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Melina Kanakaredes played Eleni Andros Cooper, a Greek immigrant, in Guiding Light. The show, which aired on CBS in 1952, was one of the longest-running radio and television soap operas. Melina was introduced in 1991 and remained in the role until 1995.
Melina's character, Eleni, emigrated from Greece to Springfield, a fictional town where the show was set. Her storyline explored her journey of settling in a new town and her relationship with the central characters.
Guiding Light, initially released on NBC Radio in 1937, was created by Irna Phillips and Emmons Carlson, who based the show on their real story. Originally, it was a fifteen-minute show that was centered around a character called Reverend John Ruthledge. The name Guiding Light signified the lamp in Ruthledge's study which people of the town used as a mark to find him when they needed his help.
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The show continued on radio for 15 years. In 1947, it was taken over by CBS Radio, and was later launched as a television series in 1952. In the television show, several core characters were introduced, such as the Bauers, the Norrises, the Marles, the Spauldings, the Coopers, and the Reardons.
In 2009, CBS canceled the show after 72 years of running.
Everything about Melina's role in Guiding Light
Melina's character, Eleni, initially faced challenges in the show after immigrating from Greece. She started to work in a diner owned by the Coopers, which served as a base for the development of her relationship with the Cooper family. Eleni's work at the diner further allowed her to interact with other people in Springfield town.
Melina was in Guiding Light for over five years. Her character developed a friendship with Frank Cooper's sister Harley Cooper. Their friendship began when Harley provided emotional support to Eleni, as she struggled to adjust in the new town.
During her work at the diner, Eleni met Frank, who was an earnest and caring man. Frank was loyal to his family, and stood beside Eleni whenever she faced cultural conflicts in the show. Frank's kindness became a point of attraction for Eleni and a relationship between them ensued.
Eleni also met Alan Michael Spaulding, who was a member of the wealthy Spaulding family. Alan was captivated by Eleni's beauty and pursued her. Later in the show, the two were engaged in a romantic relationship. The story progressed as Eleni was caught in a conflict of choosing between Frank and Alan.
Eleni eventually chose to marry Frank Cooper over Alan. However, her cultural background caused her mother-in-law, Nadine, to question her intentions, but she navigated through this with the support of Frank.
Melina Kanakardes received two daytime Emmy nominations for her character Eleni in Guiding Light. She left the show in 1995 to pursue other projects and her role was taken over by Jennifer Roszell.
Melina Kanakaredes' work beyond the Guiding Light
Melina appeared in several shows after exiting Guiding Light. She went on to work in the show Providence, in which she played the lead character, Sydney Hansen. She also worked in another CBS drama CSI: NY.
She also worked in films such as Percy Jackson & the Olympians and Percy Jackson & The Lighting Thief, where she played the Greek goddess, Athena. She was last seen in the television series, Billions, where she played Nancy Dunlop.
