‘One Life to Live’ ends its 43-year run

The soap opera that broke ground on diversity, gay rights, abortion and other social issues has its last day on air on Friday.

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March 2, 1982

Robert S. Woods, right, and Dude Walker are seen during a filming of "One Life to Live" in Washington, D.C.

Vanessa Barnes Hillian / The Washington Post

Michael Zaslow is seen with Robin Strasser, left, and Laura Koffman on “One Life to Live.”

Ann Limongello / ABC

Michael Zaslow, right, with Wortham Krimmer and Robin Strasser on “One Life to Live.”

Ann Limongello / ABC

Van Hughes (Cole) and Susan Batten (Luna) in a scene that airs the week of Jan. 9, 2012, the last week the storied soap opera, which debuted nearly 44 years ago on July 15, 1968, will air.

Lou Rocco / ABC

Hillary B. Smith (Nora) and Robert S. Woods (Bo) in a scene that airs the week of Jan. 9, 2012, the last week the show will air on ABC.

Jeff Neira / ABC

Hope is played by triplets Tess, Madeline and Molly Sullivan on “One Life to Live.” Hope shares a scene here with Kristen Alderson (Starr) that airs the week of Jan. 9, 2012.

Lou Rocco / ABC

Rapper Snoop Dogg, center, appears with actor Robert S. Woods, right, who plays Bo Buchanan, on the set of "One Life to Live," in New York. The rapper, a fan of the daytime television series, made an appearance on the program to promote his latest album.

Steve Fenn / AP

Van Hughes (Cole) and Kristen Alderson (Starr) in a scene that airs the week of Jan. 9, 2012.

Jeff Neira / ABC

Jessica Tuck, top center, (Megan) and Erika Slezak (Viki) in a scene that airs the week of Jan. 9, 2012.

Lou Rocco / ABC

From left to right: Kristen Alderson (Starr), Kassie DePaiva (Blair) and Roger Howarth (Todd) in a scene that airs the week of Jan. 9, 2012.

Jeff Neira / ABC

Erika Slezak (Viki) and Jerry verDorn (Clint) in a scene that airs the week of Jan. 9, 2012.

Lou Rocco / ABC

The final episode of the 43-year-old daytime drama “One Life to Live” will air on Jan. 13, 2012, on ABC. Here, Kim Zimmer, Brian Kerwin and Erika Slezak appear in a scene in 2010.

Bryan Bedder / Getty Images

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