PEYTON PLACE
Adapted for TV by: Paul Monash
Character name: Rachel Welles
Directors: Ted Post, Walter Doniger
Based on the novel by: Grace Metalious
Network: ABC, 1966
Starring: Ryan O’Neal, Mia Farrow, Barbara Parkins, Dorothy Malone, Lee Grant
My comment: Peyton Place began my career. It struck the pulse of America at the time, and was hugely successful. It launched many careers and set the stage for all the soap operas to come. It was the very first nighttime soap opera in America. The model was taken from BBC’s Coronation Street.
Peyton Place Moments
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- Peyton Place Photo by Erik Madden
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- Peyton Place Photo by Erik Madden
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- Peyton Place Photo by Erik Madden
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- LTY With Christopher Connelly (Norman Harrington)
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- LTY as Rachel Welles
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- LTY With Director Walter Doniger
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- LTY as Rachel Welles
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- Peyton Place First day of Shooting
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- LTY and Ryan
THE DEVLIN CONNECTION
Created by: John Wilder
Character name: Lauren Dane
Network: NBC, 1979
Starring: Rock Hudson, Jack Scalia
My comment: Rock Hudson was one of the nicest, funniest and most handsome of men. I loved being around him and working with him. Jack Scalia, also very nice and also very handsome. His career was launched from this show. John Wilder, the creator of The Devlin Connection, was one of the original writers from Peyton Place.
The Devlin Connection on IMDB
THE HAMPTONS
Created by: William Bast and Paul Huson
Character name: Lee Chadway
Network: ABC, 1982
Starring: Michael Goodwin, Craig Sheffer
My comment: This was my first experience in Video “daytime” format. Craig Sheffer played my son, in his first role. He went on to be a very good actor and recently starred in my brother’s film Bliss.
The Hamptons on IMDB
DALLAS
Created by: David Jacobs
Character name: Kimberly Cryder
Network: CBS, 1988
Starring: Larry Hagman, Linda Grey, Victoria Principal, Patrick Duffy
My comment: I loved this role. My character was truly outrageous. I played her for a season. The only actress I keep in touch with from Dallas is Priscilla Presley and her family.
LTY Writes About Dallas
PICKET FENCES
Created by: David Kelley
Character name: Rachel Harris
Network: CBS, 1993-94
Starring: Tom Skeritt, Lauren Holly, Fyvish Finkel
My comment: The role of Rachel Harris, the town mayor, was a blessing for me in every way. David Kelley is a gifted writer and a quality man. He created a role that allowed me to give my best. I won an Emmy. These are the roles written so beautifully for which every actor hopes.
LTY Writes About Picket Fences
THE SENTINEL
Created by: Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
Character name: Naomi Sandburg
Network: UPN, 1996 – 1999
Starring: Garett Maggart, Richard Burgi, Bruce A. Young
My comment: I adore this role! Naomi is truly one of my favorite characters to play. Garett and Richard are not only two very attractive men, they are hilarious. Joy is the word for this working experience.
LTY Writes About The Sentinel
SUNSET BEACH
Created by: Charles Pratt Jr., Robert Guza and Josh Griffith for Aaron Spelling.
Character name: Elaine Stevens
Network: NBC, 1996 -1997
Starring: Lesley Anne-Downe, Kathleen Noone, Sam Behren
My comment: Sunset Beach was a very positive and expanding experience for me as an actor. The demand is so intense to be “honest” in the moment in daytime drama, there was very little time for process or preparation. I liked the challenge to keep a standard of excellence.
LTY Writes About Sunset Beach
BEVERLY HILLS 90210
Created by: Aaron Spelling
Character name: Blythe Hunter
Starring: Tori Spelling, Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth
My comment: It’s always a pleasure to be so well cared for by Mr. Spelling.
Beverly Hills 90210 on IMDB
THE PRETENDER
Created by: Steven Long Mitchell, Craig W. Van Sickle
Character name: Michelle
Network: 1996–2000
Starring: Michael T. Weiss, Andrea Parker and Patrick Bauchau
The Pretender on IMDB
PASSIONS
Created by: James E. Reilly
Character name: Katherine Crane
Network: NBC
Passions on IMDB