Top Male Soap Opera Actors of All-Time

Soap Operas are very popular among many people. Women and men off all ages enjoy watching their 'soaps'. Some are watched for decades. Almost as a family tradition. I remember sitting with my grandmother and watching her soaps with her. I still watch some of the same soap operas today. Some I watch with my husband and he is just as into them as I am.

I thought I would compile a list of some of the most talented male soap opera actors through the years.

At the top of my list would be Mr. Eric Braeden who has played Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless since 1980. He is one of the most talented actors in Soap Opera history. He makes you love him even though he is usually the villain in the story line. He has an impressive list of shows and movies under his belt. He has had roles in Titanic, Wonder Woman, Airwolf, Chips. Kojak, Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo, Gun Smoke, Twelve O'Clock High and The Ambulance.

Next on my list would be the handsome and so talented Mr. Robert Newman. He has played Joshua Lewis on the Guiding Light off and on since 1981. He is an amazing actor and the good guy on the show. The one you always want to win. He is the one you are rooting for. He has been in many theatrical productions such as Guys and Dolls, Bye Bye Birdie and The Rainmaker. He has also had stints on General Hospital and Santa Barbara.

While we are at Guiding Light, there is no way we can forget Jordan Clarke who has played Billy Lewis periodically since 1983. His is usually shown as the under dog, battling his alcoholism and his love for a woman who does not feel the same. He is often overlooked and he should have more attention paid to him. Jordan Clark is an amazing actor.

If you watch General Hospital, you know the name that comes to mind. Anthony Geary. He has been on the show off and on since the early eighties as Mr. Luke Spencer. Whether he is the villain at the moment, the hero or somewhere in between you just have to love him. He has been in numerous stage productions and television shows. He has also been in You Can't Hurry Love and It Takes Two. He can also add producing to his resume.

David Canary comes next on my list. He has played Adam Chandler and his twin brother Stuart Chandler since 1983. He is a multi-dimensional actor and has you believing he is both the tyrannical Adam and the sweet simple Stuart. As Adam he is the 'bad guy' who believes that the things he does is all in the name of love for his family. He has been in many television productions. Mr. Canary has been in Broadway productions such as The Fantastiks, Orphans, Blue Moon and The Happiest Girl in The World.

Macdonald Carey is still an integral part of Days of Our Lives, even though he passed away in 1994. You still hear his voice when the show comes on and flashbacks of his portrayal of Tom Horton Sr, a role he originated in 1965 are still shown today.

While we are at Days of Our Lives we can not forget the greatest villain in its history. Joseph Mascalo portraying Stefano DiMera is one of the most evil characters to ever step foot in Salem. He is out to destroy all of the core families in town. His character has been presumed dead many times, and always rises again as the Phoenix. If you were to look at his record of crimes you would find kidnapping, brainwashing, blackmail and conspiracy at the top of the list. Not only is he out to destroy, he has passed on this legacy to his children and then on again to their children. The mayhem will never rest as long as there is a DiMera somewhere in the world.

Another actor no longer with us, but will always be remembered is Benjamin Hendrickson. On As The World Turns, his character Hal Munson was one of a kind. He was the ultimate good guy. He always believed in love and forgiveness. He was unlucky in love but never wanted to give up his search for it. His death left a hole on the show and in many lives.

I have mentioned the good guys and the bad guys, what about the one that makes you laugh? Trent Dawson fits that bill to the T with his performance of Henry Coleman. This funny and talented guy has so many sides to him, if you can stop laughing long enough to appreciate all of them that is. While you are laughing at his antics it is sometimes easy to overlook his crimes. It is hard to believe you can overlook his poisoning someone, his helping a friend escape a psychiatric ward, blackmail, impersonation of a priest, accomplice in a kidnapping, help setting up a fake stalking situation, ransacking some homes, obstruction of justice... the list goes on. His acting abilities are endless. He plays the goofy guy, the one you feel sorry for, the one you want to smack sometimes and the one you just wish would get the girl this time.

These men are all terrific actors. Some you love. Some you hate. Some you love to hate.

They all have one thing in common. The roles they play could never be filled by another. They are all originals and all are extremely talented. I think none of them get or have gotten the credit they deserve. They all get a standing ovation from this soap fan.