On this day in 1979, Judith Light delivered one of the most celebrated performances in soap opera history on One Life to Live. Her character, Karen Wolek, broke down under cross-examination and confessed to working as a prostitute to escape the villainous Marco Dane. Light would go on to win two consecutive Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1980 and 1981.
In 1989, Roscoe Born made his debut in the role of Robert Barr on Santa Barbara. The following year, Born would play two characters on the show - Robert Barr and Robert's twin brother, Quinn Armitage. Born would be recognized for his work with a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Also in 1989 - Guiding Light star, Chris Bernau (Alan Spaulding), passed away in New York City. Bernau was diagnosed with HIV but continued to work on Guiding Light until he was too ill to perform. Bernau died of a heart attack brought on by complications from AIDS at the age of 49. Two weeks after his death, the cast of Guiding Light held a memorial service for Bernau in Manhattan.