The Santa Barbara 40th Anniversary Reunion — See the Pics!

By Chris Eades Updated: August 7, 2024

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On July 30, 1984, NBC premiered its newest daytime drama, Santa Barbara, chronicling the lives of the wealthy Capwell Family and the other families whose lives intertwined with theirs. Before it came to an end in January 1993, the soap racked up 24 Daytime Emmy Awards, including three for Outstanding Drama Series. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, the cast and crew came together with fans for a special reunion held on Aug. 2 at The Colony Theatre in Burbank, CA.

As you can see from the group photo above, the gathering brought together stars like Nancy Lee Grahn (Julia), Lane Davies (Mason), Harley Jane Kozak (Mary), Marcy Walker (Eden), and A Martinez (Cruz). But they weren’t the only ones in attendance to look back fondly on the much-missed series.

Scroll through the gallery below to see some of the other Santa Barbara stars who joined the celebration!

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Judith McConnell stepped into the role of Sophia Capwell just a few months into Santa Barbara's run, so some fans might not remember she was actually a recast!
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After Davies and Terry Lester, Gordon Thompson was the third and final actor to play Mason Capwell. After taking over the role in November 1990, Thompson remained with the soap until its end.
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Louise Sorel made her daytime debut playing the irrepressible Agusta Lockridge and enjoyed three separate runs on the soap before her final exit in 1991.
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During a break from playing heroic Josh Lewis on Guiding Light, Robert Newman stepped into the role of the villainous Kirk Cranston (originally played by Joseph Bottoms) in 1986.
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Michael Brainard brought Ted Capwell back to the soap in 1991 after Todd McKee's 1984-89 run and remained until its final episode.
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John Allen Nelson originated the role of Warren Lockridge back in 1984 and played the character until his 1986 exit.
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Among the numerous roles on soap hopper Vincent Irizarry's resume is a 1987-89 run as Dr. Scott Clark.
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Ava Lazar originated the role of Santana Andrade back when the soap premiered in 1984.
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Gina Gallego was the third actress to play Santana with her run lasting from 1985-87 with another appearance in 1989.
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After playing the villainous Megan Hathaway on Days of Our Lives, Miranda Wilson was cast as psychic Sandra Mills on Santa Barbara. Though not a villain, fans weren't happy with the character as she tried to steal Cruz away from Eden!
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After his popular run as Steve Andropoulos on As the World Turns, Frank Runyeon joined the cast of Santa Barbara to play Michael Donnelly from 1988-91.
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Terri Garber played Suzanne Collier from 1991-92, who became involved with Cruz after Eden's presumed demise.
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Sherilyn Wolter is remembered for playing long-lost Capwell Elena Nikolas, who schemed against supercouple Cruz and Eden until her death.

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