A Look Back at Memorable Soap Moments from July 24
July 24 has been a day filled with significant moments in the world of daytime soaps. From iconic character debuts to major relationship developments, this date has seen several unforgettable events that have shaped the stories of long-running shows like Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless.
Patsy Pease Joins Days of Our Lives
One of the most notable events on July 24 was the debut of Patsy Pease on Days of Our Lives. She took on the role of Kimberly Brady, a character that would become central to the show's storyline. Before joining Days of Our Lives, Pease had already made a name for herself on Search for Tomorrow, where she portrayed Cissie Mitchell Sentell from 1978 to 1980. Her chemistry with Charles Shaughnessy, who played Shane Donovan, made them one of the most popular couples on the show. In 1986, Pease was honored with the Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role on a Daytime Serial. She remained with the show until 1990, returned briefly from 1991 to 1992, and continued to make appearances over the years.
Josh Taylor’s Exit and Return to Days of Our Lives
In 1987, actor Josh Taylor left Days of Our Lives as Chris Kositchek. He had been with the show since 1977, but his departure was due to behind-the-scenes issues on another show he was starring on, Valerie. His sitcom wife, Valerie Harper, was fired in a contract dispute, leading to a rebranding of the show as Valerie's Family: The Hogans. Taylor eventually returned to Days of Our Lives in 1997, taking on a new role as Roman Brady, which he continues to play to this day.
Robert Kelker-Kelly’s Final Appearance as Bo Brady
Another significant moment occurred in 1995 when Robert Kelker-Kelly appeared for the final time on Days of Our Lives as Bo Brady. He had taken over the role from Peter Reckell in 1992, following Reckell's decision to leave the show. When Days of Our Lives released Kelker-Kelly from his contract, it allowed Reckell to return to the role that had made him a daytime superstar.
Carly Spencer Becomes Owner of Kelly’s Diner
In 2023, fans were surprised to learn that Carly Spencer (played by Laura Wright) had become the new owner of Kelly’s Diner. The eatery had been part of her family for years, and when her daughter Josslyn Jacks arrived, Carly revealed that her mother, Bobbie Spencer, had gifted it to her for just one dollar. Carly expressed her excitement about expanding the diner and making it "bigger and better than ever."
Devon Winters and Abby Newman Get Engaged
On The Young and the Restless in 2024, Devon Winters (Bryton James) proposed to Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway), and she happily accepted. Melissa Ordway shared her thoughts on the engagement, highlighting the deep connection between the characters. She noted that Abby felt a strong sense of security in her relationship with Devon, emphasizing that they had experienced both the best and worst times together. Ordway also praised the sincerity of Devon’s proposal, calling it genuine and heartfelt. With a son together, Abby already felt married to Devon, and their decision to tie the knot felt natural and meaningful.
These events from July 24 showcase the rich history and evolving narratives of daytime soaps, reflecting the enduring appeal of these beloved programs.