Scoff all you like at soap operas, they can produce some pretty big stars in the entertainment world. With “One Life to Live” and “All My Children” coming to a close after their mighty tenures, let’s look back at the actors and actresses they launched into the upper reaches of celebrity. Or, you know, mid-upper.
Show: One Life to Live
Role: Courtney Wright, 1983-1984
How we know her: Starred as the cool, chic matron of the family, Clair Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Show: One Life to Live
Role: Sarah Victoria ‘Flash’ Roberts, 1994-1997
How we know her: Played the coach’s feisty daughter in “Remember the Titans,” starred in NBC’s “Heroes,” recently acted in “Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy “ and “Scream 4.” (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Show: All My Children
Role: Lilly Benton Montgomery, 2006
How we know her: Starred as Marissa on “The O.C.” (Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Reality Rocks)
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Show: One Life to Live
Role: Katheryn “Kate” Sanders, 1986-1987
How we know her: Stars as Bree on “Desperate Housewives” and played Dr. Kimberly Shaw Mancini on “Melrose Place.” (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Show: One Life to Live
Role: Joey Buchanan, 1994-2007
How we know him: Had major roles in TV shows “Firefly” and “Desperate Housewives,” currently stars in “Castle.” (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Show: All My Children
Role: Joni Stafford, 2002-2003
How we know her: Was a comedic hit in Tina Fey’s “Mean Girls,” had a recurring role in HBO’s “Big Love,” recently starred in “Mamma Mia!” “Dear John” and “Red Riding Hood.” (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Show: All My Children
Role: Linda Warner, 1984-1985
How we know her: Just won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Fighter.” (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
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Show: All My Children
Role: Leo du Pres , 1999-2002
How we know him: Has starred in films “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!” “Transformers,” and “Life as We Know It” and is married to Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Show: All My Children
Roles: Hayley Vaughan Santos, 1990-2010; Mateo Santos, 1995-2010
How we know them: Ripa co-hosts “Live with Regis and Kelly” with Regis Philbin; her husband Consuelos occassionally co-hosts and has had roles on “Ugly Betty,” “Law & Order” and “Friends.” (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Show: All My Children
Role: Caleb Thompson, 1986
How we know him: Began as early 90’s heartthrob in “Heathers” and “Pump Up the Volume,” graduated onto “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and “Interview with the Vampire.” (MIKE CLARKE/AFP/Getty Images)
Show: One Life to Live
Role: Dr. Joshua “Josh” Hall, 1973-1976
How we know him: Impressive filmography list including “Apocalypse Now,” “The Color Purple,” “Boyz n the Hood,” “Othello” and “The Matrix.” (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
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Show: All My Children
Role: Kendall Hart , 1993-1995
How we know her: Gained notoriety from the wildly popular series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and her borderline psychotic role in “Cruel Intentions.” (Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Show: One Life to Live
Role: Patrick London, 1987-1988
How we know him: Typically plays Irish roles and has been in a variety of films including “Layer Cake,” “The Commitments,” and “Con Air.” (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Show: One Life to Live
Role: Dr. Mark Toland, 1971-1979
How we know him: Well-known for his grizzled performances in films such as “The Fugitive,” “JFK,” “Natural Born Killers,” and “U.S. Marshalls.” (Steve Granitz/WireImage)
Show: One Life to Live
Role: Seth Anderson, 2001-2002
How we know him: Played the man of steel in the latest release of the Superman franchise. (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)