1. Eileen Davidson Ashley, Y&R Some people say that things are better when they are experienced the second or third time around, but in the case of Eileen Davidson, every time we see her again is a breathtaking experience with the irrepressible star. A combustible mix of sex and brains, Davidson’s arrival in Genoa City back in the mid-1980s propelled just as many men to wag their tongues as she did declarations from working women who deemed Ashley their newest champion. Now happily married to Port Charles’ Jon Lindstrom (Kevin), Davidson radiates ever more! The duo’s ceaseless efforts in the name of environmental protection and children’s welfare have been vocal, which proves that not only does Davidson posses beauty on the outside but also from the inside.
	2. Alison Sweeney Sami, DAYS It feels so good to be so bad. Just ask Alison Sweeney. The verdict on her alter ego Sami has led to more stalemates than the once indomitable Cold War! Through it all, however, Sweeney emerges the consummate professional; viewers (usually devout Sami bashers) have sometimes confused reality with fiction, forcing Sweeney’s Sami to often land on daytime’s “Most Wanted” list, but the actress herself has always held her head high about the criticisms. Once a girl in the midst of puberty, Sweeney has blossomed into a woman of stature and grace. As it were, Sweeney is the genre’s best success story; the golden-haired stunner is direct and bedazzling without alienating her co-stars in scenes. She’s an ethereal beauty with the goods.
	3. Catherine Hickland Lindsay, OLTL Who would have known that when Lindsay arrived in Llanview, the lives of many people would be turned upside down? When Catherine Hickland brought her immense talent to OLTL, she suddenly found herself in storylines that connected her to most of Llanview’s residents. Hickland took the challenge and made Lindsay a force to be reckoned with. It doesn’t matter whether Lindsay’s bad or good, you still root for her. As talented as she is beautiful, Hickland’s like a shining star: She wonderfully lights up the screen whenever she’s on. It would be truly difficult to imagine Llanview without the likes of Lindsay.
	4. Annie Parisse Julia, ATWT Daytime’s best-kept secret? It wasn’t who killed Oakdale’s Alec. No, the best-kept secret is Annie Parisse! Who knew that the one off-standish Julia could actually make us laugh with her obsessive rants and sarcastic one-liners? The credit falls to Parisse. Parlaying into her comedic talents while maintaining her strengths as a leading lady, the actress’ raven-spiraled locks, exotic brown eyes and Snow White-colored skin make for an irresistible package; Parisse banged critics over the head and reminded them just how idiotic they were to ignore her for so long prior. More congenial and knowledgeable than most others, Parisse is an innovator – one who deserves our cheers and respect!
	5. Juliet Mills Tabitha, PASSIONS Never one to back away from the challenge, veteran Juliet Mills once again preceded her reputation by accepting the role of the controversial Tabitha. Not only did Mills concoct a potion of enjoyable unpredictability and unmarketable utopia in her portrayal of Harmony’s clairvoyant spin doctor, but she did so with such ease that we can’t help but wonder if there wasn’t some hocus pocus used during the actress’ preparatory period for Tabitha. Many have already touted this underdog as the one to walk away with a gold statuette come Emmy time… and we at Soap Opera Update won’t disagree.
	6. Rebecca Herbst Elizabeth, GH It’s almost impossible to describe in a little under 200 words what it is about Rebecca Herbst that allows her to transcend so many labels – she registers as your best friend, your sister and your soulmate all in one thought process. While it’s difficult to put a stamp on why we love Herbst, it’s easy to describe her persona: as sweet as maple syrup and as sincere as a child. A 1990s Sally Field, Herbst won viewers’ approval with her heart-wrenching portrayal of a rape victim. Astute, vulnerable and intuitive, she quickly absorbed the talents of her magnanimous colleagues – Emmy winners Anthony Geary (Luke) and Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky) – while developing gifts of her own that would deem her a true original and our favorite face of innocence.
	7. Katherine Kelly Lang Brooke B&B It is not just her beauty that makes Katherine Kelly Lang so unforgettable. Although once she casts those hazel eyes in your direction, it is something you will never forget. When she chopped of her California-girl long, blonde hair, Lang proved she was every bit as bold as she was beautiful. What really makes Lang a woman for all seasons is her vulnerability; she mixes strength and confidence with a healthy dose of tenderness. When necessary, she roars like a lion protecting her cubs. Other times, she’ll purr like a kitten cuddled up in your lap.
	8. Laura Wright Cassie GL Immediately following the mention of Laura Wright’s name, two visions are imagined. The first – tendrils sifted from the follicles of an over powering mane – engulfs us with a warmth often felt from a mid-afternoon sun. And the second – an enjoyable cacophonous laugh – stirs our inner-child to its zenith. Wright exudes these qualities whenever she is present on stage. To think that we might have been unlucky enough to never see her again after The City’s cancellation. Thanks Guiding Light for recapturing our dream.
	9. Kimberlin Brown Rachel, PC The mystery of Rachel Locke has yet to unfold. However, the key to the success of her portrayer Kimberlin Brown is evident. As The Young & The Restless’ Sheila, Brown gave an Emmy-nominated performance as the psycho baby-snatcher. Later, Brown was tapped by sister soap The Bold & The Beautiful to bring Sheila’s special magic to Los Angeles. It wasn’t a surprise that six months later, B&B hit number two in ratings.
	10. Finola Hughes Alex, AMC While watching Finola Hughes play Alex, one can quickly see why she’s an Emmy Award-winning actress. This talented lady doesn’t need to say a word and you still know what her character is thinking. A special look, her body language, her actions, say it all. Although secrets from Alex’s past have still not been revealed, Hughes is slowly leading the audience to the big payoff. Talent and beauty are a powerful combo… and Hughes has both. General Hospital audiences took her to their hearts. Now All My Children fans are the lucky ones, but how long? It’s possible that Alex is the presumed-dead Anna Devane and does that mean Hughes will be crossing over to GH?