For decades, the Guiding Light cast graced our screens, becoming a staple in households across America. 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 a host of other compelling characters. The show evolved, storylines twisted and turned, and new faces joined the beloved Guiding Light cast, keeping viewers hooked until its emotional finale in 2009.
Let’s take a nostalgic journey to revisit some of the most memorable members of the Guiding Light cast and discover what they’ve been up to since leaving Springfield.
Kim Zimmer as Reva Shayne
Kim Zimmer, portraying the iconic Reva Shayne, stands out as one of the brightest stars of the Guiding Light cast. She stepped into the role in 1983 and remained a central figure until the series concluded in 2009. Her dedication is evident in her staggering 1,945 episodes, making her the most prolific cast member in the show’s history.
Before her legendary run as Reva Shayne in Guiding Light, Zimmer showcased her talent in the steamy thriller Body Heat (1981) and held a regular role in the television series The Doctors as Nola Aldrich. Even during her time on Guiding Light, Zimmer expanded her soap opera repertoire with recurring roles in Santa Barbara as Jodie Walker and One Life to Live.
In recent years, Zimmer’s acting career remains vibrant. She participated 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 shared her heartwarming experience of working with her son on Bleeding Love with People, emphasizing her pride in 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 Favorite
Beth Chamberlin graced the Guiding Light cast for over 1,590 episodes as the beloved Beth Raines. Prior to landing this defining role, Chamberlin honed her skills with guest appearances in series like Silk Stalkings, Days of Our Lives, and Columbo.
However, it was her enduring portrayal of Beth Raines on Guiding Light from 1989 to 2009 that cemented her fame. Her performance was critically acclaimed, earning her an Emmy Award. Beyond Guiding Light, Chamberlin continued to appear in notable television shows, including Blue Bloods, Law & Order, and House of Cards. More recently, she has been involved in Venice the Series and the Spanish-language series La Reina del Sur (2022-23).
Adding another dimension to her talents, Chamberlin is also a producer and the face of The Kettlebell Way, an exercise DVD series focused on fitness and well-being.
Maureen Garrett as Holly Norris: A Guiding Light Veteran
Maureen Garrett became a part of the Guiding Light cast in 1976, embodying the character Holly Norris for an impressive 1,200 episodes. Alongside her lengthy tenure on Guiding Light, Garrett also held a regular role on another soap opera, Ryan’s Hope, where she played Elizabeth Jane Ryan (1981-2). Her television movie credits include The Audrey Hepburn Story and A Wedding Story: Josh and Reva.
Garrett shares her life with her partner, Janet Morgan, and together they have three sons.
Robert Newman as Joshua Lewis: A Dashing Member of the Guiding Light Cast
Robert Newman, known for his charm, joined the Guiding Light cast in 1980 and remained for over 25 years, captivating audiences in 879 episodes as Joshua Lewis. Prior to becoming a Guiding Light heartthrob, he made a guest appearance on General Hospital.
It was his portrayal of Joshua Lewis that truly launched Newman’s career, earning him two Emmy Awards. During his time on Guiding Light, he also took on other roles, including Kirk Cranston on Santa Barbara, and made guest appearances on shows like Hunter.
After Guiding Light‘s finale in 2009, Newman continued his acting journey, appearing in shows like NCIS before securing regular roles in Venice the Series and The Young and the Restless. His recent projects include guest roles in Law & Order and the 2023 movie Mystic Christmas.
Beth Ehlers as Harley Cooper: A Guiding Light Fan Favorite
Beth Ehlers joined the Guiding Light cast in 1987 as Harley Cooper, becoming a beloved character over her 650+ episodes. Before her soap opera fame, Ehlers appeared in the TV show The Best Times and films like The Hunger and Hiding Out. After departing Guiding Light in 2008, she transitioned to All My Children as Taylor Thompson, followed by a role in the series River Ridge as Coryn Foster. More recently, she lent her voice to the podcast series Forever and a Day as Melanie Walters.
Frank Dicopoulos as Frank Cooper, Jr.: Part of the Guiding Light Family
Like Beth Ehlers, Frank Dicopoulos became a member of the Guiding Light cast in 1987, playing Frank Cooper, Jr. for 568 episodes. Earlier in his career, he made guest appearances on shows like Falcon Crest and Dynasty. However, it was Guiding Light that propelled him into the spotlight.
During his Guiding Light years, Dicopoulos also appeared in the film Surrender and the TV movie Murder in Black and White. After the soap opera concluded, he had a role in the 2016 movie Chuck and then secured a regular part as Andrew Rutledge in the podcast Forever and a Day.
Ron Raines as Alan Spaulding: A Memorable Guiding Light Character
Ron Raines joined Guiding Light in 1986, embodying Alan Spaulding for 556 episodes until the show’s end in 2009. Post-Guiding Light, Raines continued his acting career with roles in One Life to Live, Beacon Hill, and The Blacklist. Most recently, he appeared in a 2022 episode of The Gilded Age.
Michael O’Leary as Dr. Rick Bauer: Guiding Light’s Resident Doctor
Michael O’Leary joined the Guiding Light cast in 1983, portraying Dr. Rick Bauer for 536 episodes. Before Guiding Light, O’Leary had guest roles in CHiPs, Greatest American Hero, and Gimme a Break! He is best remembered for his long-running role as Dr. Rick Bauer in Guiding Light.
While on Guiding Light, he also continued to act in other series, including Law & Order and Doogie Howser M.D. After Guiding Light ended in 2009, O’Leary took 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: Another Guiding Light Heartthrob
Grant Aleksander became part of the Guiding Light cast in 1983, charming audiences as Phillip Spaulding for 532 episodes. In addition to Guiding Light, Aleksander also played Alec McIntyre in All My Children and made guest appearances on shows like Hardcastle and McCormick, The Fall Guy, and Capitol.
Following Guiding Light‘s conclusion in 2009, Aleksander played Adam Clark in the series Tainted Dreams.
Justin Deas as Frank ‘Buzz’ Cooper, Sr.: A Guiding Light Staple
Justin Deas joined the Guiding Light cast in 1992, taking on the role of Frank ‘Buzz’ Cooper, Sr. During his time on the show, he also appeared in films like The Drum Beats Twice, Polycarp, and iMurders.
After Guiding Light ended in 2009, Deas continued to act, appearing in movies such as The Price for Freedom, Cries of the Unborn, and the 2019 film The American Criminal.
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