Ellen Dolan: A Storied Career in Soap Operas and Beyond
The Soap Opera Icon
Ellen Dolan is best known for her iconic roles in two daytime soap operas: Maureen Reardon Bauer on
Guiding Light (1982-1986) and Margo Hughes on
As the World Turns (1989-1993, 1994-2010). These roles cemented her status as a beloved figure in the world of daytime television.
Early Life and Career
Born on October 16, 1955, in Monticello, Iowa, Dolan earned her B.A. and M.F.A. degrees in theater from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. During her undergraduate studies, she spent a summer honing her craft at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Awards and Nominations
Dolan's remarkable performance as Margo Hughes on
As the World Turns earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1992.
Theatre Career
In addition to her television work, Dolan has had a thriving stage career. Her debut role was as Katrin in
Mother Courage at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater in 1980. She has since appeared in numerous regional productions, including
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,
How the Other Half Loves, and
The Nerd. In 2004, she joined the WorkShop Theater Company, where she has taken on leading roles in various mainstage productions.
Personal Life
Ellen Dolan is married to businessman Doug Jeffrey, and they have a daughter, Angela Emmett Jeffrey, born in 2000. The family once made headlines when they sold their New York City home, which was featured on the reality TV show
Selling New York after
As the World Turns ended its run.
Legacy
With a career spanning over four decades, Ellen Dolan has left an indelible mark on the world of soap operas and theatre. Her iconic characters, particularly Margo Hughes, continue to be beloved by audiences, and her dedication to her craft has inspired countless young actors. As a testament to her enduring legacy, Dolan remains a cherished figure in the entertainment industry.
FAQ
What is Ellen Dolans most notable TV role?
Ellen Dolan is best known for her long-running role as Margo Hughes on the American soap opera As the World Turns, which she played from 1989 to 2010.
What awards has Ellen Dolan won?
Ellen Dolan has won two Daytime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Margo Hughes on As the World Turns, as well as multiple Soap Opera Digest Awards.
What is Ellen Dolans early life and education?
Ellen Dolan was born in 1955 in Montclair, New Jersey. She graduated from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama.
Has Ellen Dolan appeared in other TV shows and films?
In addition to her work on As the World Turns, Ellen Dolan has appeared in various TV shows, including Law & Order and The Sopranos, as well as several films and stage productions.
What is Ellen Dolans current work and projects?
After leaving As the World Turns, Ellen Dolan has continued to work in television, film, and theater, and has been involved in various charity initiatives and advocacy work.