Soap opera stars are in a league of their own when it comes to tenure. While most TV roles come and go, actors on America's beloved soaps often dedicate decades – sometimes their entire careers – to a single character, becoming cultural fixtures across generations of viewers.

From the star who graced the hallowed halls of General Hospital f or half a century, to the “Queen of Soaps” who was snubbed for a Daytime Emmy 19 times, here are some of the longest-running actors in daytime TV history, and whether they’re still appearing on screens .

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Both times Helen's character was written out, fans protested

Helen Wagner – As the World Turns

When As the World Turns (1956–2010) first aired, Helen Wagner was there from the opening “Good morning, de

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