Guiding Light: 26 Years Behind the Scenes at Cedars Hospital

Soap operas once dominated the entertainment world, providing steady work for actors and endless drama for viewers. During the 1980s, these shows experienced a surge in popularity, an era of big hair and even bigger plot twists. It was during this time that I began my 26-year journey as an orderly on “Guiding Light,” offering a unique glimpse into the world of daytime television.

My character was a dedicated employee of Cedars Hospital, a fictional medical center where reality was often suspended. Paternity test mix-ups were the norm, insurance inquiries were nonexistent, and every patient enjoyed a private room. This fantastical setting fueled countless dramatic storylines, and my role, though small, was integral to the show’s fabric. My main duties included accompanying Dr. Bauer on his rounds and echoing Nurse Lillian’s every word. My dialogue often consisted of single words, most notably “Stat!” delivered with increasing fervor during surgery scenes, ensuring my presence was felt.

The biggest challenge during my time on “Guiding Light” involved the double doors leading to the emergency room. These doors had a perplexing mechanism: pull the metal bars back to enter, subtly pull and then push forward to exit. This counterintuitive design often trapped actors mid-scene, disrupting dramatic moments involving distraught characters or rushing gurneys. As the show’s resident orderly, I often found myself resolving these door-related dilemmas.