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'As the World Turns' legend Helen Wagner dies
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Helen Wagner, who starred on "As the World Turns" for more than half a century, has died.Wagner, 91, passed away on Saturday (May 1), a rep for "As the World Turns" says. Wagner played Nancy Hughes on the CBS soap from its beginning in 1956 -- in fact, she had the first line in the show's first episode -- and holds the Guinness world record for the longest time in a single role on television, 54 years.
"All of us at 'As The World Turns' are deeply saddened by Helen's passing," executive producer Christopher Goutman says.
"She is loved by generations of fans and while we will miss her greatly, Helen will always remain the heart and soul of 'As The World Turns.'"
A native of Lubbock, Texas, Wagner graduated from Monmouth College in Illinois. She appeared in a number of Broadway shows early in her career, including "Sunny River," "Oklahoma!" and "The Bad Seed," and she also played Blanche in a touring production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" opposite Lee Marvin.
She had a brief stint on "The Guiding Light" in the early 1950s and a handful of other TV roles before joining "As the World Turns." Wagner was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmys in 2004.
She was married to Broadway producer Robert Willey for 55 years before his death in 2009.
Here's a clip of one of her later appearances on "ATWT" from November 2009.
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Photo credit: Helen Wagner at the 2006 Daytime Emmys/Getty Images
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I was hoping she would deliver the final words when the last episode of ATWT airs...."Good night, dear". That would have came full circle then since she delivered the first lines on ATWT with "Good morning, dear."
This so sad. We fans had hoped she'd spoke the final line of the series. Hope they have time to put together a memorial for the legendary actress before the show ends in September.
zapsters: can you post the video of her on ATWT at approx. 1:40 PM ET on 11/22/63?
I too so was hoping she would deliver the final words at the final episode in September. She will be missed by millions. God Bless her and be with her family (including her ATWT family). Yes, her picture should be the last thing shown as it goes dark in September. Thank you Helen (Nancy) for all the years of enjoyment.
Although I have not watched As THe World Turns, but for maybe 10 years and I have grown to Love this lady. I just wish I would have started watching this show YEARS AGO. I love you MRS HELEN WAGNER and thank you for all the MEMORIES. I have grown to thank of you as a grandmother. Please let Chris Goutman the Ex. Producer of As The World Turns Honor this true legendary Actress and her memory. I hope they bring back many of the former stars to honor this legend. If not I will beyond upset at this show and Chris Goutman.
An era has ended in daytime soaps. :(
Three months ago (on Feb. 3) "Days of Our Lives" lost its matriarch Frances Reid, and now we've lost "As the World Turns" matriarch Helen Wagner. The Daytime Emmys better have plans for a double tribute to the two matiarchs of daytime television.
An era has ended in daytime soaps. :(
Three months ago (on Feb. 3) "Days of Our Lives" lost its matriarch Frances Reid, and now we've lost "As the World Turns" matriarch Helen Wagner. The Daytime Emmys better have plans for a double tribute to the two matiarchs of daytime television.
God bless her. I am so sad that these type of actors are dying off.
We need to celebrate them not these mindless idiot actors of today
i hope when there is a memorial tribute to Helen Wagner, it will be advertised in advance so we can all record it