Forever Friends And Santa Barbara Fans
Thirty-five years ago this week, NBC’s Santa Barbara made its debut. Over the course of its nine-year, 2,137 episodes run, the offbeat, brilliantly written soap opera garnered critical acclaim and loyal fans around the globe – including me.
Like so many viewers, I was drawn in to the show by one particular storyline – the incredible pairing of star-crossed lovers Cruz (A Martinez) and Eden (Marcy Walker-Smith). During the ‘80s heyday of soaps, as the format churned out plenty of so-called supercouples, Cruz and Eden set the bar for all, capturing hearts with their against-all-odds, romantic and passionate love.
This timelessly magical duo also sparked three of the most cherished, enduring friendships of my life.
I first became pen pals with Kansas native and fellow C&E devotee Lisa in 1986. We clicked even more when we met in person months later. And so cemented a bond that has defied geographical odds to become the sisterhood closest to my heart.
Lisa is everything a best friend should be and more. A trusted advisor, sympathetic ear and the person I think of first whenever something really great (or really terrible) happens. Over the years, we’ve shared everything — celebrity gossip, love life highs and lows, job-related tribulations and triumphs and the seminal loss in each of our lives, that of our respective parents. I am so thankful and blessed to have known Lisa’s extraordinary Mom and Dad. I know she feels the same way about mine.
It was 1991 when I first met Ohio resident and retired teacher Marilyn. We connected through the informal Cruz and Eden fan club I had started. She was in town for an event with A and Marcy that we both attended. Marilyn is an amazing woman — intelligent, kind and joyful. Along with being a wonderful friend, she’s a devoted mother and grandmother with a great sense of fun and true appreciation of life’s pleasures, big and small.
I’ve lost count of how many times during my visits, we’ve curled up on her couch and shared hours of effortless conversation over a cup of tea. The pleasure of her company has comforted me through many a trial and remains one of life’s sweetest joys.
The most unexpected friendship to come from my affection for SB began on a summer day in 1988 at NYC’s legendary Waldorf=Astoria Hotel. It was my first time attending the Daytime Emmys. I was 14 years old.
In the star-studded crowd, I suddenly found myself face to face with Cruz Castillo himself, A. I immediately burst into tears. A pulled me into a comforting hug as Marcy, who also happened to be standing there (!), put her hand gently on my shoulder.
“Are you going to pass out?” she jokingly asked.
I somehow managed not to. But the diehard Cruz and Eden fan in me was beyond starstruck to meet these two beautiful people so instrumental in shaping my perception of true love.
In addition to being a tremendously talented actor/writer and dedicated human rights advocate, A has a well-deserved reputation for being gracious, down-to-earth and exceedingly kind. Over of the course of many delightful meals together, I’ve had the good fortune of experiencing his generous spirit first hand. He is also a devoted family man who adores his three grown children and lovely wife Leslie, always speaking with boundless pride about them. A remains one of my heroes, someone I love, admire and respect with all of my heart.
With all of us living in different places, I’ve never had the pleasure of being with A, Marilyn and Lisa at the same time. This November, it’s finally going to happen with the first-ever Santa Barbara Reunion Cruise. Joining us for the four-night sailing from Miami to The Bahamas will be four other original SB cast members and a few hundred fellow fans (more info here, booking ends August 9th). In a nice bit of symmetry, the ship is Royal Caribbean’s newly-upgraded Navigator of The Seas – the very same vessel on which Lisa and I did our first cruise together 11 years ago.
Such beautiful connections forged because of one unforgettable show. Happy Anniversary, Santa Barbara. To celebrate, I’m raising a symbolic glass to Lisa, Marilyn and A. Love you all dearly and can’t wait to be together on the high seas!
