The Young Marrieds

The Young Marrieds is a classic American daytime soap opera that originally aired on ABC from October 5, 1964, to March 25, 1966. This charming series captivated audiences with its engaging portrayal of the complexities and dramas surrounding young couples as they navigated marriage and the challenges of early adult life. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, the show offered viewers a glimpse into the evolving social dynamics and emotional journeys of its characters.

Created by James Elward, who also co-wrote the series with Frances Rickett, The Young Marrieds showcased the talents of several notable authors. Among these were John Pascal and Francine Pascal, who contributed to the compelling storytelling through their writing. The series was produced in Hollywood, illustrating the burgeoning television industry of the time, under the guidance of Selig Seligman and his production company, Selmur Productions. Producers Richard Dunn and Eugene Barr played significant roles in bringing the show's vision to life.

The visual and narrative style of the soap opera was shaped by director Frank Pacelli, who worked to create a polished and engaging presentation for daytime audiences. Mike Lawrence lent his voice to the series as the announcer, becoming a familiar presence to viewers. Together, the cast and crew crafted a memorable production that remains a part of the rich history of American television soap operas.

Main Cast of The Young Marrieds

Brenda Benet as Jill McComb #4

Brenda Benet

Jill McComb #4
Brenda Benet delivered a compelling performance as Jill McComb #4 in the soap opera 'The Young Marrieds,' where she brought depth and emotional nuance to the complex character navigating the trials of young marital life. Compared to her other roles, such as her notable portrayal in 'Dallas,' Benet's work on 'The Young Marrieds' showcased her ability to engage audiences with a more intimate and ongoing character arc. A trivia fact about Brenda Benet is that she was once married to actor Bill Bixby, known for starring in 'The Incredible Hulk,' adding a layer of Hollywood legacy to her career.
Peggy McCay as Susan Garret

Peggy McCay

Susan Garret
Peggy McCay delivered a compelling performance as Susan Garrett in the soap opera 'The Young Marrieds,' portraying the character with a blend of vulnerability and strength that resonated well with viewers. Compared to her other notable roles, such as Vanessa Dale on 'Love of Life,' where she exuded a more traditional, wholesome demeanor, her role in 'The Young Marrieds' allowed her to explore more complex emotional dynamics and interpersonal conflicts. An interesting trivia fact is that Peggy McCay had a prolific career spanning several decades, including a memorable role as Caroline Brady on 'Days of Our Lives,' which became one of her signature characters.
Paul Picerni as Dr. Dan Garret

Paul Picerni

Dr. Dan Garret
Fans of Paul Picerni might enjoy his role in the TV series 'The Young Marrieds' because it showcases his versatility beyond his most iconic performance as Federal Agent Lee Hobson in the classic crime drama 'The Untouchables.' While 'The Untouchables' cast him in a tough, law-enforcement role set during Prohibition, 'The Young Marrieds' allowed him to explore more domestic and relational themes, portraying a character navigating the complexities of young marriage and personal growth. An interesting detail about Picerni’s involvement in 'The Young Marrieds' is that it was one of the few daytime soap operas in which he appeared, demonstrating his willingness to branch out into different television genres, which was somewhat unexpected given his strong association with crime dramas.
Susan Brown as Ann Reynolds #2

Susan Brown

Ann Reynolds #2
Susan Brown played the character Elizabeth "Liz" Harris in the TV soap opera 'The Young Marrieds.' This role was significant as it allowed her to showcase her talent in daytime television during the late 1960s, a period when soap operas were gaining popularity and becoming a staple of American TV culture. Unlike some of her later, more widely recognized roles, such as her parts in 'Dallas' or 'General Hospital,' her work in 'The Young Marrieds' highlighted her ability to portray complex emotional narratives typical of soap operas, establishing her versatility as an actress. This performance stood out because it was among her earlier forays into serialized television drama, laying the foundation for her successful career in the genre and distinguishing her from her earlier stage or one-off television appearances.

Michael T. Mikler

Walter Reynolds
Michael T. Mikler played a significant role in the TV soap opera 'The Young Marrieds,' which aired from 1964 to 1966. His performance was noted for its depth and sincerity, bringing a relatable and genuine quality to his character that resonated with the audience. What made his portrayal unique was his ability to navigate the complex emotional landscapes of a young married couple during a time when soap operas began exploring more contemporary and realistic themes. A lesser-known fact about Mikler's involvement is that he was also instrumental behind the scenes, contributing ideas to the script that helped develop richer, more nuanced storylines, showcasing his dedication not just as an actor but as a creative force within the show.

Michael Stefani

Paul Stevens