RIP, Mr Rauch. The inventor of Iris Cory, played by Beverlee McKinsey.

One of the few people who could restrain MAB just a little (I have to believe that Paul R would not have approved of Shicktor). But he probably green-lighted Shadam, which is controversial to say the least.

But, some of us shouldn't be so nasty to his memory.

The man was controversy walking around in a suit. Things he did on soaps had both positive and negative results. One thing he was instrumental in is raising the level visually. His sets were great. The lighting was great. The wardrobe was great. Really the things that producers are responsible for was great. He always gets the short end of the stick because of writing. When he was paired with a great writer (Lemay Harding) there was not any better soap. When he was paired with a bad writer, the show sucked. He was imperfect but unforgetable! RIP

I'm going to be nice in my comments about Mr. Rauch: I'm not shedding any tears.

'Nuff said.

Ahh, the infamous closing credits for the Santa Barbara finale. Some have made it seem like the stamping out of the cigar was akin to the man bending over and shitting on the set. When I finally saw the clip a few years ago, it never quite lived up to its infamy IMO. Is it entirely possible that his action was a bit of an inside reference for the cast and crew to understand? He was known for being on the production floor as well as his cigars. Maybe to them it wasn't offense. I've always wondered what the people from SB thought of it.

Good question. I know a guy who worked high up. I'm going to ask him.

RIP Mr. Rauch. I actually loved his Y&R and think it really went downhill when they got rid of him and gave all the power to MAB. I remember reading how he would actually be on the set and making improvements as he watched everything. He was truly devoted to the soap genre and I admire that.

I'm sad to hear of Paul's passing however controvesial some of his decision were. I am incredibly grateful for all the awesome OLTL stories he came up with for Erika Slezak's Viki back in the 80's. I really loved Eterna and thought I it ended prematurely. Also, Clint's 1888 story, Viki's trip to heaven, and frenemies Tina and Gabrielle. R.I.P.

Ryan-Scott wrote:

This was the man who did Texas STARRING BEVERLEE MCKINSEY!
All I have to say.

You said it!!!

SwanQueen59 wrote:

Oh, Gord, nah! Don't think so. At least I won't. If anything I will raise a glass and say "There was an honest soap and television lover who cared enough to put his thoughts out there, whether pro or con, and stood by them." (Sorry if that comes off as a bit morbid! )

As for Paul Rauch despite the (very big), mistake that was letting MZ go, I have fond memories of GL during his tenure. Besides the aforementioned returns of Harley and Jenna, one of my favorite big budget extravaganzas was Cassie (LW) and Richard's (Bradley Cole), wedding. Now that was a production! (Even if the bridesmaids dresses were horrible, LOL!)...

I agree, I know he did some bad things like firing MZ, and the clone story but he was smart to get rid of Zachary the angel and Lucy Cooper right after getting there (and the Alan-Michael recast, though he was handsome and sexy as hell!) But he turned Annie into one of the most interesting characters in soap history (and the show's first Emmy win for Best Actress in 8 years), bringing back Harley, Jenna, and Beth, etc.

RIP Mr. Rauch. He produced some of the greatest, some of the worst, some of the most controversial, some of the most entertaining and some of the most human daytime drama in the history of the genre. For better or for worse, he was both risk taker and visionary, something the world at large needs more of...

He also made poor Miss Ellen Holly's last almost 2 years 555-5555) on OLTL absolutely pure bulls*** hell!

Brian

RIP Mr. Rauch. He produced some of the greatest, some of the worst, some of the most controversial, some of the most entertaining and some of the most human daytime drama in the history of the genre. For better or for worse, he was both risk taker and visionary, something the world at large needs more of...

He also made poor Miss Ellen Holly's last almost 2 years 555-5555) on OLTL absolutely pure bulls*** hell!

Brian

This is sad to hear. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.