Karen Wolek

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Karen Wolek
One Life to Live character
Judith Light as Karen Wolek
Portrayed by
Duration1976–83
First appearanceMay 1976 (1976-05)
Last appearanceFebruary 1, 1983 (1983-02-1)
ClassificationFormer, regular
Created byGordon Russell
Introduced byDoris Quinlan
In-universe information
Occupation
  • Housewife
  • Prostitute
FamilyWolek
SistersJenny Wolek
SpouseLarry Wolek (1977–79)

Karen Wolek is a fictional character appearing on the American soap opera One Life to Live between May 1976 and February 1983. The role was most notably performed by Judith Light beginning on October 21, 1977.[1] Karen ultimately departs for an off-screen life in Canada, coinciding with Light's departure from the series.

Casting

Newcomer Kathryn Breech originated the role of Karen from May 1976 until October 1977. Julia Duffy filled in for 1 episode on October 18, 1977 and Kathryn returned for a few days until the character was permanently recast with theater actress Judith Light. Light was offered the role after auditioning as an understudy.[2] Light departed in 1983—to star in ABC's new primetime sitcom Who's the Boss?—and the role of Karen was not recast.

Background and storylines

1976–77

Kathryn Breech as Karen Wolek at her wedding to Larry, 1977

The sister of

Talbot Huddleston (Byron Sanders) in order to afford luxuries. When Marco discovered Karen's dalliances, he forced her (Julia Duffy) to become a "housewife hooker," prostituting in order for Karen to prevent Larry from uncovering the truth.[4]

1977–83

By late 1977, Karen's leading storyline ramped up when actress Judith Light notably assumed the role of Karen. Early on, the character tended to be a typical soap opera gold-digging vixen, Light brought the character and the show to critical-acclaim. Light's extensive theater experience added multidimensional facets to the character. Light's Karen grew to suffer from low self-esteem, driven by an obsessive desire for love and acceptance. As she steps into the role, Karen's afternoon affairs become less about money and more about her dissatisfaction and boredom with being a stay-at-home suburban housewife.

Judith Light, most notable in the role of Karen (1977–83)

In 1978, Karen (Light, onward) at last confided in her friend and media tycoon

Herb Callison (Anthony Call), revealing her secret life of prostitution to jurors and, for the first time, to her now-husband Larry. Upon hearing of the revelation, Larry requested an immediate divorce from Karen, to which she conceded.[5]

Karen found refuge while living in the

trauma victim. After treating her, Ivan develops an unhealthy infatuation with Karen, for which his is unable to attempt to murder her again, instead leaving Llanview with the looming threat. Ivan later returns to menace Karen again, brainwashing Larry to undermine the integrity of his extended family and namely Karen.[7]

It was during this odd caper that Karen met government agent Steve Piermont (Robert Desiderio). Upon their meeting in 1983, the character of Karen said a final goodbye to rehabilitated former husband Larry and enemy-turned-friend Marco, leaving Llanview to enter witness protection and a romantic relationship with Steve in Canada.

Reception

Judith Light's portrayal of Karen in the

Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
in 1980 and 1981, in addition to other acting awards.

References

  1. ^ "Llanview Timeline: 1977". Llanview Labyrinth. 2003–2011. Archived from the original on 9 February 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  2. ^ "Big Think Interview With Judith Light". BigThink.com. May 10, 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-10.
  3. ^ One Life to Live. Season 9. March 31, 1977. American Broadcasting Company.
  4. ^ "One Life to Live recap (1976)". ABC. Archived from the original on April 23, 2008. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  5. ^ "One Life to Live recap (1979)". ABC. Archived from the original on April 23, 2008. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  6. ^ "One Life to Live recap (1979, Part 2)". ABC. Archived from the original on April 23, 2008. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  7. ^ "One Life to Live recap (1980, Part 3)". ABC. Archived from the original on April 23, 2008. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  8. ISBN 0-8065-0940-6
    .
  9. ISBN 9780879728212
    . Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  10. ^ "Professional Highlights" (PDF). www.judithlight.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 April 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
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