Remembering Margaret DePriest: A Deep Dive into Her Storied Soap Opera Legacy

The world of daytime drama lost a true icon recently with the passing of Margaret DePriest. She was an actress, a trailblazing writer, and a creative force who shaped some of TV's most unforgettable stories.

TL;DR

• Legendary actress and writer Margaret DePriest passed away on September 29 at 94 years old.
• She was a five-time Daytime Emmy nominee and a head writer for iconic soaps like General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, and All My Children.
• DePriest was instrumental in crafting major storylines, including the famed Luke and Laura wedding and the creation of the Brady family on Days of Our Lives.

Hey, soap opera fans! Get ready to take a trip down memory lane as we celebrate the incredible life and career of Margaret Depriest, a name you might not instantly recognize but whose work undoubtedly shaped countless hours of your favorite daytime dramas. DePriest, a pioneering writer and talented actress, passed away at the age of 94 on September 29 from natural causes at her Greenwich Village home, her daughter Sara Kimbell confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

Born on April 19, 1931, in Bristow, Oklahoma, Margaret's journey to becoming a titan of television is nothing short of inspiring. Imagine growing up in Depression-era farm life, where even basic literacy was a struggle for your parents (neither of whom learned to read or write!). Yet, Margaret, the fifth of seven children, found her passion and won a drama scholarship to the University of Oklahoma. It's a true testament to her drive and talent that she rose from such humble beginnings to become a celebrated figure in Hollywood.

Before she became a legendary wordsmith, DePriest got her start in front of the camera, gracing both stage and screen. Her early acting credits included a contract role as Abby Cameron #1 on CBS's The Edge of Night from 1965-1966, and she also played social worker Mrs. Berger on NBC's The Doctors. She popped up in guest-starring spots on shows like The Catholic Hour, True Story, and N.Y.P.D. in the late '50s and '60s. Talk about making the rounds!

Beyond television, Margaret was a recognized talent in theater. In 1958, she was a stage manager and actress in an off-Broadway production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible, a play that fittingly revolved around a witch hunt in a town called Salem – a name that would become very familiar to her later career. She truly hit a theatrical high note in 1965, the same year she originated her Edge of Night role, by winning an Obie Award for Best Actress for her performance in The Place for Chance. She also starred alongside Jan Sterling in another off-Broadway drama, Friday Night.

Paving the Way: Margaret DePriest's Bold Transition into Writing Leadership

While her acting career was certainly notable, it was Margaret's move into writing that truly cemented her legacy. In the mid-1960s, she segued to co-writer on The Edge of Night with her mentor, Lou Scofield. This was just the beginning of her breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

In 1969, she co-created and served as co-head writer for CBS Daytime’s Where the Heart Is. This show delved into the complex, often messy lives of the Hathaway family in the fictional town of Northcross, Connecticut. Here's a little nugget of history for you: her daughter, Sara Kimbell, shared that network executives at the time actually praised Margaret for "writing like a man." While that comment might sound a bit cringe-worthy now, it speaks volumes about her skill and ability to craft compelling narratives that commanded respect in an era when female head writers were still a rarity.

After four years with Where the Heart Is, DePriest took on the head writer role for CBS's Love of Life in 1975, followed by The Doctors in 1976. This period marked her full transition from actress to a powerful creative force behind the scenes, a journey that would profoundly impact the entire landscape of daytime television.

Crafting Iconic Moments: From Luke and Laura's Wedding to The Salem Strangler

Margaret DePriest's influence on some of the biggest soap operas is undeniable. From 1978 to 1981, she worked as an assistant to the producer and a writer/head writer on ABC’s General Hospital. During her time there, she was instrumental in shaping the epic storyline that led to the legendary wedding of Luke (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis) in Port Charles. Can you believe that November 1981 episode drew an astounding 30 million viewers? It remains the most-watched event in soap opera history – a massive cultural phenomenon thanks, in part, to DePriest's pen!

But she didn't stop there. Moving to NBC’s Days of Our Lives, she spent three seasons (1981-1984/85) as an associate head writer and later head writer. Working alongside fellow head writers Pat Falken Smith and Sheri Anderson, DePriest helped completely revitalize the fictional town of Salem. They gave it a riverfront, hilltop mansions, new restaurants, and introduced the beloved, blue-collar Brady family, who quickly became a cornerstone of the show.

And if you remember the terrifying "Salem Strangler" storyline, you have Margaret DePriest to thank (or blame for those sleepless nights!). She crafted that riveting arc and also contributed to another iconic daytime supercouple wedding: Bo and Hope (Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso) in 1985. Her ability to balance grand romance with gripping suspense was truly unmatched.

A Prolific Pen: More Legendary Daytime Dramas Shaped by Her Vision

Margaret DePriest's career was incredibly prolific, spanning decades and leaving its mark on numerous beloved shows. After her time with Days of Our Lives, she continued to be a driving force behind the scenes:

• Another World (NBC): Head writer from 1986-1988, and then again from 1996-1997.
• All My Children (ABC): Head writer from 1989-1990.
• One Life to Live (ABC): Head writer from 1990-1991.
• Sunset Beach (NBC): Head writer from 1998-1999, a role her daughter notes she loved, especially working for Aaron Spelling.

Her consistent work across so many different fictional worlds shows her incredible versatility and deep understanding of what made these dramas tick. She wasn't just writing stories; she was building worlds and creating characters that resonated deeply with millions of viewers every single day.

Recognitions and Enduring Principles: The Legacy of Margaret DePriest

It's no surprise that Margaret's immense talent earned her significant recognition from her peers. She received five Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Best Writing throughout her career:

• 1981 for General Hospital
• 1984 and 1985 for Days of Our Lives
• 1990 for All My Children
• 1992 for One Life to Live

She also earned a Writers Guild of America (WGA) Award nomination for Best Writing for Another World in 1998. These nominations underscore her consistent excellence and the high regard in which her writing was held.

"My mom began every morning with The New York Times crossword — in pen. She was a lifelong, voracious reader; a lover of poetry (especially Seamus Heaney) and literature; and a lifelong seeker of knowledge. She read the Bible and the Quran not for faith, but as literature. She loved architecture, art, history, flowers — she had a great green thumb — antiques and beauty in all forms."

— Sara Kimbell, Margaret DePriest's Daughter

Her daughter, Sara Kimbell, offered a beautiful glimpse into Margaret's character and her guiding principles, noting that she was "exacting and unafraid to challenge executives." This fearlessness likely contributed to her ability to push boundaries and craft impactful stories. Sara also shared that Margaret "favored strong female leads and layered storylines that tackled social change, class and identity," which truly speaks to the depth and progressive nature of her work.

Beyond her professional achievements, Margaret lived a rich personal life. She was married to writer Paul Price, who passed away in 2012. (Both her marriages, including an earlier one to actor-singer Glenn Kezer, ended in divorce.) She is survived by her daughter Sara Kimbell, son Jake, son-in-law Wayne, and grandchildren Eli and Chaya. Her daughter's memories paint a picture of a woman with a keen intellect and a deep appreciation for culture and beauty, from tackling the New York Times crossword in pen every morning to cultivating her green thumb.

Margaret DePriest truly leaves behind an enduring creative legacy. Through decades of dedicated storytelling, she didn't just write scripts; she shaped the emotional heart of daytime dramas, influencing countless characters and narratives that still resonate with fans today. She was a powerhouse, a pioneer, and an artist who left an indelible mark on television history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Margaret DePriest's Work

Which major soap operas did Margaret DePriest write for? Margaret DePriest served as a head writer for many iconic daytime dramas, including General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, All My Children, Another World, One Life to Live, and Sunset Beach. What were some of her most notable contributions to soap opera storylines? She played a key role in crafting the famous Luke and Laura wedding storyline on General Hospital and was instrumental in reinventing Salem and introducing the Brady family on Days of Our Lives, as well as developing the "Salem Strangler" plot. Did Margaret DePriest also act? Yes! Before becoming a full-time writer, Margaret DePriest had an acting career, appearing as Abby Cameron #1 on The Edge of Night and Mrs. Berger on The Doctors. She also won an Obie Award for Best Actress in 1965. How was Margaret DePriest recognized for her writing? She received five Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Writing and a Writers Guild of America (WGA) Award nomination for her contributions to daytime television. Sources

• Deadline Film + TV
• The Hollywood Reporter
• Enstarz