Celebrating a Soap Opera Icon
Susan Lucci, at 76, stands as the epitome of a soap opera legend. Renowned as the best-known daytime soap actress, she received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Honor at the 2023 Daytime Emmys held on December 15. The veteran actress is celebrated for her iconic portrayal of the cunning Erika Kane on “All My Children,” a role she embodied throughout the soap’s entire run from 1970 to 2011.
A Touching Moment at the Daytime Emmys
During her heartfelt acceptance speech at the Daytime Emmys, Susan Lucci took a poignant moment to acknowledge her late husband, Helmut Huber. Addressing her son, Andreas Helmut Huber, in the audience, she expressed, “I can feel your dad’s presence here tonight with us, too.” Through tears, she credited her husband for her success, stating, “I thank my husband Helmut Huber because he has everything to do with my standing up here tonight and receiving this incredible award.”
The Love Story of Susan and Helmut
Born in Scarsdale, New York, Susan’s journey into stardom began after graduating from Marymount College with a degree in drama. Her breakthrough came with the role of Erika, leading to 21 nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, with a triumphant win in 1999. Beyond her soap opera stardom, Susan graced television screens in shows like “Dallas,” “Army Wives,” and “Hot In Cleveland.”
Remembering Helmut Huber
Helmut Huber, born in Austria on October 10, 1937, made his mark in the United States as a chef and food manager at the Garden City Hotel on Long Island, New York. Tragically, at the age of 84, Helmut passed away in March 2022. Described as a family man with a vibrant personality, he left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
The Beginning of a Lasting Love
Susan and Helmut’s love story started when Susan, fresh out of college, landed a job at the Garden City Hotel where Helmut worked. Despite being her boss and a bit older, Helmut was captivated by Susan’s charm. Their love story took an unexpected turn when Susan’s engagement ended, and Helmut, foreseeing their future, convinced Susan that her previous engagement wasn’t meant to last.
From Dating to Forever
After three months of dating, Susan and Helmut tied the knot on September 13, 1969. Helmut bid farewell to his restaurant career in 1982 to actively manage Susan’s burgeoning career. The couple welcomed daughter Liza in 1975 and son Andreas in 1977, creating a beautiful family unit that has stood the test of time.