Samuel D. Ratcliffe; Emmy-Winning Soap Opera Writer

Samuel D. Ratcliffe, 50, Emmy-winning scriptwriter on the series “Santa Barbara.” Ratcliffe earned his Emmy in 1991 for his work as head writer of the popular NBC series. He also was chief writer of the network’s series “Texas” and “Another World.” He previously wrote for daytime soap operas including “Days of Our Lives,” “Guiding Light” and “Loving.” Before he turned to writing, Ratcliffe pursued a career in theater, performing in the chorus of “Fiddler on the Roof” on Broadway and as the boy Matt in “The Fantasticks” off-Broadway. Born in Winterhaven, Fla., and raised in Birmingham, Ala., Ratcliffe studied music and German at Birmingham-Southern College. On Thursday in New York City of the complications of AIDS.