Soap Opera Farewells: Tributes to Iconic Stars of Daytime TV

The soap opera world faced a profound series of farewells as numerous iconic actors died, leaving a legacy of memorable performances and immense contributions. Figures like Leslie Charleson, known for her nearly 50-year role on General Hospital, and Geoffrey Deuel from The Young and the Restless, reflect the enduring passion these stars brought to their craft. Other beloved names, including Drake Hogestyn and Wayne Northrop from Days of Our Lives, reminded fans of the deep connections forged through decades of storytelling. These losses resonate not only with their shows’ loyal audiences but also with colleagues who found solace and inspiration in the shared pursuit of these timeless dramas.

As the year unfolds, the community continues honoring these legacies, embracing the comforting power of daytime television.

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists from Us Weekly.