Guiding Light's Most Memorable Actresses, Part 4: Beverlee McKinsey

Number 3 on my list of Guiding Light's most memorable actresses is Beverlee McKinsey, who played the pivotal role of Baroness Alexandra Spaulding Von Halkein from 1984 to 1992. Alexandra, the sister of the wealthy and villainous Alan Spaulding, was a most complicated creature: she was regal, dignified, devious, sexual, passionate. She loved her brother Alan but plotted against him at every move. She detested her step-daughter India and was eventually reunited with her son Lujack, who had disappeared years before with his father. She dated lawyer Mike Bauer, rekindled her old affair with dying rocker Locke Walls, dated oil magnate HB Lewis, was stranded on a desert island with journalist Fletcher Reade, married the devious Roger Thorpe, and was reunited with another long-lost son, Nick. Alexandra was a formidable force in Springfield and in McKinsey's more-than-capable hands, she was a delight to watch.

McKinsey had earlier wowed viewers as the bitchy Iris Cory Carrington on Another World and its spin-off Texas, even garnering star billing on Texas. Before that, she briefly played the poor Emma Frame Ordway on Another World and Julie Richards on Love is a Many Splendored Thing. Thus, her casting on Guiding Light was quite a coup.

As I mentioned, McKinsey's Alexandra was quite complicated. In this awesome fun scene, though focused on Kim Zimmer's Reva Shayne singing "Proud Mary," we see some interactions between Alexandra and her step-daughter India and see Alexandra partying. Next, Alexandra confronts devious Blake who, over a few years, seduced Alex's brother Alan and nephews Phillip and Alan-Michael. Next, Alexandra and India spar. In this brief scene, Alex informs Billy Lewis about a shocking secret involving her bad buy hubby Roger. Finally, some scenes from McKinsey's stunning performance as she reveals Roger's affair with Billy's daughter Mindy. First, Alex dumps Roger in front of the country club crowd. Delicious! Next, Alex reveals more about Roger. But the fireworks aren't over quite yet!

McKinsey's performances over her 8 1/2 years on Guiding Light were brilliant and mesmerizing. She departed the series in August 1992 as only she could: she left for vacation and quit, using an out in her contract. Alexandra was later recast with Marj Dusay (1993-1997, 1998-1999, and 2002-2009) and Joan Collins (2002). McKinsey would appear briefly on General Hospital as former showgirl Myrna Slaughter but her days on daytime were over. Sadly, McKinsey passed away in May 2008. Here is a tribute to her, accompanied by Guiding Light's 1983-1991 theme song. And here is another tribute to the legendary actress, featuring vintage stills and clips from Texas.

Thanks for the memories, Bev. You will not be forgotten.