ACTRESS WHO PLAYED SAME ROLE LONGEST DIES IN N.Y.

Helen Wagner, who held the record for playing the same role on television longer than anyone else — Nancy Hughes on CBS’s As the World Turns — has died in New York at age 91. Wagner spoke the first words on the soap opera on April 2, 1956. Her final appearance came on April 5, 2010. “All of us at As the World Turns are deeply saddened by Helen’s passing,” executive producer Christopher Goutman said in a statement. “She is loved by generations of fans, and while we will miss her greatly Helen will always remain the heart and soul of As the World Turns.” Not for long, however. The soap opera is due to air its final episode in September.