written by & layout by Amanda Vontobel
I sit here after watching the first episode of As The World Turns to air after Helen Wagner’s passing. The first episode she will never get to see. Helen passed away on May 1, 2010 at the age of 91. She played the role of Nancy Hughes since day one, April 2, 1956. And she spoke the very first words, “Good morning, dear.”, to ever be spoken on the show. Fans had hoped she’d speak the last words, as the show had been canceled by CBS, last air day is September 18, 2010. The show finishes filming at the end of June. I have to hope the show will feature her in a respectful and fitting fashion for the last broadcast.
I know this a different type of blog for Something To Say. But, I think any tribute to this woman and her career is a good thing. And she touched my life. I grew up watching ATWT. And it became “my story”, as my grandma would say. Helen Wagner’s character of Nancy Hughes has been a constant in my life. As has the show, of course. A show that has changed through the years. From the 1950s more “traditional” world to 2010, with now 3 gay characters. One of which is a legacy character. And part of one of the most popular super couples in the show’s history.
I have to share this quote from Colleen Zenk-Pinter, Helen’s fellow cast member and friend. “Much can be and will be said about her passing. Helen was a consummate pro. In 1978, Helen scared the living daylights out of me as a new young actress! My second day on the show, I (Barbara) had to go knocking on her (Nancy’s) door to apologize for all my bad-doings, which I (Colleen) had not acted years before. All she said was, ‘Barbara Ryan’ with perfect diction, and I knew I was in uncharted territory with an actress of supreme discipline and professionalism. Even this spring, when Julianne Moore returned to her roots, Helen was there giving Julie notes on her performance. She was one-of-a-kind. I learned immensely from her. Helen’s humor, her smile, her words of advice, her take-no-prisoner attitude …she was the professional we should all aspire to be. For 54 years, she read every script from front to back and knew more about the storylines and characters than most of the actors who played them. Helen cared. I’m so sorry she will not be with us at the end of our dearly beloved show.”
Helen did care. And her fans cared about her. From former cast member Martha Byrne, “For me, it’s hard to imagine the show ending without her in the final scene. I hope World Turns gives her the tribute she deserves and includes her in some way on that last show.” Martha asked this on Facebook: “How would you honor Helen Wagner on ATWT?” My answer is, the show needs to write in her character’s death, obviously. And I think it would be fitting for the last scene to be of her son Bob, played by Don Hastings since 1960, to say a goodbye to his mother. Perhaps then cut to an old scene of her. And fade to black. This all after a nice long tribute to her.
(2006 Daytime Emmys, ATWT 50th Anniversary tribute)
Helen’s most recent air date was April 5, 2010, the 25th wedding anniversary of her character’s son Bob & his wife Kim, coinciding with the show’s 54th anniversary. Here are some of the scenes.
With her passing just before the show finishes filming, it just makes me think of these lyrics, “restless world, with it’s stops and starts, will do its best to break your heart” (Borrowed Time by Antigone Rising). But, Helen Wagner lived a full & happy life. She will be missed.
