Soap Opera Writer Margaret DePriest, Who Shaped Daytime TV, Dies at 94

Margaret DePriest, a pioneering head writer for iconic soap operas, has died. She was 94 years old. Her daughter confirmed she passed away from natural causes at her New York home on September 29.

DePriest’s career spanned three decades and shaped the storylines of shows like General Hospital and Days of Our Lives. She was known for creating strong female characters and tackling complex social issues.

A Legacy Forged in Salem and Port Charles

DePriest began as an actress on shows like The Edge of Night. She transitioned to writing and co-created the CBS drama Where the Heart Is in 1969. Her work quickly gained recognition for its depth and strength.

She joined ABC’s General Hospital from 1978 to 1981. Her tenure included the historic wedding of supercouple Luke and Laura. According to The Hollywood Reporter, her daughter noted that executives once praised her for “writing like a man.”

Reinventing Daytime Drama for a New Generation

Her move to Days of Our Lives in the 1980s was transformative. DePriest and her team reinvented the town of Salem. They introduced the Brady family and crafted the gripping “Salem Strangler” storyline.

She later served as head writer for Another World, All My Children, and One Life to Live. Her work earned her five Daytime Emmy nominations for outstanding writing. She was exacting and unafraid to challenge network executives.

Margaret DePriest’s influence defined a golden era of daytime television. Her pioneering vision as a soap opera writer created some of the medium’s most unforgettable moments and characters, leaving a permanent mark on popular culture.

Thought you’d like to know-

Which soap operas did Margaret DePriest write for?

She was a head writer for many major shows. Her credits include *General Hospital*, *Days of Our Lives*, *All My Children*, *Another World*, and *One Life to Live*.

Was Margaret DePriest ever nominated for a Daytime Emmy?

Yes, she received five Daytime Emmy nominations for her writing. These were for her work on *General Hospital*, *Days of Our Lives*, *All My Children*, and *One Life to Live*.

What were some of her most famous storylines?

She helped write the iconic Luke and Laura wedding on *General Hospital*. On *Days of Our Lives*, she co-created the “Salem Strangler” plot and introduced the Brady family.

Did she have a career before writing for soaps?

Yes, she was an accomplished actress first. She originated the role of Abby on *The Edge of Night* and won an Obie Award for her off-Broadway work.

Why is she considered a pioneering figure?

She was a female head writer in a male-dominated field. Her daughter stated she favored strong female leads and layered stories that tackled social change and class.