning soap icon.  Who didn’t love the surprise moment when Lucci got to reunite with all of her former TV husbands, or one of our favorites moments, when Lucci  let the Oprah Show get a glimpse of her New York estate, in which she shared and was brought to tears of what her then young daughter Liza (Liza Huber, former Passions star) had written for her after one of Lucci’s many Emmy losses! And then there was the famous clip of Shemar Moore pronouncing, “The streak is over” when Lucci won her long-awaited Emmy.

We could not also helped but be moved by The Young and the Restless Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor), who choked back the tears when explaining what playing Katherine has meant to her and to so many people.  We wish Jeanne would have had a much longer segment, because at 81, she is truly a legend, and has so much to say!

Earlier on the broadcast when seeing, Tony and Genie back together, didn’t Francis look beautiful? And how about the question of would she consider coming back to General Hospital, if she was asked. Francis stated, “There is nothing in me that is willing to play a victim anymore. I”m sort of done with the wounded in my life,  If I were to come back, I would like her to be funny and have a little bit of an agenda that might look a little bit vengeful, but it really isn’t. I think she’d have a plan.”  And also let’s not forget the moment when Geary admits he had a two-year relationship with Elizabeth Taylor!

AMC’s Darnell Williams, Debbi Morgan and Michael E. Knight rounded out the broadcast, who all seemed to seek praise and gush over being on the Oprah Show! Surely, an exciting moment for these soap stars, indeed.  Watch below the clip of when Lucci is reunited with her TV husbands and make sure to visit Oprah.com for more videos and moments from the broadcast.

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28
  1. KelseyUSA says:
    February 10, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    Considering that my favorite soaps are Guiding Light and Days of Our Lives, I was pretty disappointed with Oprah’s show. Having Luke & Laura on there was nice but other than that I wasn’t really into it.

    Reply

  2. Sally says:
    February 10, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    I was not impressed at all. Oprah usually puts her all into a show. First of all, the show should have been in 2parts that included Robin Strasser, Victoria Wyndam and George Reinholt discussing the AW Steve ,Rachel, Alice storyline of the 70′s as well as discussing the late Jacqueline Courtney ,Alice. Erika Slezak & Robin Strasser Vicky & Dorian OLTL, Maggie, Marlena, Bo & Hope, Days. Reva and Josh GL. Cruz and Eden Santa Barbara. Stephanie, Ridge and Brooke B&B. It would have also been neat if she could have had a reunion of Helen Gallagher( I am not sure if Ms Gallagher is still alive.) and Kate Mulgrew from Ryan’s Hope.

    I do have to say, Erica and all her husband was neat idea. Too bad Oprah did not go far enough including other shows and other legends who made and continue to make soaps great.

    Reply

  3. Sue says:
    February 10, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    I loved seeing Genie and Tony together again and wish ABC would get smart and bring the lovely and immensely popular Genie back to her signature role, Laura Spencer!!

    Reply

  4. Sally says:
    February 10, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    I also want to include Eileen Fulton & Bob Hastings Bob & Lisa ATWT discussing their roles on their show and paying tribute to the late great Helen Wagner (Nancy Hughes.)

    Reply

    mmc replied February 11th, 2011 at 4:52 am

    She should have had some of the ATWT actors.I watched that show for most of its 54 years and i don’t think at the end it ever got the respect it deserved.And it had some of the best storylines through the years.In all fairness this is Oprahs show and she had the right to have her favorites on.Still, i feel cheated and would have loved to see ATWT alumni! I’m still missing it and can’t find any soap to love.it truly had so much heart and soul!

    Reply

  5. Laurie says:
    February 10, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    I loved it! Would have liked more of Tony & Genie but the entire show was great.

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  6. kay killgore says:
    February 10, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    I agree it should have been done in two shows! Genie Francis is too great of an actress to waste her time anymore on GH. Tony Geary and Maurice Bernard could not allow her to come back their and Guza’s egos could not stand it!

    Reply

  7. Chrissy says:
    February 10, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    It was AMAZING to see Genie and Tony together again!! They need to give Genie what she wants and get her back ASAP! Wasn’t she adorable? And she made Tony look ten years younger. Why haven’t they gotten her back yet? Seems to me a waste considering they need the ratings!

    Reply

  8. Jen says:
    February 10, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    HEY ABC /GH! BRING GENIE FRANCIS BACK!!!!

    Reply

  9. Dre says:
    February 10, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    I LOVED it! There are certainly additional actors that could have been included (like Crystal Chappell, Erika Slezak, Deidre Hall) but I appreciate Oprah using her worldwide forum to support the soaps! Having Susan Lucci (an icon) and Luke & Laura (most known soap couple of all time) was a great tribute to the genre.

    Reply

  10. Brian T says:
    February 10, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    They should have at least had Deidre Hall on or Peter Reckell & Kristian Alfonso. Someone to represent Days. I think Oprah really likes AMC which is fine.

    Reply

  11. sus says:
    February 10, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    So not enough Tony Geary and Genie Francis to me. We knew the answers to the 3 whole questions and with the amount of work those two incredible actors have given their audience over the years, Oprah could have sustained a whole show just with them. Genie Francis looked beautiful, but even more than beautiful she is an incredible actress and I so do not understand why ABC doesn’t have her back. Dying to see her work with Jonathan Jackson again, if not TG. Mr. Geary looked dapper as usual and about a decade younger sitting next to Ms. Francis. They still have it.. in a big way. So wish ABC and GH would capitilize on their talent and popularity. Luke and Laura are an epic tale, that truly deserve a fabulous continuation and ending… anything less is not paying the fantastic actors, incredible fictional characters and the audience the respect we ALL deserve!!

    Reply

  12. Erik says:
    February 10, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    People are missing the point. Oprah did not have to do any sort of showcase for daytime soaps during her last season. But she did it anyway and devoted a entire hour to the soaps! Also Oprah is allowed to have whomever she wants to on her own show. The mere fact that Oprah shined a big spotlight on daytime soaps should be applauded especially since NO ONE else is willing to do so at this dire stage in the soap industry.

    I loved the show. I felt that Oprah’s love for the daytime soap genre and its actors shone through. Oprah was very respectful to soaps and to all of the actors. There was a lot of mutual respect, fun, and affection in the show. It doesn’t matter which actors or soaps were featured on the show because the show ended up being a good tribute to the soap genre, daytime actors, and the fans! It also was a good reminder of when the networks, writers, and producers actually gave a damn about the soaps and the fans! Oprah gave the network soaps one last good hurrah for her last season.

    Soap fans need to be emailing and sending Oprah thank you notes of appreciation. It could lead to Oprah doing another soap show before her season ends or doing it for her new network OWN. Or it could lead to Oprah possibility having a soap or two featured on OWN one day! Regardless I applaud Oprah for showcasing the soap genre, the actors, and the fans in a positive(and respectful manner)!

    Reply

    Inez replied February 10th, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    Thank you and TOTALLY agree! Even former soap stars like Martha Byrne, ex-Lily from ATWT, was excited for the show and ATWT wasn’t featured. She was even tweeting about how fun she thought the whole show was while watching and that she was happy that Oprah took time to dedicate her show to soaps at all. It didn’t matter who was featured. Not all my faves were on there, but in the end, I’m a SOAP fan. It’s not limited to one network, one show. Oprah’s taking the time to do anything for us fans, when she clearly doesn’t have to even acknowledge the genre or could even dismiss it at her level of fame, in and of itself is something, I think.

    Reply

  13. Terry says:
    February 10, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    I loved the whole show. I do wish that Tony and Genie had been allotted more time. It was almost too rushed. I still have no idea why Genie isn’t asked back to GH or why the show doesn’t want to capitalize on it’s greatest super couple. That remains a mystery to me.

    Reply

    Inez replied February 10th, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    Genie wants a strong Laura, as she said to Oprah and the audience that she is done playing a victim. It’s been clear for a long time that TPTB have no idea how to pen a script that doesn’t include women, much less beloved heroine’s, as victims.

    Reply

  14. gail says:
    February 10, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    It’s too bad that Genie and Tony weren’t given more time. I think that Oprah wasted a question and time when she asked Tony about Elizabeth Taylor – who cares about an affair that happened 30 years ago? Not me!

    ABC – Bring GENIE FRANCIS back to GH for the long haul even if it means she’s there w/o Tony Geary!

    Reply

  15. Lisa says:
    February 10, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    It was wonderful seeing Tony and Genie together once more!!! Doesn’t GH understand that THIS is what the fans want?? My God, the reaction these two Icons received from the audience was unreal!!! I’m one of many life long fans who simply can’t bear to watch this once great soap anymore.. the reasons are clear enough so WHY does this soap continue ignoring the voices of longtime fans? This is the fix, the shot in the arm that GH needs so go figure??????

    Reply

  16. Cocoapuff says:
    February 10, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    I was so happy to see Genie and Tony together again.
    I applaud Oprah for doing the show on Daytime Soap Legends, I too wish,
    more time had been spent on Tony and Genie.
    Genie looked more lovely than ever and I echo the sentiments of those who are at a loss as to why General Hospital refuses to bring Ms Francis back in her signature role.
    Soaps are a dying breed, reuniting the popular pairing of Luke and Laura would a much needed balm to this wounded animal.

    Reply

  17. rb says:
    February 10, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    Well, obviously Oprah was indulging her fascination with Erica and AMC. For me, the highlight was seeing Tony Geary and Genie Francis together on stage. I can’t help but wonder what really goes on between two individuals who’ve been connnected so closely through their LnL experience and yet manage NOT to be friends beyond that experience.

    I also wonder if Tony has any resentment toward Genie for her business decisions regarding GH and how they have affected his career, for example, the ill fated Bill Eckert character and his recent decent into drunken bufoonery as Luke with Tracy. I can’t help but wonder about Genie’s disclosures regarding her treatment at GH during the heyday of LnL and her getting involved in drugs leading to her leaving GH. Where was Tony during all that? Was he really so detached from his young co-actor that he didn’t know what was going on? And, did he try to help?

    No one but Genie and Tony can know. And, it really isn’t any of my business. But that’s what I was wondering about while Oprah asked the same insipid three questions that have been asked and answered a hundred times before. Oh yes, and why won’t General Hospital bring back this fabulous actress to put some life back into this show that is clearly on life support?

    Reply

  18. Liz says:
    February 10, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    We need Genie on GH!! I was so glad to see her!! What on earth is the hold up?!?! They need to get to writing her return!!

    Reply

  19. Shelley says:
    February 10, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    I loved seeing Genie and Tony together. The whole show was wonderful. I want Genie back too with or without Luke but they are too caught up with Sonny and Brenda. It is getting hard to watch and boring.

    Reply

  20. todd says:
    February 10, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    Erika Slezak is a multi-emmy winning actress. She deserved to be there. She is celebrating 40 years on the show. She is not as high profile as Susan Lucci, but she is a fascinating interview. Susan Lucci is known as the actress who didn’t win Emmys. Erika is the actress who no-one knows, that actually won all those Emmys. Shouldn’t Oprah be celebrating that? It was a missed opportunity.

    Reply

  21. Doe says:
    February 10, 2011 at 11:13 pm

    Okay, Oprah did a show on soaps, But really, did she? I don’t know waht all the fuss about Susan Lucci, except Oprah seems to love her. Yes, she has been around a long time, but was she ever that good an actress.And what tiny women was ever a fashion model? Please… And what about the morals of marrying eight men? She took up the longest part of the show and was she pushing exercise equipment? Certainly, the show did not allow the same amount of time and respect for Genie and Tony. Tony has won more Emmys than all of them put together. That was never mentioned. And I felt insulted that Jeanne Cooper was saved as the last star which she is, and given the least amount of time. I love Jeanne Cooper. It’s true that Oprah has done great things and she is a true icon, not you know who!…..

    Reply

    mmc replied February 11th, 2011 at 4:57 am

    I was embarrassed by the small amount of time given to Jeanne Cooper.This 82 year old woman who has been at Y&R for so many years deserved better.

    Reply

  22. Lulu says:
    February 11, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Loved seeing Oprah salute the soaps! Would have enjoyed seeing less Erica and more of Luke and Laura and Mrs. Chancellor. Oprah did the Erica and her husbands thing years ago, and this seemed like a repeat. I wanted Oprah to ask Genie Francis and Anthony Geary more questions about their experiences on GH and what is keeping ABC from bringing Genie back. The show is not worth watching as it is, and Luke’s character on the present show is just embarrassing. He really needs Laura to bring back his humanity.

    Reply

  23. Allison says:
    February 11, 2011 at 11:22 am

    I was really looking forward to this show- but I was more than a little disapointed. :( I think that Oprah was EXTREMELY remiss- shall we say? by not telling Genie how absolutely GORGEOUS she looked…I actually found this quite odd, since almost every interview (at least the ones that I’ve seen) where the person has lost an amount of weight, Oprah has commented on how great the person looks, etc…I loved seeing them together- and proving that their chemistry, even after such a long time, is as strong and as spellbinding as ever. :) I also thought that Oprah should have spent more time with Tony and Genie, at least to equal the other guests.

    Reply

  24. dale allen says:
    February 11, 2011 at 10:13 pm

    I didn’t watch the show because I heard she was not putting Days of our lives cast in! And it won’t be a show that I will try to catch as a repeat especially if I have to sit and watch Erika being interviewed! I love Oprah though!

    Reply

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