Q&A with the Cast of One Life to Live

The Paley Center for Media and SAG Foundation present a Q&A with the cast of ABC’s One Life to Live.

Emmy Award–winning One Live to Live is set in the fictional town of Llanview, which is modeled on the Philadelphia Main Line. One Live to Live debuted on the ABC Television Network July 15, 1968, as a half-hour show. Forty-two years later, the Agnes Nixon–created soap opera remains one of television’s longest-running programs.
 
One Live to Live has been lauded for its groundbreaking exploration of social issues, diverse canvas, award-winning performances, and innovative story lines. Along with the history-making week of live shows in May 2002, One Live to Live is responsible for many “firsts” in daytime television, including stories of interracial romance, illiteracy, medical misdiagnosis, racial prejudice, gang violence, and teen pregnancy. The show received mass critical acclaim for its 1992 homophobia story line, which captured national headlines when it introduced the character of a gay teen (played by then unknown Ryan Phillippe) and culminated with the emotional display of the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. One Live to Live was honored by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) with the Outstanding Daytime Drama Award in 1993, and again in 2005 and 2010.
 
In 2002, the show won its first-ever Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Drama Series category, and was nominated again in 2007 and 2008. In 2000, One Live to Live received the first CDC Sentinel for Health Award for the story of Viki’s breast cancer. In 2008 the story of Charlie’s alcoholism garnered the show recognition by the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) with a PRISM Award. The show was recognized again in 2009 for the telling of Cole’s prescription drug abuse. The show has also tackled the subject of teen pregnancy continuing a decade-long relationship with the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy to tell the story of Starr Manning (Kristen Alderson), who had sex for the first time and became pregnant. For their efforts in raising awareness on the topic of teen pregnancy, both Alderson and ABC Daytime were honored by the Candies Foundation at their annual Event to Prevent in May 2008.
 
One Live to Live has dedicated itself to forging a unique path in ABC’s daytime lineup as a music-focused show. The importance of music has been showcased with the musical talents of cast members with two original musical events in 2007 and 2010, “Prom Night: The Musical” and “Starr X’d Lovers,” respectively. The show has also hosted an impressive list of guest performers including Snoop Dogg, Lionel Richie with Jeremih, Frankie Negron, All-American Rejects, the Pussycat Dolls, Rachael Yamagata, Mary J. Blige, Timbaland with Keri Hilson and One Republic, Nelly Furtado, Jeannie Ortega, Lifehouse, Simply Red, Chris Botti, and Erykah Badu.
 
The rich history of One Life to Live continues to thrive with the Lord legacy, the powerful Buchanans and intriguing families such as the Cramers, Vegas, Mannings, McBains, and the recent introduction of the Ford family. With new faces and longtime favorites, the show delivers the excitement of new friends and relationships and the comfort of binding family ties.
 
Created by Agnes Nixon, One Life to Live debuted on July 15, 1968, and marked its 10,000th episode on August 17, 2007. Frank Valentini executive produces. Ron Carlivati is the headwriter.

 

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*Panel subject to change

2010 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation. Funded independently of SAG, the non-profit Foundation’s free programs assist, educate and inspire actors toward their fullest potential in career, life and community. Celebrate the actor – support the SAG Foundation! www.sagfoundation.org