The disease strikes about 5,000 Americans annually -- roughly equal to the number of cases of multiple sclerosis -- and the probable life expectancy is two to five years. He died on December 6, 1998 in New York City, succumbing to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS . Roger was a nasty piece of work: He raped his wife, Holly, and was acquitted of the crime, whereupon, in a delusional state, she shot him. She is. Michael Joel Zaslow (November 1, 1942 December 6, 1998) was an American actor. Joining host Alan Locher for this tribute will be Zaslows daughter, Marika, as well as GL co-stars Maureen Garrett (Holly), Fiona Hutchison (Jenna), Liz Keifer (Blake), Kimberly Simms (Mindy), and Sherry Stringfield (Blake). the Roof" in the early 1970s. This is just amazing news. But Zaslow, who'd sought union arbitration and eventually negotiated a settlement with P&G, had more immediate concerns. In 1998, the couple joined the Greater New York Chapter delegation at National ALS Advocacy Day in Washington, DC to put a face on ALS to elected officials. The Locher Room is hosting a very special tribute to the late Michael Zaslow on Friday, March 19, at 4 p.m. Hufford died from cancer on November 28, 2006.[4][5]. Thanks, Judy. 6 but was the first to be broadcast. Hufford founded ZazAngels, a foundation that seeks to raise funds in order to find a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease. Their daughter, Helena Hufford-Zaslow, died on December 28, 2004, in Connecticut at age 19, only days after completing her first semester at Wellesley College. This is sad news. Susan Hufford seemed like such a strong lady. Daytime Legend Elizabeth Hubbard Dead at 89. Actor Michael Zaslow playing croquet his adopted daughter Marika outside their home in Roxbury, Connecticut. With industry friends, they formed ZazAngels (www.zazangels.com), which operates under the Greater New York Chapter of the ALS Association to find "A Cure by 2000" (Zaslow ignored cautions that his motto might prove unrealistic) and to raise awareness. Find out what's ahead this week on Y&R, Y&R stars help kick off The Price is Right's Pet Adoption Week, Even Moore returns: Shemar Moore back as Y&R's Malcolm this May, Y&R head writer Josh Griffith explains his decision to fire breakdown writers, The Young and the Restless autographed props and costumes up for auction, Why Mishael Morgan's 50th anniversary Y&R return almost didn't happen, Y&R's Eric Braeden unleashes epic Twitter tirade on former castmate Eva Longoria. Tom Pelphrey, a Guiding Light and As the World Turns alum, is a first-time dad, Daytime Emmys set to air this June on CBS, Guiding Light alum Tom Pelphrey and girlfriend Kaley Cuoco expecting first child, Multi-soap vet Robert LuPone loses battle with pancreatic cancer, Rena Sofer: "I'm so proud of the work that we did together", Robert Newman exits Y&R, thanks fans for their love and support, The doctor is in! I we all had known for some time that he was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, aka ALS. Michael Joel Zaslow (1 November 1942 - 6 December 1998; age 56) was the actor who appeared as Darnell in the Star Trek: The Original Series first season episode "The Man Trap", after which he played Jordan in the second season episode "I, Mudd". Michael Zaslow, a soap opera star who won a Daytime Emmy Award for best actor, died Sunday of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a nerve-cell disorder better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ABC announced. Thanks, Judy. Kate is on a boat, chopping off fish heads. Trustee Susan Hufford and the late Emmy award-winning actor Michael. Mike Zaslow passed his teens some while back, but when he exclaims, "I was a teenage rebel!" it seems that he doesn't only mean past . After gasping, Im so relieved, because his daughters wouldnt have to write another consolation note for his dressing-room wall, he thanked his wife, Susan Hufford, whod made all the good things possible in my life since I met her, And I tell you that not only because its true, he hastened to add, but because she told me to tell you, because she said thats what [repeat victors] David Canary (Adam/Stuart, All My Children) and Peter Bergman (Jack, The Young and the Restless) always say.. December 8, 1998 / 1:23 PM / CBS. His character was never killed off on the soap opera, which went through a series of writers over a two-year period, none of whom chose to deal with Renaldi's illness or Zaslow's death. Thanks for the information on the death of Michael's daughter. Yet working was a tonic. In the episode "The Man Trap," the series' September 8, 1966 premiere of Star Trek, he played Crewman Darnell, the first Starship Enterprise crew member to be killed off. March 12, 2021 11:18AM. Peacock renews DAYS, soap will continue through its 60th season, Kristian Alfonso teases "very clever twist" looming in her DAYS return, Miranda Wilson was "thrilled to bits" to be asked to return to Days of our Lives, Lindsay Arnold discusses her decision to step away from role as DAYS' Allie. Michael Zaslow expected to be at the Golden Theatre tonight. Before making a career change, she was an actress in regional theater in addition to her Broadway career. Michael Zaslow was born on November 1, 1942 in Inglewood, California and was an actor and writer, best known for his work in daytime dramas, or soap operas. However, it was for his work as Roger Thorpe on Guiding Light that Zaslow was always best known. Funeral services will be held Friday. It was also for his death that Leonard McCoy almost first uttered his famous phrase, "He's dead, Jim." Though Zaslow acted off-Broadway and on (he and his actress wife met in the original production of "Fiddler on the Roof") and appeared in movies and prime-time series, he'll probably always be remembered as Roger Thorpe, the scourge of fictional Springfield, a role he left and returned to several times over more than two decades. She helped raise more than $1 million to find a cure for the disease. The last thing I had read was that they hadn't ruled out a suicide and then I . "He just knew things weren't coming out right," says his wife, Susan Hufford, now a psychotherapist. Edit. His co-workers, too, faced an adjustment. In 2004, Zaslow and Hufford's daughter Helena died. In 1997, Michael was diagnosed with ALS. Posted Friday, December 01, 2006 11:56:01 AM. He was given leave from the show, after which he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). "It was horrible." "You watched his deterioration, whether you wanted to or not." Zaslow, though, as fierce as he could be, was special. He planned to motor onstage in his bright red scooter and welcome the audience to the benefit he'd helped organize, using a computer voice-synthesizer he'd relied on since amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease) had taken his ability to speak and walk. ET at this YouTube link. His final appearance on One Life to Live was televised December 1. After Michael's death in 1998, Susan continued to play a leading role in advocacy efforts. All Rights Reserved. Thanks for the information on the death of Michael's daughter. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. After Zaslow's death, his widow and their adopted daughters founded ZazAngels to raise funds in order to find a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease. IMDbPro. The actor is best known for playing the complex villain Roger Thorpe on GUIDING LIGHT, though ABC soap fans might remember him as David Renaldi on ONE LIFE TO LIVE. Sadly, in 1997 the actor was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, and passed away in December 1998. Susan Hufford (December 15, 1938 in Lebanon, Ohio - November 28, 2006), was an actress and psychotherapist.. As a member of the ALS Association's national board of trustees and the Greater New York Chapter's board of directors, she was an advocate to raise awareness about ALS and became a major fundraiser for ALS research. Zaslow, friends say, managed to resist despair and inertia in the face of such news. News and More: Return to Soap Central's GL FrontPage. COVID diagnosis sidelines GH's Laura Wright; will Carly be temporarily recast? Hufford also released a book about Zaslow and his fight with ALS, entitled Not That Man Anymore. He was 54. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Suggest an edit or add missing content. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list. Ever since his diagnosis in 1997, Zaslow -- an Emmy winner as the despicable yet dashing villain of "Guiding Light" -- had determinedly exploited his daytime-TV celebrity. (Photo by Suzanne Opton/Getty Images) PURCHASE A LICENSE. Y&R RECAPS: What you missed the Week of April 24, 2023, THE SCOOP! Courtesy: LocherRoom. [3] He was survived by his wife, psychologist/writer Susan Hufford; and two daughters, Helena and Marika. He was married twice, to Joanne Dorian and Susan Hufford, by whom he had two daughters, Helena and Marika. Susan Hufford was a successful author, actress, psychotherapist, wife and mother. (In 2004, Zaslow's character on Guiding Light died off-screen.). He filmed his scenes for "I, Mudd" on Monday 21 August 1967 at Stage 9. In 1997, he began to experience difficulty speaking. warmly remembered for her gracious spirit in volunteering her time to. He died on December 6, 1998 in New York City, succumbing to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a nerve-cell disorder better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Find out what's ahead this week on B&B, Bold Town Road: Lil Nas X makes acting debut on B&B this week, B&B's brand-new Ridge Forrester, Jr., debuts this week, B&B's Diamond White makes history in new Disney/Marvel project, chats Paris' next chapter, Y&R's Courtney Hope gives the scoop on Sally's pregnancy, Studio City, Emmy-winning series from Sean Kanan, snags 13 ISA nominations, Where is Flo? January 25, 1999. See How Your Favorite Soap Stars Celebrated Easter! By Paula Span. His Broadway roles included Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Onward Victoria, and Boccaccio. "Now, it's going to be a public memorial." Ms. Hufford-Zaslow embraced the fight. Who do you think has her? The first victim for whom Dr. McCoy uttered the famous words, "He's dead, Jim". Michael Zaslow. On this somber occasion, perhaps you can cheer yourself up by perusing the below photo gallery of many of the stars of Guiding Light then and now. Caring for an increasingly disabled person drains families both emotionally and financially. (There are conflicting stories as to whether Zaslow was then fired; there was for some time a legal action against Guiding Light and sponsor Procter & Gamble, which was eventually settled.) Recently viewed. The son of lefty parents, politically inclined himself, he'd worked with the Creative Coalition, been a leader in his union, hosted benefits in Washington for Handgun Control Inc. "We're obsessive, proactive people; it's not in our nature to do nothing," Hufford says. Zaslow and sister of Marika. He had a recurring role on the latter series in 1997, during which time he worked with Jude Ciccolella and Keith Szarabajka. His film credits include Seven Minutes in Heaven (1985), Meteor (1979), and You Light Up My Life (1977). (He'd been a spy all along, it seemed, and had faked his demise.) My heart goes out to Marika, who has lost her entire family. Michael Zaslow. He was married twice, to Joanne Dorian and Susan Hufford, by whom he had two daughters, Helena and Marika. More to explore. Actor Michael Zaslow riding bicycles with his adopted daughter Helena outside their home in Roxbury, Connecticut. ET at this YouTube link. This is just so sad. Zalsow received numerous Daytime Emmy nominations for his work on GL, taking home the gold for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1994. He was still the fine actor we'd known for so long." He died on December 6, 1998 in New York City, succumbing to amyotrophic lateral . Catch up With GUIDING LIGHT Star David Andrew Macdonald. The couple married on June 7, 1975, and were married for 23 years. He was married twice, to Joanne Dorian and Susan Hufford, by whom he had two daughters, Helena and Marika. Zaslow was also the godfather of actor Christian Slater. He was always in there fighting. Zaslow also took up the cause of clean water in upstate New York and was so staunchly anti-smoking that we still pity the fool who might elect to light a cigarette around him. THE GUIDING LIGHT. Actor: Guiding Light. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. He was best known for his role as villain Roger Thorpe on CBS's Guiding Light, a role he played from 1971 to 1980 and again from 1989 to 1997, earning multiple nominations and one win at the Daytime Emmy Awards. In 2005 Hufford released an account about Zaslow and his fight with ALS, titled Not That Man Anymore, a book Zaslow himself had begun writing . "They evaporated the minute he came on camera. His real-life problems got incorporated into scripts: When Zaslow fell, David Renaldi got to explain why he had bruises; when a cab company hung up after hearing Zaslow's computerized voice, Renaldi encountered the same frustration. He appeared in the first episode of Star Trek to air, in 1966. He and his wife, Susan, have two adopted Korean daughters. Thomas and Hope Liam and Hope what about both? Cancelled Daytime Drama Had to Endure Salt Being Rubbed in Its Wound: Only the Special Soaps Are Going to Survive Plus, a Photo-Filled Review of the Shows Epic History, Remembering Beloved Soap Opera Actors Who Passed Away in 2022 [PHOTOS], After Disclosing His Cancer Diagnosis, Young & Restless' Eric Braeden Reveals 'What's On My Mind'. As vain as any star, Zaslow hated to be seen in his diminished condition: He was becoming gaunt; his mouth drooped; he sometimes drooled because he couldn't swallow well. Alan Locher will present a tribute to Michael Zaslow (ex-Roger, GUIDING LIGHT) on his YouTube show, The Locher Room. (Reuploaded) This tribute to Michael Zaslow (Roger, Guiding Light) took place at the 1999 Soap Opera Digest Awards where Brynn Thayer and Robin Strasser pres. He wasn't the first actor to play a disabled character on daytime TV, which has a history of incorporating social issues into its plots, or even the first disabled actor to play a disabled character. 2023 SheMedia, LLC. against Lou Gehrig's disease, which took the life of her father. Related news. Ive adored many a soap star in my day, including his longtime leading lady, Maureen Garrett (Holly), who was so down-to-earth that as far as I could tell, gravity had no impact whatsoever on her. Michael Zaslow was an Emmy award winning actor, creating daytime's ultimate villain, Roger Thorpe on Guiding Light and the elusive, romantic composer/conductor David Renaldi on ABC's One Life to Live. Actor: Guiding Light. TV and film icon Dick Van Dyke will make soap opera debut this fall on Days of our Lives, Harmony returns to Genoa City -- Harmony Hamilton, that is, Emma Samms worried her last GH stint was "almost too good," considering stepping away, As the World Turns, The Doctors star Elizabeth Hubbard has died, Y&R's Michael Damian chats Danny's future in Genoa City and a special musical performance for the soap, Helena Cassadine poised to create more trouble on General Hospital. In 2005, Hufford released an account about Zaslow and his fight with ALS, titled Not That Man Anymore, a book Zaslow himself had begun writing prior to his death. Daytime TV is known for generating decades-long audience loyalty. Zaslow filmed his scenes for "The Man Trap" on Tuesday 28 June 1966 and Wednesday 29 June 1966 at Desilu Stage 10. But Lord, was Zaslows passing a loss. Her entire family goneI feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to support Michael, Susan, Marika and Helena at the softball game at Yankee Stadium on Sept 12, 1998. Who knew all this sadness would swallow them less than 8 years after Michael's passing? TV By Day. As a member of the ALS Association's national board of trustees and the Greater New York Chapter's board of directors, she was an advocate to raise awareness about ALS and became a major fundraiser for ALS research. He planned to motor onstage in his bright red scooter and welcome the audience to . GHs Kelly Thiebaud Is Overwhelmed By Her Emmy Nomination. Learn more about contributing; Edit page. Hufford was married to actor Michael Zaslow, whom she met when they both were in the Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof in the early 1970s. I feel awful for Marika. She is. "We were outraged," says Teresa Brown, a fervent fan and an assistant attorney general in West Virginia who helped design a protesting Web page. Dont Miss a Very Special GUIDING LIGHT Watch Party! She wrote over twenty books, appeared on television and performed on Broadway where she met her husband, Michael Zaslow in Fiddler on the Roof. I and a bunch of other daytime-magazine writers were gathered on the set of Guiding Light and ushered into the presence of the veteran actor who brought to volcanic life the one and only Roger Thorpe, a villain so legendary that the CBS soap collected highlights of his misdeeds on a VHS tape that it called The Scandal Years. I agreed, he continued, but Michael He was in a league of his own. Hufford released a book about Zaslow and his fight with ALS, titled Not That Man Anymore. She joined the Greater New York Chapter's Board, serving a Public Policy Chair. Image: CBS/Courtesy of the Everett Collection, Gregorio T. 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One of the show's central villains of the 1970s, his first onscreen "death" was voted the top scene in the show's history when the series celebrated its 50th anniversary. by the passing of Helena Hufford Zaslow, daughter of ALSA National. Movies. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Michael Zaslow, 54, Soap Actor; Publicized Lou Gehrig's Disease", "Wife of GL Star Loses Fight With Cancer", Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_Zaslow&oldid=1140180865, Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series winners, Neurological disease deaths in New York (state), Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from March 2013, All articles needing additional references, Pages using infobox person with multiple spouses, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 21:22.