Michael Joel Zaslow American theater, film and television actor Date of Birth: 01.11.1942 Country: USA

1. Michael Zaslow: A Multitalented Actor
2. Early Career and Broadway Success
3. Triumph on "Guiding Light"
4. Health Challenges and Return to "One Life to Live"
5. Personal Life and Loss
6. Legacy and the ZazAngels Foundation

Michael Zaslow: A Multitalented Actor

Michael Joel Zaslow, fondly known as "Zaz," was born on November 1, 1942, in Inglewood, California. His acting career spanned theater, film, and television, with his most iconic role being the villainous Roger Thorpe on the long-running soap opera "Guiding Light."

Early Career and Broadway Success

Zaslow's first film appearance was in Alfred Hitchcock's "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961). He went on to guest star in numerous television series, including "The Long, Hot Summer," "Star Trek," "Barnaby Jones," and "One Life to Live." However, it was his role as Roger Thorpe on "Guiding Light" that made him a household name.

Triumph on "Guiding Light"

Zaslow joined the cast of "Guiding Light" in 1971 and played Thorpe until 1980 and again from 1989 to 1997. The soap opera ran for an unprecedented 19 years during his tenure, becoming the longest-running daytime drama in the United States.

Health Challenges and Return to "One Life to Live"

In 1997, Zaslow faced speech problems. He took a leave of absence from "Guiding Light," and rumors circulated that he had been let go. However, the matter was settled out of court. He was eventually diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an incurable neurodegenerative disease.

Despite his illness, Zaslow briefly returned to "One Life to Live" as David Rinaldi in 1998. His health condition was incorporated into the storyline, and he appeared in several episodes before his condition worsened.

Personal Life and Loss

Zaslow married twice, first to actress Joanne Dorian from 1965 to 1972, and then to Susan Hufford in 1975. Hufford, a former actress, became a psychologist. Together, they adopted and raised two Korean daughters, Marika and Helena. Sadly, Helena passed away in 2004 at the age of 19 from a drug overdose.

Legacy and the ZazAngels Foundation

Michael Zaslow passed away in New York City on December 6, 1998, at the age of 56. His widow, Susan, established "ZazAngels," a charitable organization that raised funds for research into ALS. She also published a book about Zaslow and his battle with the disease in 2004. Susan Hufford later died from cancer in 2006.