SUsan Lucci, Kelly Ripa and the gang gathered today in New York City to celebrate 55 years.
Agnes Nixon created "All My Children" after developing a concept in the 1960s while working as head writer for "The Guiding Light". She initially tried selling the show concept to NBC and CBS, but was unsuccessful. Undeterred, Nixon kept the show's outline in her desk drawer.
In 1968, after creating "One Life to Live" for ABC, network executives asked Nixon to develop another soap opera. Nixon already had her "All My Children" concept ready. The show premiered on January 5, 1970, set in Pine Valley, Pennsylvania.
Nixon's vision was unique: she wanted a soap opera that appealed to younger viewers and tackled contemporary social issues. The show successfully attracted a diverse audience, including a significant male viewership by featuring young love stories and addressing topics like the Vietnam War and legalized abortion.
The show's title reflected Nixon's philosophical belief that all people are equal, encapsulated in her poem: "The Great and the Least, The Rich and the Poor, The Weak and the Strong..." “All My Children" became a groundbreaking daytime drama that ran for 41 years, ending in 2011.
Photographer: Michael de la Force, LIKE Magazine, 1.14.25
Kelly Ripa and Susan Lucci shared a strong friendship and professional bond during their time on All My Children. Ripa played Hayley Vaughan Santos, Erica Kane's stepdaughter, portrayed by Lucci. Their on-screen relationship often mirrored familial dynamics, with Erica acting as a mentor figure to Hayley.
Off-screen, the two developed a close friendship, with Ripa crediting her time on the show for shaping her career and personal life. They have reunited multiple times for nostalgic segments, including reprising their roles on Live! in 2016, showcasing their enduring connection.
#SusanLucci #KellyRipa #AllMyChildren #AgnesNixon
#ABC #michaeldelaforce #likemagazine
(Disclaimer: as a member of The American Federation and Television Artists, Michael de la Force worked on the television show, All My Children, as a supporting artist, from the 1990’s through the end of the show)
(Michael de la Force, LIKE® Magazine, 1.15.2025)
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