Guiding Light, a soap opera that captivated audiences for over five decades, left an indelible mark on television history. Set in the fictional town of Springfield, the show chronicled the lives and loves of the Bauer family and a sprawling ensemble of characters. Since its final episode in 2009, fans have wondered: what are the cast of Guiding Light doing now? Let’s take a look at some of the show’s most beloved stars and where their careers have taken them.
Kim Zimmer as Reva Shayne
Kim Zimmer, arguably the most recognizable face from Guiding Light, portrayed the iconic Reva Shayne in a staggering 1,945 episodes. Before Springfield, Zimmer had roles in Body Heat (1981) and The Doctors. After Guiding Light, she appeared in Santa Barbara and One Life to Live. More recently, Zimmer has been seen in Venice the Series (2019) and the mini-series This Show Sucks Truth + Consequences (2022). In 2023, she shared the screen with her son, Jake Weary, in the movie Bleeding Love. She praised her son’s dedication and talent, noting his wonderful interaction with young actors on set.
Beth Chamberlin as Beth Raines
Beth Chamberlin played Beth Raines for over 1,590 episodes, becoming a fan favorite. Before her long run on Guiding Light (1989-2009), she had guest roles on Silk Stalkings, Days of our Lives, and Columbo. Chamberlin received an Emmy for her portrayal of Beth. Following Guiding Light‘s conclusion, she made appearances in Blue Bloods, Law & Order, House of Cards, Venice the Series, and La Reina del Sur (2022-23). Beyond acting, Chamberlin produces and stars in The Kettlebell Way, an exercise DVD series.
Maureen Garrett as Holly Norris
Maureen Garrett joined Guiding Light as Holly Norris in 1976 and appeared in approximately 1,200 episodes. She was also a regular on Ryan’s Hope (1981-2), playing Elizabeth Jane Ryan. Garrett’s other credits include TV movies like The Audrey Hepburn Story and A Wedding Story: Josh and Reva. Garret lives with her partner, Janet Morgan, and together they have three sons.
Robert Newman as Joshua Lewis
Robert Newman, the charismatic Joshua Lewis, was a Guiding Light staple for over 25 years, appearing in 879 episodes after joining the cast in 1980. His early career included a guest spot on General Hospital. His role on Guiding Light earned him two Emmy awards. During his time on the show, he also played Kirk Cranston on Santa Barbara and had guest roles on shows such as Hunter. After Guiding Light, Newman appeared in NCIS, Venice the Series, and The Young and the Restless. More recently, he had guest roles in Law & Order and the 2023 movie Mystic Christmas.
Beth Ehlers as Harley Cooper
Beth Ehlers became Harley Cooper in 1987, appearing in over 650 episodes of Guiding Light. Before that, she was in The Best Times and had roles in The Hunger and Hiding Out. After leaving Guiding Light in 2008, she joined All My Children as Taylor Thompson. She later appeared in River Ridge as Coryn Foster and, most recently, in the podcast series Forever and a Day as Melanie Walters.
Frank Dicopoulos as Frank Cooper, Jr.
Frank Dicopoulos, like Beth Ehlers, started on Guiding Light in 1987, playing Frank Cooper, Jr. for 568 episodes. Prior to this, he had guest appearances on Falcon Crest and Dynasty, but Guiding Light significantly boosted his profile. While on the show, he appeared in Surrender and Murder in Black and White. Post-Guiding Light, Dicopoulos was in the 2016 movie Chuck and then took on a regular role as Andrew Rutledge in the podcast Forever and a Day.
Ron Raines as Alan Spaulding
Ron Raines played Alan Spaulding from 1986 until Guiding Light‘s conclusion in 2009, totaling 556 episodes. Since then, he has appeared in One Life to Live, Beacon Hill, and The Blacklist. His most recent role was in a 2022 episode of The Gilded Age.
Michael O’Leary as Dr. Rick Bauer
Michael O’Leary joined Guiding Light in 1983 as Dr. Rick Bauer, appearing in 536 episodes. Before Guiding Light, he had guest roles in CHiPs, Greatest American Hero, and Gimme a Break! While playing Dr. Bauer, O’Leary also had guest appearances in Law & Order and Doogie Howser M.D. After the show ended, he had bit parts in shows like New Amsterdam, FBI, and Venice the Series. His most recent credit is in the 2023 series Terror Lake Drive.
Grant Aleksander as Phillip Spaulding
Grant Aleksander portrayed Phillip Spaulding for 532 episodes after joining Guiding Light in 1983. He also played Alec McIntyre in All My Children and had guest appearances in Hardcastle and McCormick, The Fall Guy, and Capitol. After Guiding Light ended, Aleksander played Adam Clark in the series Tainted Dreams.
Justin Deas as Frank ‘Buzz’ Cooper, Sr.
Justin Deas became Frank ‘Buzz’ Cooper, Sr. on Guiding Light in 1992. During his tenure, he appeared in films such as The Drum Beats Twice, Polycarp, and iMurders. After the show’s conclusion in 2009, Deas continued acting in movies including The Price for Freedom, Cries of the Unborn, and The American Criminal (2019).
Guiding Light may be off the air, but its cast members continue to entertain audiences in various roles on screen and beyond. Their talent and dedication have solidified their place in television history, and fans continue to follow their careers with interest.
