1970s

Aug 15

From Walter:

The Erika Slezak Fan Club Newsletter: The 70s

Welcome to the Newsletter Section

Here, you’ll discover a collection of newsletters that have evolved over more than 40 years—from their earliest typewritten editions to today’s online publications. As you browse through these “old school” issues, you’ll see how our newsletter grew from humble beginnings into a polished and beloved resource for fans.

The 1970s were a time of innocence for both me and One Life to Live, which was still a young show when our fan club began in 1972. As our membership grew, so did the quality and variety of our newsletters. Each issue has always offered something special, but the most valued feature has consistently been updates about Erika and opportunities for members to connect with her.

Before the days of social media, our newsletter was the primary way for fans to interact, share opinions, and stay informed. Regular columns like “Dateline Erika,” where Erika shares her latest news, and “Ask Erika,” where she answers member questions, have become cherished traditions. Annual holiday letters and occasional interviews with cast members and ABC executives add even more depth and variety.

Creating and sharing these newsletters for the past 54 years has truly been a labor of love. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have enjoyed serving as president of this fan club. Your continued enthusiasm and support mean the world to me.

Highlights for the 70s

Erika’s first Off-Broadway show (“The Circle”) where she meets husband-to-be Brian Davies
Two Erika Slezak/Lee Patterson Fan Club Gatherings (1975 and 1978) and two back-to-back One Life to Live gatherings
Erika and other cast members compete on Family Feud game show
Erika’s marriage to Brian Davies
Announcement of Erika and Brian expecting their first children
Walter Slezak appears with Erika on One Life to Live. (An interview with Walter Slezak, at their home, is also featured.)
Other “mini” interviews include: Nat Polen, Kathryn Barsky (writer), Jane Alice Brandon, Lee Patterson, David Snell, Rita Rose (writer), Alice Hirson and Marilyn Chris

Storyline Highlights

Storylines include Marcy Wade gaslighting Viki, Tina Clayton’s introduction, Joe Riley’s death, and Viki meets Clint when the Buchanans come to town
Based on a false assumption by Dorian, Dorian is banned from practicing medicine which sets up what will become a 40 year conflict between Viki and Dorian