Celebs who got their start on ‘Guiding Light’

Well-known for asking the big stars the big questions as host of “Inside the Actors Studio,” Lipton got one of his first acting gigs on “Guiding Light” from 1951 to 1962. Lipton played Dr. Richard ‘Dick’ Grant, Jr. both on the radio and the subsequent TV version of the program.

FOR THE RECORD: An earlier version of this caption stated that Lipton only appeared on one episode in 1953.  (Alex Gallardo/Los Angeles Times)

Before stepping into his famed roles in “Brian’s Song” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” Williams had a small role as Dr. Jim Frazier on “Guiding Light” in 1966. He recently returned to soap operas with a stint on “General Hospital: Night Shift.”  (Angela Weiss/Getty Images)

To “Star Wars” fans, having Darth Vader and Lando Calrissian play the same role sounds preposterous but Jones succeeded Billy Dee Williams as Dr. Jim Frazier on the soap back in 1966 and 1967. Aside from his “Star Wars” fame, Jones took home the life achievement award this year from the Screen Actors Guild.  (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Tyson shared her “Guiding Light” screen time with both Williams and Jones in 1966, playing their character’s wife, Martha Frazier. Tyson was most recently seen in the Tyler Perry film “Madea’s Family Reunion” in 2006, among others.  (Dan Steinberg/Associated Press)

Williams had a four-year stint on “Guiding Light” as Brandy Shelloe. Williams appeared on the show from 1976 to 1977 before landing roles in “Poltergeist” and “The Big Chill.”

FOR THE RECORD: An earlier version of this caption stated that Williams occupied the role of Brandy from 1977 to 1981.  (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

The future Mr. Sandy Cohen guest-starred on the soap in 1979 as Chuck Haskell. Gallagher would go on to star on both the big-screen “American Beauty” and the small-screen “The O.C.”  (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Before he was synonmous with the game “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” the star appeared as Timothy John Werner #2 on “Guiding Light” from 1980 to 1981. Bacon was most recently seen in “Frost/Nixon” and HBO’s “Taking Chance.”  (Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

Flockhart played the character Elise on “Guiding Light” in 1989. She broke into the mainstream with her leading role on the dramedy “Ally McBeal” and she now stars on the family drama “Brothers & Sisters.”  (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Long called “Guiding Light” home for two years, 1991-1994, in the role of Katherine “Kat” Speakes. The actress was most recently seen on the ABC shows “Boston Legal” and the short-lived “Big Shots.”  (Matt Carr/Getty Images)

Another Oscar-winner, Sorvino guest-starred on “The Guiding Light” in 199. She recently starred in the NBC TV movie “The Last Templar” along with fellow former “Guiding Light” actor Victor Garber.  (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

After making a name for himself on Broadway in “Rent,” Diggs stepped into the role of Adrian “Sugar” Hill on “Guiding Light” in 1997. After years of starring on short-lived TV shows, Diggs is currently part of the “Private Practice” ensemble.  (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Snow started on “Guiding Light” when she was only 13 years old, as the second girl to step into the role of Susan “Daisy” Lemay . Snow appeared on the show between 1998 and 2001 before securing roles on “American Dreams” and the possible upcoming “Gossip Girl” spin-off.

FOR THE RECORD: An earlier version of this caption stated that Snow appeared on only nine episodes of the show.  (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Like Snow, the “Heroes” starlet got her start on “Guiding Light” at a young age. Panettiere appeared on the show at the tender age of 9 to play Elizabeth “Lizzie” Spaulding from 1996 to 2000.

FOR THE RECORD: An earlier version of this caption stated that Panettiere appeared on the show from 1998 to 2000.  (Joe Kohen/Getty Images)