Who would have thought that Pope John Paul II would manage to upstage one of the most memorable moments in One Life to Live history?
Back in 1979, during the Pope's historic visit to New York City, coverage of his visit interrupted One Life to Live on our local ABC station in the New York metropolitan area. Unfortunately for me, the interruption occurred just when Viki was to read a letter left by her beloved Joe Riley, who had died. Well, as a devoted fan and Fan Club president, I wasn't about to let that little piece of Llanview history get away!
I wrote to ABC explaining what had happened, and much to my delight, they kindly sent me a copy of Joe's letter.
What makes this document even more special is the acknowledgment at the bottom, which credits the American Broadcasting Company and the late, great Gordon Russell, one of One Life to Live's most gifted writers, in granting permission for its reproduction.
I've treasured this letter all these years, and I'm delighted to share it here. It's a wonderful reminder of a time when, at least in our corner of the television world, even Joe Riley had to take a back seat to the Pope!