List of Ryan's Hope characters

This is a list of characters that appear on the ABC soap opera Ryan's Hope from 1975 to 1989.

A

Sheik Haroun Al Raschid

(Played by Kaleel Sakakeeny, 1981)

Financial backer of archaeological excavations

Gordon Allison 

(Played by Sam Stoneburner, 1981)

Roger Coleridge's stock broker

Amelia 

(Played by Lauren Kristyne, 1981)

Daughter to Rose Pearse Melina, adopted by daughter of Alexei Vartova.

B

Treat Baker 

(Played by Dan Marderosian, 1985–1986)

Detective on the Riverside police force, who became rookie Rick Hyde's first partner.

Sam Banacek 

(Played by Jack Palmer, 1987)

Private Detective Bauer 

(Played by William Gleason, 1981)

HIred by Rae Woodard to find her daughter Kimberly Harris Beaulac and granddaughter Arley Beaulac.

Marguerite Beaulac 

(Played by Gale Sondergaard, 1976; Anne Revere, 1977)

Mother of Dr. Seneca Beaulac.

Nell Beaulac 

(Played by Diana van der Vlis, 1975–1976)

A Riverside Hospital doctor and the estranged wife of Dr. Seneca Beaulac. She dated Dr. Ed Coleridge but eventually reconciled with Seneca. Nell became brain dead after having a brain aneurysm in early 1976. Seneca removed her from life support.

Dr. Seneca Beaulac 

(Played by John Gabriel, 1975–1985, 1988–1989)

A doctor at Riverside Hospital, who was married to Nell Beaulac as the series began. Succeeded Dr. Ed Coleridge as Riverside's chief of surgery upon the latter's death. Married Jillian Coleridge in 1978, at which time she mistakenly believed her son Edmund Strong Coleridge was fathered by him. He then dated Rae Woodard and later married her daughter Kimberly Harris, with whom he had a daughter, Arley Rae Beaulac. Their marriage ended in divorce. He came back to Riverside in early 1988 when a colleague of his needed his assistance with a patient and later romanced wealthy socialite Sherry Rowan (Diana van der Vlis), who bore a resemblance to his first wife, Nell.

Tiger Bennett 

(Played by Duncan Gamble, 1984–1985)

Dr. Evelyn Blair

(Played by Pamela Burrell 1981)

Riverside Hospital doctor

Chessy Blake 

(Played by Susan Scannell, 1985)

An actress hired by Chantal Dubujak to impersonate her son's supposedly dead wife, Gabrielle Dubujak.

Stanley Bosworth 

(Played by Gregory Salata, 1983)

Mitch Bronski 

(Played by James Sloyan, 1982–1983)

Siobhan Ryan Novak's partner on the police force. Died after encountering a prostitute-killing serial killer.

Sal Brooks

(Played by Tony Schultz, 1981)

Joe Novak's henchman. Killed on orders of Alexei Vartova.

Zena Brown 

(Played by Tichina Arnold, 1987–1989)

A homeless teenage girl who becomes Jack Fenelli's foster child. She pursued a musical career.

Diana Buckman

(Played by Liz Kemp, 1981)

Actress on hospital drama The Proud and the Passionate TV show.

Anne Burney 

(Played by Jody Catlin, 1976–1978)

Divorce attorney who represented both Delia Reid Ryan and Jack Fenelli

Orson Burns 

(Played by Nicolas Surovy, 1981; Robert Desiderio, 1981–1982)

Hitman for both Joe Novak and Alexei Vartova.

NIck Bush (Played by Richard Milanesi, 1981)

Alexei Vartova's personal assistant

C

Cyril Campion

(Played by Bill Moor, 1981)

Museum curator.

Diana Buckminster Carter 

(Played by Sally Chamberlin, 1975–1976)

Mother of Dr. Bucky Carter.

Dr. Bucky Carter 

(Played by Justin Deas, 1975–1978)

An intern and resident in Neurology at Riverside Hospital. Nephew of Dr. Nell Beaulac, wife of Seneca. Has romantic feelings for Dr. Faith Coleridge, who only has eyes for Dr. Pat Ryan. Best friend to Pat and heir to a thirty million dollar shoe empire. He is sensitive about his money; a nice young man.

Kenneth Castle 

(Played by Ty McConnell, 1975–1976)

A mentally disturbed intern who develops a fatal obsession for Dr. Faith Coleridge. He stalks her, kidnaps her, and holds her hostage in an old hospital basement lab that he previously turned into his secret Faith shrine.

Claudius Church 

(Played by Charles Cioffi, 1980)

Attorney who defends Jillian Coleridge when she is accused of helping Ken George Jones end his life.

Dr. Adam Cohen 

(Played by Sam Behrens, 1979–1980)

A doctor at Riverside Hospital. Invited to dinner at the home of Nancy Feldman's parents who tried to pair him off with Nancy. Various members of the Ryan clan also tried to push them together, but Nancy only really loved Pat Ryan.

Dr. Ed Coleridge 

(Played by Frank Latimore, 1975–1976)

Veteran doctor at Riverside Hospital and patriarch of the old-money Coleridge clan. Father of Jillian, Faith and Roger. Dies early in the show's run.

Edmund Strong Coleridge 

(Played by Buddy Schultz, 1977–1979)

Infant son of Jill Coleridge, originally thought to be fathered by Seneca Beaulac. The true paternity was revealed in 1978 to be that of Frank Ryan. Was named after his late grandfather, Dr. Edmund Coleridge. At almost age 2, Edmund was killed when faulty electrical wiring in his bedroom caused a fire at the Coleridge Family beach house.

Dr. Faith Coleridge 

(Played by Faith Catlin, 1975–1976; Nancy Barrett, 1976; Catherine Hicks, 1976–1978; Karen Morris-Gowdy, 1978–1983, 1989; Katherine Justice, 2 episodes, 1979)

Daughter of Dr. Ed Coleridge; sister of Jillian and Roger. Started out as an intern in Neurology, and later was a resident in Pediatrics. As played by Faith Catlin, Faith Coleridge was a sulky immature Daddy's Girl who was in love with Pat Ryan. When Dr. Ed Coleridge dies, Faith's psychological problems begin. After Faith underwent intense psychiatric treatment, Nancy Barrett's arrival marked the beginning of a new stronger Faith. With Catherine Hicks, the role was transformed into a self-confident doctor who, nonetheless, still carried an obsession about Pat Ryan. After making plans to wed Faith, Pat jilted Faith by marrying Delia who had seduced him. With Karen Morris-Gowdy in the role, Faith became a darker and more complex character. She married Tom Desmond to help him get citizenship papers, falling in love with him later. When he died, Faith developed a drinking problem, causing problems both professional and personal, and opening the door for Delia's framing Faith for the hit-and-run accident that hospitalized Barry Ryan. She got therapy for that and conquered the problem, but lapsed back now and then. Faith began to obsessively focus her anger for all her problems on her over-achieving sister Jillian, the one Faith believed used and discarded men, and had been put on a pedestal by the Ryans and the rest of the world. To make matters worse, Jillian's often-jilted lover Frank proposed marriage to Faith but jilted Faith when he decided he really wanted Jillian.

Grace Coleridge 

(Played by Caroline Wilde, 1989)

Young daughter of Faith Coleridge, who accompanied her mother in her return to New York during the final 10 episodes of the series. Faith is questioned by Roger as to whom Grace's father is, but she only provides coded hints. In the penultimate moments of the finale, Pat confronts Faith at Ryan's Bar and asks what he has suspected along - if he was Grace's father. Faith cuts Pat off as Maeve Ryan prepared to stage one last sing-along of "Danny Boy", leaving viewers to decide for themselves.

Jillian Coleridge 

(Played by Nancy Addison Altman, 1975–1988, 1989)

Daughter of Dr. Ed Coleridge; sister of Faith and Roger. Began her affair with Frank Ryan while he was still married to Delia. A lawyer who was married to Dr. Seneca Beaulac and later Frank Ryan. She and Frank had a son in 1977, Edmund, who was for almost a year thought to be Seneca's son. She is a strong, imaginative woman who feels impelled to act on moral principles—at some cost to herself. Edmund was killed in an explosion at his mother's beach house during his infancy. Later, Jillian became a second surrogate mother of sorts to her stepson via Frank, John Reid Ryan. She and Frank had a daughter, Mary (named after her late aunt Mary Ryan Fenelli), in December 1987. In January 1988, Jill left for Australia with sister Maggie, after their mother Bess was seriously injured in a car accident out there. Jill returned for the show's final episodes in January 1989, to be with Frank as he began his run for Congress.

Dr. Roger Coleridge 

(Played by Ron Hale, 1975–1989)

Doctor at Riverside Hospital; son of Dr. Ed Coleridge, and brother of Faith and Jillian. a wealthy man who lies, cheats, and blackmails others. Had a drinking and gambling problem, and was beaten up by Nick Szabo's thugs when he failed to repay a gambling debt. Had an affair with Rae Woodard while her husband lay dying in the hospital. He was Delia Reid Ryan's soul mate, and felt he was the only one who truly understood her and loved her for the person she was. Delia had an ongoing love-hate relationship with him. Was married to Delia Reid Ryan, and later Maggie Shelby in 1986. Produced a daughter with Maggie, Olivia, born in May 1987. While away in Australia in 1988, Maggie cheated on Roger, an affair of which Roger found out; he filed for divorce against her long distance. Months later, as the show was ending, Roger found that he and Delia were falling in love all over again. Trusting the "cosmic vibes" that Delia taught him so much about, Roger proposed to her and agreed to help Delia realize her dreams to open up a night club. The two were remarried in the Coleridge brownstone just days before the wedding of Jack Fenelli and Leigh Kirkland.

Olivia Coleridge 

(Played by Kelly & Melissa Nevins, 1987–1988; Jennifer & Katherine Ostroth, 1988–1989)

Infant daughter of Roger Coleridge and Maggie Shelby, born in May 1987. Was taken with mother Maggie and aunt Jill Coleridge to Australia in January 1988, but was brought home by Roger later that year after he visited Maggie and Bess (off screen). From that September until the end of the series, with the Nevins twins having been replaced by the Ostroths, many of the scenes with Olivia began to take on comedic themes inspired by the smash hit Three Men and a Baby. Usually, these involved Roger, Ben Shelley, and Mr. Dowd clashing over parental duty misgivings and shortcomings.

Annie Colleary 

(Played by Pauline Flanagan, 1979-?, 1987)

Maeve Ryan's sister, who lived in Ireland.

Sean Colleary 

(Played by Ralph Williams, 1979)

Father of Maeve Colleary Ryan.

Silvio Conti 

(Played by Cesare Danova, 1988–1989)

An influential mob figure who reveals himself to be Jack Fenelli's actual father.

Evan Cooper 

(Played by Irving Allen Lee, 1985–1989)

Doctor at Riverside Hospital. Friend of Patrick Ryan; Romanced Diana Douglas & Chris Hannold. Appeared at Jack & Leigh's wedding on the final episode.

Matthew Crane 

(Played by Harve Presnell, 1984)

Wealthy businessman who marries Delia Reid Ryan Ryan Coleridge, and takes her away from New York. Matthew dies during their time away, leaving Delia broke upon returning to New York in 1986.

Sam Crowell 

(Played by Dennis Jay Higgins, 1976)

Hires Mary Ryan to work at the TV station. After finding out he was a potential drug dealer, Nick Szabo orders him to leave Riverside.

D

Dr. Concetta D'Angelo Ryan 

(Played by Lois Robbins, 1987–1988, 1989)

Doctor who helped the student reporters at Wellman College investigate the on-campus murder case. After becoming close with John Reid Ryan in the midst of their work on the caper, she fell into bed with him. They ended up having an affair despite John Reid's standing engagement to Lizzie Ransome. Concetta tries to break up her involvement with John Reid, but it is not until a while after Ben Shelley exposes their relationship on John Reid and Lizzie's wedding day that it actually dissolves. Concetta remains on good terms with the Ryans, and then falls for Pat. The two have an affair, but by the time she receives a job offer in California, she is unsure if their relationship has a future. On April 1, 1988, Concetta is proposed to by Pat as she says her goodbyes at the airport. She delays her flight, with her wedding to Pat taking place two weeks later. At the reception at Ryan's, the couple announces they are heading out West together. After their departure, it was revealed by Maeve and others that Concetta and Pat had later gone to Mexico to set up medical practice there. Both Concetta and Pat returned for Jack and Leigh's wedding in January 1989.

Mark D'Angelo 

(Played by Peter Love, 1986–1988)

First of the D'Angelos to appear, beginning in the summer of 1986. A Wellman College student, who becomes friendly with Ryan Fenelli. Mark recruits his sister, Dr. Concetta D'Angelo, in March 1987 as a key resource to the Wellman journalism department in their investigation of the on-campus murder mystery. When Ryan and Rick Hyde divorce, Mark competes with Chaz Saybrook to win the newly single Ryan. Becomes a target of local organized crime, and was killed by the mob in the spring of 1988.

Lily Darnell

(Played by Christine Ebersole, 1980; Kathryn Dowling, 1980)

Flightly free-love advocate shared between Roger Coleridge and Barry Ryan. Lily loved reciting poetry and singing, but did neither very well. Delia Ryan Coleridge was infuriated with Lily's relationship with both Roger and Barry.

Mort Dash 

(Played by John Sudol, 1981)

Kidnapped Siobhan Ryan Novak and stuffed her into the trunk of a car.

Dan Davis 

(Played by George Hearn, 1978; Tom Mason, 1978)

Media reporter. Witness at marriage ceremony of Seneca Beaulac and Jillian Coleridge.

Tom Desmond 

(Played by Thomas MacGreevy, 1977–1979)

Irish immigrant who tried to pursue Mary Ryan and later courted Faith Coleridge. Changed his name from Tom O'Brien when he fled Ireland after the father of his true love Terry blamed Tom for the girl's death. Tom eventually married Faith. Went blind for a time in 1979, with Faith coaching him into functioning well in a blind life. Died after hitting his head in September 1979.

Liam Donahue 

(Played by James Rogan, 1977–1978)

Brother of Tom Desmond's deceased Irish girlfriend. Liam stalked Tom from Ireland and tried to kill him, dying instead himself.

Teresa "Terry" Donahue 

(played by Dianne Thompson, 1979)

Tom Desmond's deceased Irish girlfriend who appears in dream sequences and in hallucinations when Tom becomes ill.

Diana Douglas 

(Played by Tracey Ross, 1986–1987)

Assistant D.A., and originally, girlfriend of Evan Cooper. She and Evan break up, with Diana quickly getting involved with colleague Frank Ryan; their affair dissolves when Frank ultimately returns to his true love, Jill.

Mr. Homer Dowd 

(Played by Keith Charles, 1986–1989)

Butler hired by Maggie Shelby after her marriage to Roger Coleridge. Became Roger's voice of reason in various dilemmas.

Chantal DuBujak 

(Played by Marisa Pavan, 1985) Max DuBujak's Mother

Gabrielle Dubujak 

(Played by Susan Scannell, 1985)

First wife of Max Dubujak. Kept in a sanitarium in France against her will until her escape in 1985.

Jacqueline DuBujak Novak 

(Played by Gerit Quealy, 1983–1985, 1987)

Briefly married to Joe Novak, in between Joe's romances with Siobhan Ryan.

Max DuBujak 

(Played by Daniel Pilon, 1983–1987, 1988)

A crime lord in New York; had a daughter, Jacqueline, who was married to Joe Novak. In 1986, Max's premier organized outfit, Operation Overlord, is on the eye of the authorities. Max marries Siobhan Ryan that summer during her (ultimately brief) divorce from Joe Novak, and almost falls into his trap of crime and deception until Joe, under his alias Erik Brenner, notifies her of the truth. Max's leadership is exposed in early 1987, and during the bust, he is pushed over a balcony into a raging waterfall below, and is presumed dead. In October 1988, Max shows up on the FBI's Most Wanted list, and is very much alive, seeking revenge on his captors, including Joe Novak. Joe and Agent Fenno Moore capture and kill Max, but Max's terror lived on. Posthumously, he killed Joe via a bomb he planted in a music box that belonged to Siobhan and Joe.

F

Monsignor Farrell 

(Played by William Hickey, 1985)

Counseled Johnny in private confessionals during his discovery of Dakota Smith and his threatened marriage to Maeve.

Beryl Feldman 

(Played by Anna Berger, 1979)

Dave Feldman's wife.

Dave Feldman 

(Played by Joseph Leon, 1977–1979; Arthur Hammer, 1979)

Political district leader who helps Frank Ryan get elected.

Nancy Feldman 

(Played by Lisa Sutton, 1978; Megan McCracken, 1978; Nana Visitor, 1978–1979)

Daughter of Dave Feldman. Bob Reid is smitten with Nancy. She moves to Washington, D.C. to work for Frank Ryan. Rae Woodard sees her as a rival. Dr. Pat Ryan and Nancy fall in love, but find opposition from both sets of parents. Nancy is Jewish and Pat is Catholic.

Jack Fenelli 

(Played by Michael Levin, 1975–1989)

A headstrong reporter who married Mary Ryan. Life as an orphan left him defensive and jealous of love; he was determined to have Mary to himself. At first, a bane to the Ryans, but they came around and welcomed him. Father of Ryan Fenelli. Later married Leigh Kirkland 10 years after Mary's death.

Ryan Fenelli 

(Played by Kerry McNamara, 1977–1980; Jenny Rebecca Dweir, 1980–1984; Yasmine Bleeth, 1985–1989)

Daughter of Jack and Mary Fenelli. As played by child actresses McNamara and Dweir, ages according to her on-screen year of birth through the end of 1984. SORASed to age 17 when Bleeth takes over the role. Stories now found an aged Ryan in private school, and eventual romance with Rick Hyde. She and Rick elope in 1986, and endure a rocky marriage thereafter. Joins cousin John Reid Ryan at Wellman College, where both work investigating an on-campus murder mystery for the school's paper. Ryan finds out she is pregnant in the spring of 1987. A few months later, she loses the baby when attacked at the Meredith Drake Chemical Company. Rick leaves her in the wake. After finally agreeing to a divorce, Ryan ricochets between potential loves Chaz Saybrook and Mark D'Angelo. Is hired by her father's boss, Leigh Kirkland (who becomes her stepmom as the series ends), to work in the financial editors' department at the local paper.

Flash 

(Played by Melcourt Poux, 1984–1985)

Flash was one of the young employees at Greenberg's Deli.

Dan Fox 

(Played by Peter Ratray, 1979–1981)

Delia Reid Ryan Coleridge's investment broker. He blackmailed Delia into having an affair with him.

Ethyl Franklin 

(Played by Alaina Reed, 1983)

G

Miriam George

(Played by Rosetta LeNoire, 1977; Frances Foster, 1977–1978; Minnie Gentry, 1979)

Coleridge family nanny who helped raise Jillian, Faith and Roger. Edmund Strong Coleridge's nanny.

Ramona Gonzalez, R.N. 

(Played by Rosalinda Guerra, 1975)

Nurse at Riverside Hospital.

Nurse Grady

(Played by Lenka Peterson 1981)

Riverside Hospital preemie nurse when Arley Rae Beaulac was born.

Antoine Graham

(Played by Antoine Robinson, 1988–1989)

Member of Zena Brown's singing group, cited as a suspect in the attack of Robert Rowan.

Ken Graham 

(Played by Corbin Bernsen, 1983–1985)

Ethel Green 

(Played by Nell Carter, 1978–1979)

Leader of tenant's strike at run-down apartment building owned by Nick Szabo.

Dave Greenberg 

(Played by Scott Holmes, 1984–1985)

Proprietor of Greenberg's Deli; dated Maggie Shelby.

Charlotte Greer 

(Played by Judith Chapman, 1983)

Horace Grimley 

(Played by Richard Woods, 1978–1979)

Investment broker for both Delia Reid Ryan Coleridge and Johnny Ryan.

H

Emily Hall 

(played by Cynthia Dozier, 1987–1988)

Police commissioner who has an affair with Jack Fenelli, while fighting to make Jack a foster father to Zena Brown. Is later pursued by politician Richard Rowan, while still dating Jack, and becomes a suspect in his murder after finding him dead. Rowan's widow, Sherry, gets after Emily for a few months, before confessing to her shooting of Richard. Emily then confesses to killing Richard just seconds before Sherry attempted, and soon after went to prison.

Chris Hannold 

(played by Lydia Hannibal, 1986–1988, 1989)

Girlfriend of Evan Cooper. After she and Evan departed during 1988, both return at the tail end of the series' finale, although neither have lines.

Kimberly Harris 

(played by Kelli Maroney, 1979–1981, 1982–1983)

Daughter of Rae Woodard. An aspiring actress, she is vivacious and worldly. Her personal relationships are also adventuresome, as she falls for the much older Seneca Beaulac and is courted by the doctor. The two are married in 1980, and remain happy; on the side, however, a growing romantic connection brews between Kim and Michael Pavel, Jr. Kim, through Rae, is introduced to Broadway musical producer Silverstein, who casts her in his new play. At that time, Kim finds out she is pregnant, but knows that if such is true, she'd be asked to leave the play. She deceives everyone by claiming a miscarriage. Kim is asked to reduce her role to understudy, when the producers felt another actress was more suited for the part. Kim poisons the replacement actress, who leaves on sickness and gives Kim back her part. In 1982, Kim discovers that socially prominent Hollis Kirkland III is her biological father.

Hartman 

(Played by François Giroday, 1986)

Katherine Hayes (Played by Barbara Chase, 1981)

Young woman with baby Det. Bauer mistakes for Kimberly Harris

Stamford Hutchinson 

(played by DeVeren Bookwalter, 1983–1984)

Bill Hyde 

(played by David Sederholm, 1983–1985)

Detective who was partnered with Siobhan Ryan Novak. Older brother of Rick Hyde.

Rick Hyde 

(played by Grant Show, 1984–1987)

Younger brother of Bill Hyde, who eventually attends private school with a teenage Ryan Fenelli and dates her. Joins the police force after high school and is promoted to detective. Elopes with Ryan in April 1986, against the wishes of Ryan's family. Over a year into the marriage, after many ups and downs, Rick suddenly leaves Ryan after her attacking in the Meredith Drake Company trap, which resulted in the loss of their unborn child. Once away from New York, Rick writes to Ryan, explaining his motives and urging a divorce.

J

Sister Mary Joel 

(played by Sylvia Sidney, 1975–1976; Nancy Coleman, 1976; Natalie Priest, 1976–1978; Jacqueline Brookes, 1982; Rosemary Prinz, 1988–1989)

A local convent nun who advised various members of the community. Upon the character's return to the show in 1988, as played by Rosemary Prinz, Sister Mary Joel is discovered to be the biological mother of Jack Fenelli, a son she had with mob lord Silvio Conti. Her given name, prior to joining the convent, was Angelina.

Ken George Jones

(played by Trent Jones, 1980)

Internationally famous pop star who steals Jillian Coleridge from Frank Ryan. Managed by Barry Ryan. Fatally ill, he ends his own life in the hospital.

K

Yvonne Kaheel

(Played by Patricia Triana, 1981)

Ari's associate

Amanda Kirkland 

(played by Mary Page Keller, 1982–1983; Ariane Munker, 1983)

Catsy Kirkland 

(played by Christine Jones, 1982–1983)

Hollis Kirkland 

(played by Peter Haskell, 1982–1983)

Leigh Kirkland 

(played by Felicity LaFortune, 1983–1985, 1988–1989)

Daughter of Hollis and Catsy Kirkland, sister of Amanda. Successful publisher who strikes up an affair with Jack Fenelli during her original stint on the show. In early 1988, when Jack threatens to walk out on his paper, Leigh shows up as the paper's new owner and convinces him to stay. She promptly hires his daughter Ryan to the financial editors' department to sweeten the deal. Leigh and Jack rekindle their romance, and are engaged in November 1988. The final episode of Ryan's Hope centered around their wedding ceremony, two months later.

Devlin Kowalski 

(played by Leslie Easterbrook, 1985–1987)

L

D.J. LaSalle 

(played by Christian Slater, 1985)

High school friend of Ryan Fenelli and Rick Hyde. A rebel of sorts, D.J. was anti-establishment and also considered himself less likely to succeed in comparison to the diligent Ryan, whom he dated briefly.

Steve Latham 

(played by Franc Luz, 1984)

Pursued and kidnapped Delia during her engagement to Matthew Crane.

Craig Le Winter 

(Played by Paul Carlin, 1981)

Counseled for alcohol addiction by Dr. Faith Coleridge.

Wes Leonard 

(played by David Rasche, 1978–1981)

News reporter rival to Jack Fenelli.

Loraleen Lewis 

(played by Patti Emler, 1985–1986)

Nancy Don Lewis 

(played by Maria Pitillo, 1987–1989)

Former girlfriend of Ben Shelley, who was brought out to New York by Delia to act as a wedge between Ben and Lizzie Ransome. After unsuccessfully trying to win back Ben, Nancy Don has an affair with Chaz Saybrook.

Poppy Lincoln 

(played by Dianne Thompson, 1979)

Tom Desmond's nurse.

Polly Longworth

(played by Molly McGreevey, 1977–1981)

Long-time best friend of Rae Woodard.

M

Kevin MacGuinness 

(played by Malachy McCourt, 1975–1980, 1981–1982, 1983, 1988–1989)

The bartender at Ryan's.

Teddy Malcolm 

(played by David Bailey, 1988–1989)

Head of a local investment firm. Friend of Sherry Rowan, and was Chaz Saybrook's boss.

Malachy Malone 

(played by Regis Philbin, 1987–1988)

Influential politician, recruited by Delia, to back Dakota Smith during his 1987 district leader campaign. After Dakota's dirty deals became a threat to his position, Delia provoked Malachy into romancing her in exchange for replacing Dakota with John Reid as district leader.

Man in the Green Hat

(Played by Harris Laskawy, 1979–1980)

Tiso Novotny's hit man who actually killed Mary Ryan.

Evelyn Marchero 

(Played by Renée Lippin, 1978, 1979)

Hospital records clerk. Roger charms her to get the records of "Mrs. Brown", an alias Delia used when she miscarried Pat Ryan's child before their wedding. She is also the records clerk when Delia poses as Dr. Faith Coleridge to snoop into Dr. Adam Cohen's personnel file.

Dr. Jerry Marcus

(Played by Bryan Clerk, 1981)

Barbara Wilde's doctor

Jumbo Marino 

(played by Fat Thomas, 1975–1981)

Jack Fenelli's father figure from Fenelli's youth in the old neighborhood.

Sgt. McInerny

(Played by Donald Silva, 1981)

Police officer, telephoned Joe Novak to tell him Siobhan had been found in the car trunk.

Martha McKee

(Played by Tovah Feldshuh, 1976; Dorrie Kavanaugh, 1977)

Rival journalist to Jack Fenelli, with whom he has a brief flirtation and interest prior to his wedding to Mary Ryan, and during a 1977 separation from Mary.

Dr. Alex McLean 

(Played by Ed Evanko, 1976–1977)

A widower and old army pal of Jack Fenelli. Became a close friend of the Mary and the Ryans.

Father McShane 

(played by John Perkins, 1975–1989)

Catholic priest who serves as confessor and spiritual guide to many of the Ryans.

Thomas Mendenhall 

(played by Richard Briggs, 1981–1984, 1988–1989)

Butler who worked for Spencer Smith and later the Kirkland family.

Fenno Moore 

(played by Casey Biggs, 1988–1989)

FBI Agent, transferred from Boston, who worked with Joe Novak in tracking down the wanted Max Dubujak. After Max and later Joe were both killed, Fenno was almost sent back to Boston, but fought to stay in New York as he developed feelings for the newly-widowed Siobhan.

Amy Morse

(played by Kaye de Lancey, 1980)

High school girlfriend of Michael Pavel Jr. They had a child together. A mentally unbalanced Amy showed up at the Crystal Palace and asked Michael for help finding a job. He got her a job babysitting Ryan Fenelli, whom Amy confused for the child she and Michael had. Amy kidnapped Ryan and hid her in a storage area of the Crystal Palace. Amy later kidnapped Maeve and tied her up in the storage room. When Amy was out of the room, Maeve talked Ryan into wandering out of the room to find her daddy Jack Fenelli. Ryan surfaced in the main room of the Crystal Palace while Jack and Bob were discussing the hunt for her.

Dr. Clem Moultrie 

(played by Hannibal Penney, Jr., 1975–1978)

In the past, lived with the Coleridge family for a while. A brilliant surgeon and good friend to many in Riverside.

Neil Mulcahy 

(played by Robert Stattel, 1988)

Assisted Maeve in running Ryan's Bar while Johnny recovered from a serious heart attack.

Cicero Murphy

(Played by Morgan Freeman, 1981)

Surveillance expert who helped Jack Fenelli secretly videotape Joe Novak's office.

N

Alicia Nieves 

(Played by Ana Alicia, 1977–1978)

Nurse at Riverside Hospital. Previously worked at a clinic where Delia Ryan Coleridge, under an alias, miscarried Dr. Pat Ryan's child. Dated Bob Reid. Briefly worked as an assistant to Rae Woodard.

Angel Nieves 

(Played by Jose Aleman, 1977–1978)

Alicia's younger brother.

Joe Novak

(Played by Richard Muenz, 1979–1980; Roscoe Born, 1981–1983, 1988; Michael Hennessy, 1983–1984; Walt Willey, 1986–1987)

Tiso Novotny's nephew. Arch nemesis of Jack Fenelli. Marries Siobhan Ryan, over the objections and suspicions of all the Ryans that he is part of Tiso's mobster organization. Disappears for a year after Tiso's death and returns to go into business with Delia Reid Ryan Coleridge as a front for his criminal activities. Blackmails Michael Pavel Jr. into helping him ruin Jack's career. Siobhan has his son, Sean, in 1984, after Joe is presumed dead in a car accident. Under the alias Erik Brenner, Joe goes undercover thereafter to infiltrate Operation Overlord, an organized crime outfit. When he discovers that Max is associated with it, he convinces Siobhan of whom Dubujak really is, and the two team up. In February 1987, Joe and Siobhan capture Overlord's officers, and Max is revealed to be its leader. The latter is supposedly pushed into a raging waterfall at the time of the bust. Fate would have it that, upon Max's return to the canvas in 1988 as a wanted man, Joe would be killed by a bomb planted by Dubjuak in his own home.

Sean Novak 

(Played by Danny Tamberelli, 1986–1987, 1988–1989)

Young son of Siobhan and Joe Novak. After the death of his father in November 1988, Siobhan legally changed his last name to Ryan during the final weeks of the show.

Laslo Novotny 

(Played by Fred Burstein, 1983–1985, 1986-1987)

Cousin of mobster Joe Novak. Fell in love with Siobhan Ryan. Left town with Jacqueline Dubujak in February 1987, after Max supposedly died.

Tiso Novotny 

(Played by David Clarke, 1979–1980)

Joe Novak's mobster uncle. Tiso had Mary Ryan killed, and gifted Delia Ryan Coleridge with money to open her own restaurant.

Lori Nuzzo 

(Played by Ann De Salvo, 1980–1981)

Friend of Rose Pearse. Girlfriend of Sal Brooks.

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Dr. Pagano

(Played by David Faulkner, 1977; Gene Rupert, 1978)

Delia Reid Ryan Coleridge's psychologist.

Anna Pavel

(Played by Joan Loring, 1979–1980)

Mother of Michael Pavel, Jr.

Michael Pavel, Jr. 

(Played by Michael Corbett, 1980–1981)

His father worked for Tiso Novotny at the docks and was killed by Tiso. Michael tried and failed to blow up Tiso's dinner table, leaving him open to later blackmail by Joe Novak. As a teenager, Michael had a daughter with Amy Morse, who later showed up and kidnapped Ryan Fenelli. Dated Rae Woodard's daughter Kimberly Harris, and Rae tried to bribe him to get out of her daughter's life. Rae later hired Michael as a personal assistant and had an affair with him. Michael continued his relationship with Kimberly on the side after Kimberly had married Seneca Beaulac. Michael learned quickly and became a master manipulator for personal and professional gain. Rae fired Michael after she caught on to his continued relationship with Kimberly, but re-hired him after he defended her from staged a fake break-in he arranged at her apartment. Murdered by Sal Brooks.

Leonie Peach 

(Played by Angela Bassett, 1987)

Matt Pearse 

(Played by Tom Aldredge, 1979–1982)

Private detective hired by Jack Fenelli.

Rose Pearse Melina 

(Played by Rose Alaio, 1980–1981)

Daughter of Matt Pearse and love interest of Jack Fenelli.

Henry Popkin 

(Played by Fisher Stevens, 1983)

Mirabelle Posnick 

(Played by Ellen March, 1981)

Jack Fenelli's contact at Woodard Enterprises Newspaper Morgue

Preston Post 

(Played by Lance Henriksen, 1980)

Temperamental star of stage production. Kimberly Harris has a ham delivered to him and signs his co-star's name, so the co-star will be fired and Kimberly gets the role.

Sydney Price 

(Played by Robin Greer, 1983–1985)

Lawrence Prince 

(Played by Stefano LoVerso, 1983–1984)

Ralph Pugh

(Played by John Rothman, 1981)

Joe Novak's lawyer

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Cynthia Ramsey

(Played by Lynnda Ferguson, 1981)

Bartender hired by Joe Novak. Sparked jealousy in Delia.

Harlan Ransome

(Played by Drew Snyder, 1986)

Father of Lizzie Ransome, who was murdered after terrorizing his daughter and the Ryan family.

Lizzie Ransome Ryan

(Played by Catherine Larson, 1986–1989)

Girlfriend, and eventual wife of John Reid Ryan. She and John Reid had their son Owen "Owney" Ryan out of wedlock while both were attending college in the Pacific Northwest. She and John were nearly married in August 1987, but was taken from the wedding by Ben Shelley, who revealed that John had cheated on her with Dr. Concetta D'Angelo. Lizzie then escaped into Ben's arms, and remained with him through the spring of 1988. At that time, she and John Reid became close again. That summer, as Ben was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident and became immobilized, Lizzie and John consummated their relationship and were married. They and Owney moved into their own apartment towards the end of the series.

Bob Reid

(Played by Earl Hindman, 1975–1984, 1988–1989)

Lieutenant on the local Riverside police force and former colleague of Frank. Older brother of Delia Reid Ryan Ryan Coleridge Crane. He is a man with sensible and traditional ideas who never won in love. His ongoing unrequited love for Faith Coleridge left him at odds with anyone who hurt her. Left town in late 1984 when transferred to Sacramento. Returned in December 1988 for the series' final weeks. Bob revealed to everyone that in the interim, he had left law enforcement in Sacramento to join the Alaska Pipeline. Immediately following, he lost much of his funds and set out for a Spartan existence in the mountains. When this didn't work out, he join an excavation crew, sifting for gold. He lamented on how he so desired to find a living that would bring him happiness and wealth, and got his wish in the series finale when he won the lottery.

Delia Reid Ryan Ryan Coleridge Crane

(Played by Ilene Kristen, 1975–1979, 1982–1983, 1986–1989; Robyn Millan, 1979; Randall Edwards, 1979–1982; Robin Mattson, 1984)

One-time wife of both Frank and Pat Ryan (her high school sweetheart), and mother of John Reid Ryan (via Frank, and long lost mother of (Ava Jerome). Sister of Bob Reid. A neurotic and insecure child/woman with a dangerous habit of getting her way. She longs to be part of the Ryan's for the family she never had as a child. Pushed first husband Frank Ryan down a flight of stairs when she discovered his affair with Jillian Coleridge. Attempted jumping off a balcony and was forced into therapy. Tricked Dr. Pat Ryan into marrying her by seducing him and getting pregnant. She miscarried before the wedding, but took herself to a clinic and registered under a fake name, never telling Pat she miscarried. Was also married to Dr. Roger Coleridge, and to businessman Matthew Crane for a time starting in 1984 (she was his widow by the time she returned to the show in 1986). Ultimately became chief comic foil to many, and was RH's most major breakout character. As played by Ilene Kristen, Delia was a baby-doll woman-child who constantly relied on others for her self worth. After Kristen left, Delia became a more confident but ditzy business woman.

Dr. James Ross

(Played by James Congdon, 1978–1981)

Friend of Dr. Seneca Beaulac

Thatcher Ross

(Played by Patrick Horgan, 1978–1979)

Mary Ryan Fenelli's boss.

Georgia Rothschild

(Played by Gloria Cromwell, 1975–1983)

Frank Ryan's office manager.

Jonas Roving

(Played by Michael Wagner, 1981)

Museum curator, and knows Aristotle Benedict White

Richard Rowan

(Played by Lewis Arlt, 1987–1988)

Married politician who makes a play for Emily Hall, who turns him down due to her commitment to Jack Fenelli. Is murdered in his own apartment shortly thereafter, with Emily and his wife Sherry as the key suspects. The investigation, which ran from December 1987 to March 1988, culminated with both women admitting that they had each tried to take Richard's life; it was Emily who had inflicted the fatal gunshot wound, moments before Sherry had tried to bash him to death.

Robert Rowan

(played by Michael Palance, 1988–1989)

Son of Sherry Rowan, who has an affair with Delia and is also used by her as a way to get back at ex-husband Roger. Became manager of a singing group formed by Zena Brown and her friends. Upon finding out about Delia's scheme involving him, Rob kidnaps her. After leaving her alone and returning to New York, he is mysteriously attacked and put into a deep coma. After Roger and Seneca Beaulac successfully operate on his brain, Rob claims that Roger was his attacker, although not everyone buys the story.

Sherry Rowan

(Played by Diana van der Vlis, 1987–1989)

Widow of murdered politician Richard Rowan, who arrived to be at odds with Commissioner Emily Hall, a suspect in Richard's murder. After numerous showdowns with Emily, Sherry forms her own emotional confession of killing her husband, only to have Emily come forward to say that she had shot Richard just moments before Sherry arrived home, and hid. Now in the clear and slowly getting over Richard's death, Sherry becomes friendly with Roger Coleridge, despite his marriage to the absent Maggie. Her son Rob arrives on the scene later that year, and suffers an emotional trauma when he is attacked and sustains serious brain damage after his kidnapping of Delia Reid. Sherry begins to court Seneca Beaulac, who was called back to Riverside to supervise Roger's surgery on Rob. Bringing the series full circle, Seneca remarks on how Sherry has a striking resemblance to his late Nell (played by van der Vlis during RH's first year).

George Russell

(Played by Lee Wallace, 1981)

Television producer of hospital drama The Proud and the Passionate who hired Seneca Beaulac as a script consultant.

Barry Ryan

(Played by Richard Backus, 1980–1981)

Cousin of the main clan. Talent Manager for Ken George Jones and, after the death of Jones, for Kimberly Harris. Married numerous times. Glib liar unfaithful to Delia Coleridge, who got revenge by holding a surprise party for Barry and inviting all his wives. Survived a hit-and-run accident where Delia had been driving. Faith Coleridge, who had passed out from alcohol in the passenger seat, was conveniently moved to the driver's seat by Delia, who let Faith take the blame. Roger Coleridge discovered the truth, and neither Barry nor the police pressed charges against Delia.

Elizabeth Jane "E.J." Ryan

(Played by Maureen Garrett, 1981–1982)

Barry Ryan's sister. She was briefly engaged to Roger Coleridge until it was discovered she was still married to Ox Knowles.

Elizabeth Shrank Ryan

(Played by Pamela Blair, 1980)

Barry Ryan's ex-wife

Francis "Frank" Ryan

(Played by Michael Hawkins, 1975–1976; Andrew Robinson, 1976–1978; Daniel Hugh Kelly, 1978–1981; Geoffrey Pierson, 1983–1985; John Sanderford, 1985–1989)

Son of Johnny and Maeve, brother of Mary, Pat, Siobhan, and Kathleen. Former police officer. A district attorney who is originally married to Delia Reid and later to Jillian Coleridge. His son with Delia, John Reid Ryan, was a newborn when the series began. With Jill, he had a daughter, Mary Ryan, born in 1987. As the series ended, Frank elected to run for Congress.

Johnny Ryan

(Played by Bernard Barrow, 1975–1989)

Patriarch of the Ryan clan. Husband of Maeve Ryan. Father of Frank, Mary, Pat, Siobhan, and Cathleen. Grandfather of Maura "Katie"; Deirdre; Ryan Fenelli and Johnno Ryan. Owner of Ryan's Bar, one of the show's central settings. A traditional Catholic with a big heart and the proverbial Irish wit and temper.

John Reid Ryan

(Played by Jadrien Steele, 1975–1985; Jason Adams, 1986–1989)

Son of Frank Ryan and Delia Reid Ryan Ryan Coleridge Crane, known during childhood as "Little John" Ryan (to differentiate from the senior John "Johnny" Ryan), and later "Johnno" Ryan. He disappeared without explanation at age 10 in 1985, but was re-introduced to the show in August 1986, SORASed to age 19. The grown-up John Reid Ryan (still nicknamed "Johnno" during Adams' first few months in the role) returned with infant son Owney and was then followed by the baby's mother, Lizzie, whom John Reid continued a relationship with. He and Lizzie were engaged in March 1987. Soon after, while investigating a murder for the news at Wellman College, he accidentally falls into bed with Dr. Concetta D'Angelo, and pursues an extra affair. John Reid loses Lizzie at their wedding that summer to Ben Shelley, who exposed John Reid's infidelity. John eventually breaks up with Concetta, fights for sole custody of Owney while later resulted in compromise, and then becomes close with Lizzie again once she and Ben broke up (spring 1988). All the while, John succeeds Dakota Smith as Riverside district leader in March 1988.

Cathleen Ryan Thompson 

(Played by Nancy Reardon, 1976–1980)

Daughter of Johnny & Maeve. Sister of Frank, Mary, Pat and Siobhan. Wife of Art Thompson; mother of Maura "Katie" and Deirdre.

Maeve Colleary Ryan

(Played by Helen Gallagher, 1975–1989)

Matriarch of the Ryan clan. Wife of Johnny Ryan. Mother of Frank, Mary, Pat, Siobhan, and Cathleen. Grandmother of Deirdre; Maura "Katie"; Ryan; and Johnno. Assisted Johnny in running Ryan's Bar. as traditional as her husband, but a bit more tolerant. A kind and strong-hearted woman with a sense of humor, a deep faith, and love for family.

Mary Ryan Fenelli

(Played by Kate Mulgrew, 1975–1978, 1983, 1986, 1989; Mary Carney, 1978; Kathleen Tolan, 1978–1979; Nicolette Goulet, 1979).

Daughter of Maeve and Johnny. Sister of Frank, Pat, Siobhan, and Cathleen. Marries reporter Jack Fenelli in 1977, and has a daughter, Ryan Fenelli, not long after. Mary was killed in December 1979, shot while out on a reporting assignment; sadly, it occurred on the same day her sister Siobhan wed Joe Novak. Mulgrew reprised the role of Mary, appearing as her spirit in 1983 and 1986. At the start of the series' finale on 1/13/89, Mulgrew's voice is heard, speaking to Jack through their 1977 wedding photo on the morning of his re-marriage to Leigh Kirkland.

Mary Ryan (as a child)

(Played by Yvette Deas, 1977)

In 1977, numerous flashbacks were shown depicting Mary's childhood.

Owen "Owney" Ryan

(Played by Jamie O'Neill, 1987–1989)

Young son of John Reid Ryan and Lizzie Ransome Ryan. First appeared as an infant in August 1986, played by various sets of twins; in the fall of 1987, once Owney was over a year old and speaking his first words, Jamie O'Neill played the role full time.

Dr. Patrick Ryan

(Played by Malcolm Groome, 1975–1978, 1983–1988, 1989; John Blazo, 1978–1979; Robert Finoccoli, 1979; Patrick James Clarke, 1982–1983)

Called by his nickname Pat or Paddy; son of Johnny and Maeve Ryan. Brother to Frank, Mary, Siobhan, and Kathleen. Started out as an intern and resident in Neurology. Incurable need from childhood to rescue Delia from any predicament she created. Loved Faith Coleridge and had plans to marry her. Delia seduced Pat into sleeping with her with the sole purpose of getting pregnant so he would marry her. Delia's constant demands as a spouse drove Pat to the brink of insanity, developing a pill habit to keep up with both Delia and the demands of his profession. He's handsome and full of charm — and has a wild side.

Siobhan Ryan Novak

(Played by Sarah Felder, 1978–1980; Ann Gillespie, 1981–1982; Marg Helgenberger, 1982–1986; Carrell Myers, 1986–1987; Barbara Blackburn, 1988–1989)

Daughter of Johnny & Maeve Ryan. Sister to Frank, Mary, Pat and Kathleen. When played by Sarah Felder, Siobhan was the free spirited daughter as well as the black sheep of the family during the early years of the show who always came in second place in the family to Mary. Gifted Johnny with the Irish wolfhound Finn McCool. Maeve and Mary found fault with everything Siobhan attempted to achieve. Once later actresses played Siobhan, the character was changed to a more benign mainstream Ryan daughter who married the wrong man. Married to Joe Novak.

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Chaz Saybrook 

(Played by Brian McGovern, 1987–1989)

Preppy, wealthy Wellman College student, originally from the Midwest. First appears as a reporter for Wellman's paper, and competes with Mark D'Angelo for the romantic attention of Ryan Fenelli as she becomes single again. Through Sherry Rowan, he lands a job with an investment firm headed by Teddy Malcolm. Has an affair with Nancy Don Lewis after her fruitless attempts to snag ex-boyfriend Ben Shelley.

Catie Schall 

(Played by Elaine Bromka, 1987)

Environmental researcher who lured Ryan into her attack at the Meredith Drake Company.

Marian "Schultzie" Schultz 

(Played by Vera Lockwood, 1980–1982)

Personal assistant to Rae Woodard, briefly shared in that capacity with Michael Pavel.

Mrs. Shaw

(Played by Betty Low, 1981)

Babysitter hired by Maeve Ryan.

Ben Shelby (aka Ben Shelley) 

(Played by James Wlcek, 1987–1989)

Son of Bess Shelby, sister of Maggie Shelby. A painter who had disdain for rich people, and often clashed with the Coleridges and Ryans. Entered into a relationship with Lizzie Ransome after he learned about John Reid Ryan's infidelity to her. Former boyfriend of Nancy Don Lewis, whom Delia brought out to New York as a way to break up Ben and Lizzie (so the latter could return to her son).

Bess Shelby 

(Played by Gloria DeHaven, 1983–1987)

Mother of Ben and Maggie Shelby, as well as the mother of Jillian Coleridge.

Maggie Shelby 

(Played by Cali Timmins, 1983–1988, 1989)

Daughter of Bess Shelby, brother of Ben Shelley (Shelby). Married Dr. Roger Coleridge in July 1986, and had a baby daughter, Olivia, the following year. After Bess departed for Australia, Maggie found out about a serious car accident she had there, and departed in January 1988 with sister-in-law Jill Coleridge Ryan to see her. Returned for the show's final episodes in January 1989.

Pru Shephard 

(Played by Traci Lin, 1984–1985)

Betty Sherman 

(Played by Betty Alley, 1985–1986)

Eliot Silverstein 

(Played by Joe Silver, 1980)

Rae Woodard's wealthy, influential friend in the entertainment business, who got her daughter Kimberly her first acting job. There were hints that Silverstein's interest in Kimberly might have been inappropriate, which sent Seneca into a rage.

Howard Slavin

(Played by David Gale, 1981)

Barbara Wilde's attorney

Constance Small, R.N. 

(Played by Ethel Ayler, 1980–1981)

Riverside nurse. Hired by Seneca Beaulac to take care of Arley Rae Beaulac.

Dakota Smith (Ryan) 

(Played by Christopher Durham, 1985–1988)

Illegitimate son of Johnny Ryan, who was the product of an extramarital affair Johnny had in the 1950s. Dakota arrived in 1985, and became a new underdog crusader on the local scene. He eventually became Riverside district leader in 1987, but his constantly volatile relationship with the Ryans undermined it; he left town in September 1988.

Spencer Smith

(Played by Lester Rawlins, 1981)

Museum owner. Hired Jillian Coleridge as his attorney. Friend of Dr. Ed Coleridge, who involves Jillian with archaeologist Aristotle Benedict White. Died of a heart attack before he could reveal to Jillian where he hid the collection of an Egyptian Queen.

Samuel Addison Snow

(Played by John Seitz, 1979)

Political crony of Rae Woodard who made a deal with Rae behind Frank Ryan's back to get him nominated to the Vice Presidency in return for favors. Rae forged Frank's signature to the paperwork and later leaked the papers to the media to extract her jilted lover's revenge on Frank. Frank was forced to resign from office.

Sgt. Jim Speed 

(Played by MacKenzie Allen, 1981–1982)

Police officer who processes Siobhan Ryan Novak's application for the police academy. Friend of Frank Ryan's from his police academy days.

Matthew Strand 

(Played by Steve Fletcher, 1988–1989)

One-time ex of Leigh Kirkland, who fought to get her back when she announced her engagement to Jack Fenelli.

Nick Szabo 

(Played by Michael Fairman, 1975–1976, 1977)

Local shady character, loan shark, slum landlord. Had Dr. Roger Coleridge beaten up for loan debts.

Serena "Reenie" Szabo 

(Played by Julia Barr, 1976)

Daughter of Nick Szabo

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Dr. Gloria Tassky 

(Played by Francine Tacker, 1985)

Pamela Thatcher

(Played by Ellen Barber, 1981)

Younger actress on The Proud and the Passionate TV show

Art Thompson 

(Played by Gregory Abels, 1976)

Husband of Cathleen Ryan Thompson, father of Deirdre and Maura "Katie" Thompson. He sells insurance.

Deirdre Thompson 

(Played by Rachel Robinson, 1976)

Daughter of Cathleen Ryan Thompson and Art Thompson, sister of Maura "Katie".

Katie Thompson 

(Played by Lauren O'Bryan, 1984; Julia Campbell, 1984–1985)

Daughter of Cathleen Ryan Thompson and Art Thompson. Sister of Deirdre. Her real name is Maura, but she prefers to be called Katie.

Daniel Thorne 

(Played by Chip Zien, 1981)

A producer on The Proud and the Passionate TV show

V

Alexei Vartova 

(Played by Dominic Chianese, 1981; Leonardo Cimino, 1982)

Criminal godfather type, rival to Joe Novak. Grandfather to Rose Pearse Melina's daughter Amelia.

Detective Vaughan 

(Played by Mark Werheim, 1987–1988)

Vinnie Vincent 

(Played by Sherman Howard, 1986–1987)

W

Denny Walston 

(Played by Lauren K. Woods, 1985–1986)

Melinda Weaver Ryan 

(Played by Nancy Valen, 1985–1987)

Dated Pat Ryan. Died of a terminal illness (in Pat's arms) in May 1987.

Marshall Westheimer 

(Played by William Kiehl, 1975–1983; Robert Burr, 3 episodes 1977-1979)

Administrator of Riverside Hospital.

Aristotle Benedict White

(Played by Gordon Thomson, 1981–1982)

Archaeologist

Barbara Wilde 

(Played by Judith Barcroft, 1981–1982; Delphi Harrington (1981))

Actress on hospital drama The Proud and the Passionate TV show. Consults with Seneca Beaulac about her character's disease.

Nurse Williams

(Played by Anne Churchill, 1981)

Admitting nurse at Riverside

Jeremy Winthrop

(Played by Herb Anderson, 1984–1985)

Bill Wolfston 

(Played by Seth Allen, 1981; Stephen Vinovich, 1981)

Director on The Proud and the Passionate TV show

Perry Wood

(Played by Frank Biancamano, 1981)

FBI man who works with Jack Fenelli and Joe Novak

Rae Woodard

(Played by Louise Shaffer, 1977–1984, 1989; Judith McGilligan, May 1978)

Widow of William Price Woodard. Took over his publishing empire. Mother of Kimberly Harris, one-time mother-in-law of Seneca Beaulac. Briefly engaged to Frank Ryan and one-time lover of Roger Coleridge.

William Price Woodard 

(Played by Wesley Addy, 1977–1978)

Husband of Rae Woodard. Dies in the hospital and leaves Rae with an empire to run.

External links

• Ryan's Hope (1975) - Full cast and crew