1. Demi Moore
Demi Moore wasn’t always Hollywood’s go-to for romantic thrillers and pottery scenes—she got her start on “General Hospital” as Jackie Templeton, an investigative reporter. Moore’s run on the soap in the early ’80s set her up for the massive stardom that followed with films like “Ghost” and “G.I. Jane”. Playing a tough, no-nonsense reporter gave her a taste of the strong, complex women she’d become famous for portraying. Plus, the soap’s dramatic storylines were great prep for the wild twists of ’90s blockbusters. After leaving “General Hospital,” Moore skyrocketed to fame and became part of the famous Brat Pack. Not bad for someone who started by chasing leads in Port Charles!
2. Margot Robbie
Before Margot Robbie became Harley Quinn and a bona fide A-lister, she was making waves as Donna Freedman on the Australian soap “Neighbours”. Robbie started on the series in 2008, playing a lovable, slightly awkward character who charmed audiences Down Under. The soap world was her launchpad before she headed to Hollywood to star in “The Wolf of Wall Street” alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. She went from a teen soap to sharing scenes with Scorsese’s favorite actor—talk about an upgrade! Margot has openly credited her time on “Neighbours” for teaching her to handle grueling schedules, improvise quickly, and nail emotional scenes on demand. Who knew Ramsay Street could lead straight to the Oscars red carpet?
3. Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore isn’t just an Oscar-winning star—she was also a soap opera darling back in the ’80s. Moore played dual roles (yes, two characters!) as Frannie and Sabrina Hughes on “As the World Turns”, giving soap fans a double dose of drama. She spent years perfecting her craft on the series before transitioning into indie films and, eventually, mainstream hits like “Boogie Nights” and “Still Alice”. Her soap days gave her the emotional chops to pull off those heartbreaking, award-winning roles we now know her for. Moore has joked that playing twins on a soap prepared her for anything Hollywood could throw at her. Moral of the story? Never underestimate a soap actor—they’re basically emotional athletes.
4. Sarah Michelle Gellar
Before she was slaying vampires, Sarah Michelle Gellar was stirring up trouble as Kendall Hart on “All My Children”. Gellar even snagged a Daytime Emmy for her soap role, proving she could handle major drama long before the Hellmouth opened. Kendall was the scheming daughter of soap icon Erica Kane (played by Susan Lucci), so you know she learned from the best. After making waves in Pine Valley, Gellar traded soap villains for supernatural ones when she landed the role of Buffy Summers. The fast-paced world of soap operas likely helped her juggle fight scenes, teen angst, and apocalypses on a weekly basis. Honestly, if you can survive soap family drama, a few vampires are nothing.
5. John Stamos
Long before he was everyone’s favorite cool uncle on “Full House”, John Stamos was a soap opera rebel on “General Hospital”. He played Blackie Parrish, a streetwise teen with a rock-and-roll attitude and a knack for getting into trouble. Blackie even started a band on the show, proving Stamos’ musical talents weren’t just a sitcom gag. His soap role made him a teen heartthrob, leading directly to his casting as Uncle Jesse—the leather-jacketed, Elvis-loving uncle we all adored. And yes, his time as Blackie probably inspired more than one mullet back in the day. Safe to say, daytime TV gave him the tools to become America’s favorite hair icon.
6. Kelly Ripa
Before she was dominating the morning talk show circuit, Kelly Ripa was Haley Vaughan on “All My Children”. Haley was the quintessential bad girl with a heart of gold, rocking a leather jacket and plenty of Pine Valley drama. Ripa’s charm and comedic timing shone even in the soap’s most over-the-top moments, paving the way for her later career. After over a decade on the soap, she smoothly transitioned to “Live! with Regis and Kelly”, proving she could handle unscripted chaos just as easily. Ripa has often credited her soap days for preparing her to think fast on her feet—and to work long hours without losing her sense of humor. Plus, no one rocks a side ponytail quite like 1990s Haley Vaughan.
7. Meg Ryan
Before she became America’s sweetheart in films like “When Harry Met Sally”, Meg Ryan was gracing soap screens as Betsy Stewart on “As the World Turns”. Her time on the soap from 1982 to 1984 gave her a chance to perfect that endearing charm and quick wit. Betsy was the quintessential girl-next-door caught in a love triangle—a role Meg Ryan basically went on to play (with slight variations) for much of the ’90s. Ryan has credited her soap experience with helping her learn how to be “camera-ready” emotionally, which clearly paid off in her legendary rom-com career. Soap fans saw that famous sparkle in her eye way before Tom Hanks did. Honestly, Betsy Stewart could’ve easily starred in “Sleepless in Pine Valley.”
8. Kevin Bacon
Long before dancing through warehouse curfews in “Footloose”, Kevin Bacon was stirring up trouble on “Guiding Light” as Tim Werner. Bacon played the rebellious teen from 1980 to 1981, giving soap fans a taste of his soon-to-be-famous intensity. While Tim wasn’t exactly breaking into dance numbers, he was navigating classic soap tropes like family drama and forbidden romance. Bacon has joked that the soap taught him how to hit emotional highs fast—a handy skill for someone who’d later get cast in thrillers and cult classics. It’s hard to imagine now, but before he was the center of everyone’s “Six Degrees,” he was just another pretty face on daytime TV. And yes, even then, Kevin Bacon had that signature smirk.
9. Marisa Tomei
Before she was stealing scenes as Aunt May or winning an Academy Award for “My Cousin Vinny”, Marisa Tomei was lighting up the set of “As the World Turns”. Tomei played Marcy Thompson, a feisty and ambitious teen who brought a fresh energy to the soap from 1983 to 1985. While her soap character wasn’t exactly delivering courtroom zingers, Marcy had plenty of soap-worthy drama, giving Tomei the chance to sharpen her comedic and dramatic timing. That fast-paced soap grind helped her build the acting stamina needed for a career that would span rom-coms, indie hits, and even the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tomei has often acknowledged that soaps gave her thick skin and invaluable experience navigating high-stress sets. Little did anyone in Oakdale know they were watching a future Oscar winner in action!
10. Robin Wright
Before ruling kingdoms as Claire Underwood on “House of Cards” or stealing hearts as Buttercup in “The Princess Bride”, Robin Wright was making waves on “Santa Barbara”. From 1984 to 1988, she played Kelly Capwell, the beloved heroine of the series, earning several Daytime Emmy nominations along the way. Wright’s role required her to master the art of soap opera tears, longing stares, and plenty of romantic turmoil. That soap training clearly paid off when she transitioned to major film roles and eventually became one of the most commanding presences on television. Wright has often mentioned that soap operas gave her the tools to handle emotionally intense roles under tight schedules. Who knew that behind the Capwell mansion drama was a future Hollywood powerhouse sharpening her skills?
