FALCON CREST
Premiere Date: December 4, 1981
Finale Date: May 17, 1990
Created By: Earl Hamner, Jr.
Overview: Set against the backdrop of Northern California, FALCON CREST centered on the the battle for control of Falcon Crest Wines.
The show tapped Oscar-winner Jane Wyman to play the series lead, Angela Channing, and the actress drove the drama for most of the run. With DALLAS as its lead-in, FC debuted to big ratings and remained a top 20 show for the first four seasons. Digest named the show Best Primetime Soap in 1987 and 1988, but by 1989, after a change in the writing and producing teams, it became Most Ruined Show in the Best & Worst issue. The creative downturn, coupled with the fact that a real-life health crisis kept Wyman off camera for most of season 9, led to the show’s ultimate demise.
We Knew Them When: Susan Sullivan (exlenore, AW) was part of the original cast as Maggie Gioberti. David Selby (ex-quentin, DARK SHADOWS) joined in season 2 as Richard Channing after FLAMINGO ROAD was canceled. Kristian Alfonso (Hope,
DAYS) came in during season 8 as
Pilar Ortega. From Night To Day: Before making a name for himself in daytime, John Callahan (ex-edmund, AMC et al) appeared as Eric Stavros; Lorenzo Lamas (ex-hector, B&B) played Lance Cumson from episode one;
Dana Sparks (ex-grace/faith, PASSIONS) portrayed Vickie Gioberti; Shannon Tweed (ex-savannah, DAYS) was Diana Hunter.
Celebrity Drop-ins: A slew of celebs had roles on the show: Lana Turner played Jacqueline Perrault from 1982-83; Mel Ferrer portrayed Phillip Erickson from 1981-84; Gloria Dehaven was Gloria Marlowe from 198283; Cliff Robertson played Michael Ranson from 1983-84; Gina Lollobridgida was hired as Francesca Gioberti in 1984; Kim Novak portrayed Kit Marlowe from 198687; Lauren Hutton played Liz Mcdowell in 1987; and Cesar Romero was Peter Stavros from 1985-87.
Backstage Drama: Wyman was reportedly not pleased with Lana Turner’s hire, which became tabloid fodder. Robert Foxworth (Chase) wanted to leave after season 5, but the show allowed him to direct episodes as an incentive to stay. Sophia Loren was set to play Francesca Gioberti, but when they couldn’t come to terms, Gina Lollobrigida was hired — and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her guest role.
Leave Me Hanging: Season 5 ended with an earthquake ripping through the valley, with lives hanging in the balance.
Grand Finale: Richard and Lauren got married at the winery. Richard then agreed to sell Falcon Crest back to Angela. The final two minutes were devoted to Wyman, whose Angela recalled “all the people who have passed through these vineyards,” then raised her glass of champagne and said, “A toast to you, Falcon Crest, and long may you live.”