Five Things That Happened On April 2 In Soap History

In 1956, As the World Turns debuted on CBS. Created by Irna Phillips, the show was set in Oakdle, IL. Long-running star Helen Wagner, who played matriarch Nancy Hughes, uttered the series’ first words, addressing hubby Chris (Don McLaughlin): “Good morning, dear.” Over the years, ATWT snagged four Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series, and the same number for Writing. Along with The Edge of Night, which debuted on the same day, ATWT was the first 30-minute soap. The show aired its final episode in 2010.

In 1985, Julianne Moore made her As the World Turns debut as Frannie Hughes, the daughter of Bob and Jennifer Hughes. The actress would add a second Oakdale role to her roster, that of Frannie's identical cousin/half sister, Sabrina, in 1986. In 1988, Moore took home the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Ingenue (later rebranded as Outstanding Younger Actress). She exited the show in 1988 and would go on to a celebrated movie career, winning the Academy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in 2015 for Still Alice.

In 1990 on Days of Our Lives, Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves) got engaged to Emilio Ramirez (Billy Hufsey). Emilio proposed to Jennifer live on television, which Jack observed, fervently rooting for Jen to reject Emilio's ask. Caught off-guard, Jen tells Emilio that yes, she will marry him! Later in the episode, Jack and Jen bickered and she told him she was going to forget him, just as he had asked her in his note. At Wings, the duo then shared a farewell dance.

In 2004, Shawn Brady (Jason Cook) popped the question to Belle Black (Kirsten Storms) on Days of Our Lives. Shawn took Belle to a rooftop, and she asked, "Is this my surprise?" "Part of it, I guess," replied Shawn. "The storm's gone. The sky is clear. I realize that we've been living under a cloud of death for a long time now. But, you know, most of that bad stuff is gone, and when I look up, I can actually see the stars and the lights on the horizon. And it's almost as if I can see our future. And all I can see is you. I know that a lot of terrible things have happened lately, but right now I want to give you one wonderful happy thing that will give you faith in our future again. Isabella Black, will you marry me?"

In 2013, Vanessa Marcil returned to General Hospital for a short-term visit, reprising her beloved role of Brenda Barrett. Her comeback was timed to coincide with the show's 50th anniversary celebration. Marcil, who originally joined GH in 1992, had last been seen as Brenda in 2011. In the episode, Brenda stopped by the home of her ex-husband, Sonny Corinthos, who was surprised to see her in town. Brenda revealed to Sonny that she wanted to know why he had never responded to the letter she had written him, which he admitted he hadn't read. She recounted that in her note, she had told him that she wanted to fight for their marriage and would be waiting for him on a particular day in Rome. When he failed to show, she sent him divorce papers. Brenda then told Sonny that she was engaged to be married — to Jax!