Susan Lucci

One of the most durable and popular figures in daytime soap opera history, Susan Lucci reigned as Erica Kane, bitch supreme, on ABC's "All My Children" beginning with the show's premiere in 1970. Lucci's spoiled teenager evolved over time into what TV Guide named "unequivocally the most famous soap opera character in the history of daytime TV." Lucci was among the first daytime stars to achieve crossover popularity, which led to branching out into primetime with guest appearances over the years on "Fantasy Island" (ABC, 1978-1984), "The Fall Guy" (ABC, 1981-86), "Dallas" (CBS, 1978-1991) and "Army Wives" (Lifetime, 2007-13). She became well known as a mainstream TV star with a number of made-for-TV movies, while she launched her own business by selling beauty products on the Home Shopping Network and in infomercials. Lucci's status as the highest paid daytime TV actor earned the actress her share of notoriety, as did her love-hate relationship with the Daytime Emmy Awards. The beloved actress racked up a very public 19 years worth of nominations on her top-rated show before finally taking home an award in 1999. She went on to play Erica Kane for another 12 years before ABC canceled "All My Children" after 41 years on the air. Though upset with the decision, Lucci maintained her hope for the future and set about finding her next iconic role.