As the World Turns Legend Helen Wagner Dies

Soap opera star and Guinness Book of World Records holder passes away at 91

By Breanne L. Heldman May 03, 2010 2:58 PMTags

As the World Turns may stop rotating in September, but the life of one of its longest-running veterans has ended a bit sooner.

Helen Wagner, who spoke the CBS soap opera's first-ever line of dialogue—"Good morning, dear"—when it debuted on April 2, 1956, died Saturday at age 91. No further details have been given.

The Texas native landed in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing the same character, Nancy Hughes, for 54 years, the longest of any actor. In 2004, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

"All of us at As the World Turns are deeply saddened by Helen's passing," executive producer Christopher Goutman said in a statement to CBS News. "She is loved by generations of fans, and while we will miss her greatly, Helen will always remain the heart and soul of As the World Turns."

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We're always sad to have to add to our Fallen Stars gallery.