General Hospital’s Laura Learned Lulu’s Liver Was Failing and other Memorable Moments from August 20

In 1973, Suzanne Rogers debuted as Maggie Simmons, who would later become Maggie Horton and then Maggie Kiriakis, on Days of Our Lives. When the Daytime Emmy-winning actress celebrated her 50th anniversary in 2023, she marveled to Soap Opera Digest, "I’m kind of shocked that I’ve been on the show for 50 years; I mean, how many people can say that? Not many. I’m touched that they wanted to do something. I’m honored and very moved, and I’m grateful. I guess it’s a testament to the fact that the show wanted to keep me around, and the audience liked the character. And I still love what I’m doing, so it’s all a win.”

In 2007, Ethan Winthrop (Eric Martsolf) and Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald (Lindsay Hartley) tied the knot on Passions. Their romance had been a focal point of the show since its inception in 1999. Worried that something or someone was going to interrupt, Theresa was hurrying the officiant along, but Ethan paused. "I just wanted to take this in, because our love has grown so much and I think we're so lucky to be here right now," he told his bride. Beamed Theresa, "I feel blessed. You know, sometimes I felt like the whole world was trying to tear us apart, but you know, I had faith and now I'm marrying the man that I've always loved." Once the deal was sealed, the justice of the peace announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, let me be the first one to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Winthrop!" Also pictured: Brook Kerr as Whitney.

In 2010, Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) and EJ DiMera's (then-James Scott) wedding began on Days of Our Lives — just as Rafe discovered proof, via Nicole, that EJ was responsible for Sydney's kidnapping. The bride's father, Roman Brady, was so against the idea of his daughter marrying EJ that he threatened to arrest her, explaining, "I"m her father, a very concerned father who'll do anything to keep his daughter from making the biggest mistake of her life. And if that means taking her to jail, then that's what I'll do!" Sami persuaded Roman to stand down by telling him, "Dad, I love EJ. And he loves me. And he has changed — and so have I. And we trust each other completely. So, we are going to have a life together, and it's not just going to be good for us, it's gonna be good for our kids, too. And that is what I want. And you know how important it is to me to create this family for my children. So I'm asking you to please let us be happy."

In 2012, Y&R's Tim Reid (Aaron Lustig, pictured with Michelle Stafford as Phyllis Summers and Greg Rikaart as Kevin Fisher) died after over-consuming wine and Viagra on Young and Restless. The character, who had originally been introduced in 1996, had returned to the canvas earlier that year, and was extorting money from Phyllis. He also demanded sex, and downed the fatal combination of drugs and alcohol in preparation for a tryst with her. Kevin helped Phyllis move the body, which was ultimately discovered by Ronan.

In 2024 on General Hospital, a concerned Kevin Collins (Jon Lindstrom) was by the side of his wife, Laura (Genie Francis) as she received devastating news about her daughter, Lulu Spencer, who had been lingering in a coma since 2020. The episode began with Laura discovering that her half brother, Cyrus Renault, had been paying regular visits to Lulu in her hospital room. Dr. Kitsen then delivered the latest information to Laura and Kevin about Lulu's condition, gently letting Laura know that Lulu's liver was compromised and might begin to fail. "Are you telling me that my daughter's going to die?" Laura asked shakily. This was a pivotal beat, as it set in motion that Lulu required a liver transplant. After discovering that she was a match, Sam McCall ultimately agreed to donate part of hers, but after the surgery, she was murdered — by Cyrus!