Yesterday, news broke of creator Agnes Nixon’s passing. In remembrance, we are exploring the legacy she left behind on one of her favorite creations, All My Children.
All My Children began its run on January 5, 1970. Nixon built the show with the aim of showing its characters’ humanity. Throughout its run from 1970-2011 on ABC and on Hulu in 2013, it continued to distinguish itself from all other soap operas because of its continual representation of socially relevant and conscious issues within its storylines, breaking ground on daytime television and television as a whole.
Let’s look back on some of the pivotal moments in All My Children‘s history.
Single Parenting – 1970
Not seen often on daytime television at the time, Mona Kane was working as a secretary for Dr. Charles Tyler, raising her only daughter, Erica. Stubborn and selfish, Erica didn’t make life easy for Mona. Despite it all, she was always there to guide her on the right path and became a staple for fans
Anti-War Sentiment – 1972
Before All My Children, no daytime soap discussed the Vietnam War. A big storyline came when writers pitted Phoebe, the conservative rich matriarch of the Tyler clan, against her daughter, Amy’s liberal beliefs that the war was wrong.
Additionally, when her son Phillip, goes missing in action, Ruth Martin gives a stunning speech winning her portrayer, Mary Fickett, the first Emmy award given to a soap opera performer in 1972.
Abortion – 1973
Nixon and All My Children made history when the show featured the first character to have a legal abortion on television soon after Roe v. Wade was passed. Erica Kane, then married to Dr. Jeff Martin, did not want to end her modeling career and chose to abort the child secretly without Jeff’s consent. Her secret didn’t last too long. She soon contracted an infection from it and the word spread around town.
Teenage Prostitution – 1976
Donna Beck was introduced as Dr. Chuck Tyler’s first patient. A high school dropout turned prostitute, Chuck dedicated himself to helping her make a better life for herself. Soon enough, she would become Mrs. Tyler.
Mental Retardation – 1976
When Paul and Anne Martin were expecting a child, she became ill. It was then discovered that the child might be born with mental challenges. Vowing that she would not have an abortion, Anne continued her pregnancy. Sadly, the baby would die a year later from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Pregnancy after 40 – 1979
Soon after Ruth Brent and Dr. Joe Martin married, she became pregnant. Ruth was over 40 and the show highlighted the risks that come with having a baby after 40 and the possibility of the child being born with health issues. Through an innovative procedure at the time called amniocentesis, Ruth and Joe welcomed a healthy baby boy on Christmas Day.
Domestic Violence – 1981
This storyline spotlighted spousal abuse when Leora Sanders sought help from her friend, Dr. Joe Martin. Her husband, Curt, was physically and emotionally abusing her.
Drug Addiction – 1987
Mark Dalton, Erica’s half-brother, began abusing cocaine. A pivotal part of this storyline was when Erica wanting to help Mark plans an intervention by family and friends. Mark soon enough checked into a rehabilitation center. Many years later, Erica faced her own addiction to painkillers.
AIDS – 1987
Soon after falling in love with Stuart Chandler, Cindy Parker was diagnosed with AIDS. Cindy had contracted the disease from her former drug-addicted husband. This storyline was instrumental in educating the public about how the disease was spread and prevention. It even focused on the violence many victims of the disease had to endure at the time because of ignorance.
Drunk Driving – 1988
A heartbreaking storyline came when Tom Cudahy and Brooke English’s six-year-old daughter, Laura, was killed by a drunk driver after running into the street.
Autism – 1993
Lily Montgomery, the biological daughter of Laurel Branning and adoptive daughter of Jackson Montgomery, was autistic.
Anorexia – 1997
After the death of her beloved grandmother, Mona Kane, and her mother kidnapping Maddie Grey, Bianca began suffering from anorexia nervosa. Her condition worsened and after a long hospitalization, she was sent to a center to get the help she needed.
Homosexuality – 1983 and 2000
Daytime television’s first admitted lesbian character was Dr. Lynn Carson. Devon McFadden began a friendship with Lynn and soon enough formed feelings for her.
In 2000, after returning home, Bianca Montgomery revealed to her mother, Erica Kane, that she is a lesbian. Erica was not supportive and unwilling to accept her daughter. Eventually, she gave Bianca her support. Bianca went on to have several relationships on air culminating in a marriage to Reese Williams. The show even made history when they televised the first lesbian kiss in 2003.
Transsexuality – 2006
All My Children introduced the first transgender character to appear on a soap opera. Zarf, a male rock star, befriend Bianca Montgomery and soon fell in love with her. Soon after, he revealed that he would be making the transition to a female named Zoe.
