Soap Opera Digest. 1976-1981
Soap Opera Digest. 1976-1981
Daytime stars and their fans had a chance to meet and mingle at the Fan Gathering at the Americana City Squire Hotel in New York City...
Suddenly my concentration was blown by a commotion occurring at a table at the far end of the room. My eyes immediately zoomed in that direction and all it took was one quick look to explain the squeals of delight and the fluttering of feminine hearts. Seated at this table there were the two young and very handsome stars from General Hospital, Michael Gregory (Dr. Rick Webber) and Richard Dean Anderson (Dr. Jeff Webber). They seemed to be having as much fun meeting the fans as the fans were having meeting them.
 Michael Gregory displays his coffee pouring talents to on-screen brother Rick Anderson. |
 Very cute and very all-American is Rick Anderson |
Over a weekend recently, eight performers from the world of daytime took over Great Adventure, a large amusement park in New Jersey. Harriet Epstein of "Soaps Alive" spearheaded the four shows put on by the stars. We caught up with them on Sunday and spent a few hours walking around the park and taking in the rides.
Richard Dean Anderson brought a touch of the west, as he strode through the park in cowboy hat and boots, stopping to greet admirers as he went.
The Goodtime Theater in Knott's Berry Farm was the site, last June, of "Love in the Afternoon," an innovative musical revue which showcased the talents of daytime's very popular Bill and Susan Hayes (Doug and Julie Williams, "Days of Our Lives"); Richard Dean Anderson; and Victoria Mallory and Beau Kayzer (Leslie Prentiss and Brock Reynolds, "The Young and the Restless"). It was a rousing and spirited song and dance fest. In fact, it was such a rip-roaring success that co-producers Dick McInnes and Maria La Magra are considering future shows with different stars in the same format. Be on the lookout. One of these shows may be coming to your area soon.
The big hit of the evening was Richard Dean Anderson's rendition of "Please, Dr. Hardy" a humorous ditty which gently satirized the storyline of "General Hospital." Performing this song with Rick were the tune's cowriter, "GH" Production Assistant, Wendy Power and Bob Lansing, Jr., son of "GH's" Emily McLaughlin (Jessie).
 Richard Dean Anderson, Bob Lansing, Jr., and Wendy Power sing "Please, Dr. Hardy" |
 Victoria, Beau, Emily, Bill, and Susan keep an eye on Richard and his new "honey" Deidre Hall. |
 Time to head home. Richard was besieged by fans as he tried to make his getaway into the night. |
From various shopping malls and amusement parks across the Nation, Harriet Epstein's "Soaps Alive!" brings daytimers together with their adoring public. Fans are always delighted by the chance to meet and greet their serial favorites, and the stars love coming face to face with their audience.
