‘Bold’ wins 4 Emmys as soaps become fewer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — “The Bold and the Beautiful” won four trophies — including drama-series honors for the third consecutive year — at the Daytime Emmys, which will have two fewer soap operas to celebrate next year.

The ABC shows “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” are leaving the air after more than 40 years because of declining ratings. Their departures mean just four daytime dramas will remain.

Brittany Allen of “All My Children” earned the show’s final Daytime Emmy on Sunday night, for younger actress in a drama series. She is no longer playing the role of Marisa Chandler.

“My heart breaks for all these people that this is not going to be a part of their lives,” she said backstage. “Having just gone through something like this, I survived. It was scary, but change is a good thing, and it opens the door for new opportunities.”

Bradley Bell, executive producer of “The Bold and the Beautiful,” isn’t ready to write off soaps despite their dwindling ranks and fewer viewers.

“It’s never going to be like it once was,” he said backstage. “There is a future for soaps. It’s going to be cost-cutting and reinventing, but it’s going to be a future and a great future.”

Presenter Debbi Morgan of “All My Children” noted her show’s impending demise, saying, “To all the fans, we move on, but you will forever be missed, and as the song goes, sometimes it’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.”

Former soap star Shemar Moore saluted Susan Lucci, whose Erica Kane character ruled “All My Children” for years. Miss Lucci won a single DaytimeEmmy during her long career as a daytime diva.

“Daytime is just not going to be the same without you,” he said.

Miss Lucci, who presented with Mr. Moore, replied, “Daytime television is alive and well, and look at all the talent in this building.”

The 38th annual ceremony aired live on CBS from the Las Vegas Hilton was a bittersweet affair. Joining the two soaps on their way out are talk show host Regis Philbin, “Today” personality Meredith Vieira, and daytimequeen Oprah Winfrey, who wasn’t present for a tribute to her recently concluded 25 years on the air.

Laura Wright, who plays Carly Corinthos on “General Hospital,” won her first Emmy on her first nomination. She joins Finola Hughes in 1991 as the only stars of the ABC soap to win lead actress honors.

“Hell, yeah!” she said, thrusting the trophy in the air. “This has been 20 years of the best career ever.”

Michael Park, who plays Jack Snyder on CBS‘ “As the World Turns,” earned lead actor honors for the second straight year.

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