Happy Birthday to the Incomparable Susan Flannery! (ex-Stephanie, B&B/ex-Laura, Days) (1939)

From her captivating beginnings on “Days of Our Lives” to her unforgettable performances on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” the remarkable journey of Susan Flannery is etched in the annals of soap opera history. This dazzling actress, with an illustrious career spanning several decades, has had a profound impact on soap operas and their fans alike.

Flannery’s soap opera saga began in the late 60s. She embodied the character of Dr. Laura Spencer Horton on “Days of Our Lives” from 1966 to 1975. It was during this period that she crossed paths with writer William J. Bell, a meeting that would later bear fruit when he cast her in “The Bold and the Beautiful” in 1987.

But her talent wasn’t confined to the soap opera world. Flannery also took to the big screen in films like “The Towering Inferno” (1974) and “The Gumball Rally” (1976). Primetime television also witnessed her prowess when she portrayed Leslie Stewart in the fourth season of the iconic series “Dallas” (1980-1981). To top it off, she was part of a star-studded ensemble cast including Kirk Douglas, Joan Collins, and Christopher Plummer in the 1976 NBC miniseries “The Moneychangers.”

However, it was her role as Stephanie Douglas Forrester on “The Bold and the Beautiful” that made Flannery a household name. She joined the show in 1987 and for 25 years, captivated audiences with her stellar performance. Such was her commitment to the show that she also wore the director’s hat, earning herself two nominations for the prestigious Directors Guild of America Award. As one of the original cast members, she saw the soap opera evolve over the decades. The saga came to a tearful end in 2012 when her character, Stephanie Forrester, succumbed to lung cancer.

Flannery’s creative journey didn’t stop there. She made special appearances on ABC’s sitcom “Hope & Faith” in 2004, and on “Good News Week.” She was a guest on a special episode of “Wheel of Fortune” alongside Deidre Hall (Marlena, “Days of Our Lives”) and Peter Bergman (Jack, “The Young and the Restless”) in 2006. To add another feather to her cap, Flannery directed an episode of “Guiding Light” in 2008.

She wasn’t just an actress and director; Flannery was also an advocate for actors’ rights. She took an active role in the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), fighting for cable rights and foreign residuals for actors. Her work has positively affected how soap opera actors, including her co-stars on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” are compensated when their work airs internationally.

In recognition of her tremendous contributions, Flannery was ranked at #1 in the Top 50 Soap Actresses of All Time poll on the internet blog “We Love Soaps” in 2010.

Through every twist and turn of her career, Susan Flannery has proven herself to be a pillar of the soap opera world. Her performances have touched millions of fans, making her an iconic figure in the hearts of soap enthusiasts around the globe. She continues to be remembered and celebrated for her compelling and powerful performances, making her a true legend of the soap opera realm.