For decades, the Cast Of Guiding Light graced our screens, becoming a staple in daytime television. From its humble beginnings in 1952, this iconic soap opera, set in the fictional town of Springfield, captivated audiences with the trials and tribulations of the Bauer family and its expanding circle. Spanning an impressive run until 2009, Guiding Light introduced us to a plethora of memorable characters and storylines that kept viewers hooked.
Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and see what some of our favorite Guiding Light cast members have been up to since the show concluded.
Kim Zimmer as Reva Shayne
Kim Zimmer is undeniably one of the most prominent stars to emerge from the cast of Guiding Light, embodying the unforgettable Reva Shayne. Joining the show in 1983 and remaining until its finale in 2009, Zimmer holds the record for the most episodes, appearing in a staggering 1,945! Her portrayal of Reva became synonymous with Guiding Light itself.
Before her iconic role in the Guiding Light cast, Zimmer had already made her mark with a role in the steamy thriller Body Heat (1981) and as Nola Aldrich in the series The Doctors. Even during her tenure as Reva, Zimmer continued to showcase her versatility, taking on roles in other soap operas like Santa Barbara as Jodie Walker and One Life to Live.
In recent years, Zimmer’s acting career remains vibrant. She appeared in the series Venice the Series (2019) and made a guest appearance in the mini-series This Show Sucks Truth + Consequences (2022). Notably, 2023 saw her share the screen with her son, Jake Weary, in the movie Bleeding Love.
Zimmer expressed her joy to People magazine about collaborating with her son and praised his dedication to his craft. She recounted, “I just remember watching him work with a bunch of these little kids and he was so involved and so good with those kids and stayed in it every take. Those kids were driving you crazy, but you stuck with it!”
Beth Chamberlin as Beth Raines: A Guiding Light Cast Favorite
Beth Chamberlin graced over 1,590 episodes of Guiding Light as Beth Raines, becoming a cherished member of the Guiding Light cast. Prior to this defining role, she honed her skills with guest appearances in series such as Silk Stalkings, Days of our Lives, and Columbo.
However, it was her enduring role in Guiding Light that solidified her fame. From 1989 to the show’s conclusion in 2009, Chamberlin captivated audiences and earned an Emmy Award for her compelling performance. Beyond Guiding Light, she expanded her television credits with guest roles in popular shows including Blue Bloods, Law & Order, and House of Cards. More recently, she revisited the world of Venice the Series and appeared in La Reina del Sur (2022-23).
Adding another dimension to her talents, Chamberlin ventured into fitness, producing and starring in The Kettlebell Way, a series of exercise DVDs.
Maureen Garrett as Holly Norris: A Long-Standing Guiding Light Cast Member
Maureen Garrett joined the cast of Guiding Light in 1976 as Holly Norris, amassing an impressive 1,200 episodes. Her commitment to soap operas extends beyond Guiding Light, as she was also a regular on Ryan’s Hope, portraying Elizabeth Jane Ryan from 1981-2. Garrett also showcased her acting abilities in TV movies like The Audrey Hepburn Story and A Wedding Story: Josh and Reva.
Off-screen, Garrett shares her life with partner Janet Morgan and their three sons.
Robert Newman as Joshua Lewis: A Dashing Figure in the Guiding Light Cast
Robert Newman, known for his dashing persona, became a part of the Guiding Light cast in 1980. He remained with the show for over 25 years, appearing in 879 episodes as the character Joshua Lewis. Earlier in his career, Newman made a guest appearance on General Hospital.
It was his role as Joshua Lewis in Guiding Light that became the cornerstone of his career, earning him two Emmy Awards. While portraying Joshua, Newman also took on other roles, including Kirk Cranston on Santa Barbara, and made guest appearances on shows like Hunter.
After Guiding Light’s conclusion in 2009, Newman continued his acting journey with guest roles in series such as NCIS before securing regular roles in Venice the Series and The Young and the Restless. His more recent credits include guest appearances in Law & Order and a role in the 2023 movie Mystic Christmas.
Beth Ehlers as Harley Cooper: An Energetic Presence in the Guiding Light Cast
Beth Ehlers joined the cast of Guiding Light in 1987, embodying the role of Harley Cooper for over 650 episodes. Prior to Guiding Light, Ehlers appeared in the TV show The Best Times and in films like The Hunger and Hiding Out. After her departure from Guiding Light in 2008, Ehlers transitioned to All My Children, playing Taylor Thompson. She then appeared in the series River Ridge as Coryn Foster. Most recently, she lent her voice to the podcast series Forever and a Day as Melanie Walters.
Frank Dicopoulos as Frank Cooper, Jr.: A Memorable Guiding Light Cast Member
Like Beth Ehlers, Frank Dicopoulos became a part of the Guiding Light cast in 1987. He portrayed Frank Cooper, Jr. for 568 episodes. Before Guiding Light, Dicopoulos had guest roles in shows like Falcon Crest and Dynasty. However, it was Guiding Light that truly brought him into the spotlight.
During his time as Frank Cooper, Jr., he also appeared in the film Surrender and the TV movie Murder in Black and White. Following the end of Guiding Light, he had a role in the 2016 movie Chuck and then secured a regular role as Andrew Rutledge in the podcast Forever and a Day.
Ron Raines as Alan Spaulding: A Notable Figure in the Guiding Light Cast
Ron Raines joined Guiding Light in 1986, portraying Alan Spaulding for 556 episodes until the show’s finale in 2009. Since then, Raines has continued his acting career with roles in One Life to Live, Beacon Hill, and The Blacklist. His most recent appearance was in a 2022 episode of The Gilded Age.
Michael O’Leary as Dr. Rick Bauer: A Familiar Face in the Guiding Light Cast
Michael O’Leary became a member of the cast of Guiding Light in 1983, playing Dr. Rick Bauer for 536 episodes. Prior to Guiding Light, O’Leary had guest appearances in CHiPs, Greatest American Hero, and Gimme a Break! He is best remembered for his role as Dr. Rick Bauer in Guiding Light.
While on Guiding Light, he also continued to act in other shows, including guest appearances in Law & Order and Doogie Howser M.D.. After Guiding Light ended in 2009, O’Leary continued to take on roles in shows like New Amsterdam, FBI, and Venice the Series.
His most recent acting credit is in the 2023 series Terror Lake Drive.
Grant Aleksander as Phillip Spaulding: A Charismatic Member of the Guiding Light Cast
Grant Aleksander joined the Guiding Light cast in 1983, playing the charismatic Phillip Spaulding for 532 episodes. In addition to this role, Aleksander also portrayed Alec McIntyre in All My Children. He also made guest appearances in shows like Hardcastle and McCormick, The Fall Guy, and Capitol.
After Guiding Light concluded in 2009, Aleksander played Adam Clark in the series Tainted Dreams.
Justin Deas as Frank ‘Buzz’ Cooper, Sr.: A Respected Figure in the Guiding Light Cast
Justin Deas joined the Guiding Light cast in 1992 as Frank ‘Buzz’ Cooper, Sr. During his time in this role, he appeared in films including The Drum Beats Twice, Polycarp, and iMurders.
Following the end of Guiding Light in 2009, Deas continued acting, appearing in movies like The Price for Freedom, Cries of the Unborn, and The American Criminal in 2019.
The cast of Guiding Light left an indelible mark on television history. Their portrayals of complex characters and engaging storylines continue to be remembered fondly by fans worldwide. While Guiding Light may have ended its run, the talented individuals who brought Springfield to life have continued to enrich the entertainment world with their ongoing projects.
