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1982: As the World Turns' Bob married Miranda.

1985: Jon Hensley debuted as Holden Sndyer on Atwt.

1999: Jason Cook debuted as Shawn Brady on Days of our Lives.

1999: The Young and the Restless' Nikki battled Diane."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1964: On Peyton Place, Betty (Barbara Parkins) was afraid to tell Rodney (Ryan O'Neal) about her pregnancy out of fear he would believe she was trapping him into a relationship.

1970: Actor Herb Holcombe died at age 65. He played Adam Bilodeau in Dark Shadows.

1979: On As the World Turns, when Lisa Colman (Eileen Fulton...

The cast and crew of the A&E hit series, "The Cleaner," have paid it forward by giving their time and efforts to help others. The season two finale of "The Cleaner" will air Sept. 15th at 10p/9c on A&E. The finale will see William (Benjamin Bratt) help an old friend (Richard Lewis), who chooses heroin and speed over his wife (Annabelle Gurwitch) and two kids, commit to getting clean. Meanwhile Pk (Whoopi Goldberg) attempts to wrangle some of the other addicts William has helped recently for a surprise party in honor of William's ten-year-sober birthday. Guest stars include Gary Cole, Janina Gavankar, Steve Landesberg, Paul Schulze, Jeanette Brox, Michael Beach, Dionysio Basco and Joy Bisco.

"The Cleaner" is coming to an end on Tuesday, September 15 with its second season finale episode called "Trick Candles". A & E has been generous enough to give a five minutes sneak peek to the episode which will feature guest appearances by Richard Lewis, Gary Cole and Whoopi Goldberg.

In his last quest this season, William must help an old friend (Lewis), who chooses heroin and speed over his wife (Annabelle Gurwitch) and two kids, commit to getting clean. Meanwhile Pk (Goldberg) attempts to wrangle some of the other addicts William has helped recently for a surprise party in honor of William's ten-year-sober birthday.

Other guest stars include Janina Gavankar, Steve Landesberg, Paul Schulze, Jeanette Brox, Michael Beach, Dion Basco and Joy Bisco.

Benjamin Bratt who stars as William is one of the honorees of 2009 Alma Awards in the category Actor - Drama. He will have to battle it out with...