10 Soap Opera legends we miss badly in 2025 

Soap Operas have kept viewers invested for a long time. They take one on a journey full of high spirits and emotional setbacks, and this credit goes to the encapsulating and mesmerizing performances of Soap Opera legends who have been ruling the TV industry for the longest. Some of these stars have become synonymous with their respective shows, and their loss has since created a void. Here is a list of 10 Soap Opera legends we miss badly in 2025.

1) Drake Hogestyn

Drake Hogestyn has ruled television screens for a long period of time with his role as John Black in Days of Our Lives. He was a sensation among the audience and nailed the role of a mysterious and charismatic hero with a legendary love story with his costar - Marlena Evans. The story changed, and the cast evolved, but his presence in the show remained concrete.

2) Bill Hayes

Another Days of Our Lives star with a magnanimous fan base is - Bill Hayes, who portrayed the role of Doug Williams. What especially captivated the audience about him is his romance with the actress Julie Williams, whom he was in love with, not only in the show but also in real life. His many talents include singing, and he earned widespread acclaim for his 1950 hit song - The Ballad of Davy Crockett.

3) Kristoff St. John

Kristoff St. John portrayed the character of Neil Winters on The Young and the Restless. His acting was appreciated for being natural and effortless with a unique ability to evoke emotions in the viewers. He could convey complex emotions in a very subtle yet convincing manner, which made all his onscreen relationships look very genuine. His talent is missed in the industry and his acting skills still remain unparalleled.

4) Jeanne Cooper

Jeanne Cooper, as Katherine Chancellor in The Young and The Restless, could be best described as - fierce. She had a sharp screen presence, which combined with her striking dialogue delivery, made her a force in the acting industry. She was a pioneer for women in the sphere of acting and broke the stereotype regarding the popularity of older women on the silver screen. She is especially remembered for her infamous on-screen rivalry with the character of Jill Abbott which was played by Jess Walton.

5) David Canary

David Canary gained popularity for his role as Adam and Stuart Chandler on the show - All My Children. The ability to play two roles can be quite challenging, but he did it with great ease. Playing the ruthless and reckless Adam and then the entirely opposite kind-hearted Stuart was a testament to his diverse acting range. He has won several Emmys and is remembered not only for his talent but also for his heartwarming nature.

6) Agnes Nixon

When talking about Soap Opera legends, we cannot simply restrict ourselves to actors but also appreciate writers and creators. One such talent was Agnes Nixon, the creative mastermind for a lot of shows, like - All My Children and One Life to Live. She made it a point to advocate social change with her shows by including themes like - racism, domestic abuse,, and abortion. Moreover, she’s a pivotal force behind the introduction and popularity of multi-generational dramas and has the knack of keeping her audience invested.

7) Brenda Benet

Brenda Benet revived the roles of villains with her cunning and emotionally conflicted portrayal of the manipulator - Lee Dumonde in Days of Our Lives. Her screen presence was sensational. She was adept at shifting between different emotions in a single scene, proving her mettle as an actress. Till today, she is thoroughly loved and missed by fans and critics, alike.

8) Susan Brown

Susan Brown earned fame for her role as Dr. Gail Baldwin in the show General Hospital. Her soft-spoken demeanor makes the characters she portrays, relatable. In her role as Dr. Gail, with her understated acting style, she portrayed a very understanding and emotionally intelligent psychiatrist. In the acting industry, she made a name for herself for her modesty and dignity, which was truly reflected in the characters she portrayed.

9) Diane Langton

Miss Diane Langton was a dynamic force. With her charisma and effortless comedy skills, she enjoyed a huge fan base, especially in Britain. Her most popular role was as Nana McQueen in Hollyoaks. While a master at comedy and delivering sharp and witty dialogues, her acting range also expanded to dramatic and emotional performances. Besides daily soaps, she found great success in musical theatre and is widely remembered for her versatility and diverse acting talent.

10) Anthony Addabbo

Anthony Abbaddo is known for his charm, confidence, and effortless acting skills. He is eminent for his role as Johnny Carrera in The Bold and the Beautiful. He has also worked in shows like A Guiding Light and Generations. He had a unique talent for portraying skilfully both - Heroes and Villains. The rugged charm he possesses is quite rare to come by and his death was greatly lamented by his huge fan base.