Cramer family
Encyclopedia
The Cramer family are a fictional family on the American
soap opera
One Life to Live
. The popularity and longevity of the family began with the introduction of Dr. Dorian Cramer to the show, debuting on the series in 1973. Her initial feud with Victoria Lord
and the ensuing popularity of the character facilitated the writing of Cramer relatives onto the canvas, raising the family to prominence in storylines since the 1990s.
in 1973 with unstable younger sister Melinda. Their parents had died in a plane crash en route to visit an injured Melinda, whose promising career as a pianist was ended by a fall that had paralyzed her arm. Having lost a third sister to pneumonia, Dorian and Melinda were each other's only family.
Dorian treated Eileen Riley Siegel for her addiction to painkillers, and soon became romantically involved with Dr. Mark Toland, the husband of Eileen's daughter Julie. A furious Melinda, who had also developed a crush on Mark, became further unhinged. When her plan to stab Dorian and Mark in bed failed in 1974, Melinda was institutionalized.
Dorian was suspended from Llanview hospital in 1974 for her involvement in the death of a patient, and she blamed hospital board member Viki (who had actually voted in Dorian's favor) for the decision. She and Viki sparred further when Dorian became Victor's private physician, but their rivalry was cemented when Victor announced that he had married Dorian. Victor's long-lost son Tony Harris came to town and Dorian, hoping to maintain her hold on Victor's fortune, soon manipulated events to make father and son bitter enemies. After Victor's mysterious death in 1976, the shadow of suspicion surrounded Dorian for decades.
) after discovering that Cassie was having an affair with Dorian's boyfriend, private detective Jon Russell. Cassie and Jon's relationship later fizzled as she reunited with ex-husband Rob.
Melinda returned for a third time in 1987 and moved into Dorian's penthouse with Cassie, who later left Llanview in 1988. Melinda had a relationship with Jon, but left town herself in 1989. Dorian returned that same year, followed by Cassie in 1991. Much to Dorian's chagrin, Cassie became involved with Bo Buchanan
. Dorian's machinations (and a failed attempt to kill Cassie by Bo's insane ex, Alex Olanov
) did not stop the couple from marrying, but the reappearance of Bo's presumed-dead wife Sarah Gordon ultimately ended the union.
came to Llanview with a secret — she was the daughter of Dorian's older sister Agatha "Addie" Cramer, who had not died after all. Blair had Addie, mentally ill and institutionalized for years, hidden in her loft, and blamed her Aunt Dorian for her mother's illness. Seeking revenge, Blair tried to ruin Dorian by getting her aunt's signature on a document confessing to the murder of Victor Lord in 1976.
Blair sought to marry Asa Buchanan
to gain the financial security and power she needed to care for her mother and destroy Dorian. As it turned out, Dorian had been told Addie had died by their parents, who had institutionalized her. Blair married Asa despite the fact that she was in love with Max Holden
; by the time her marriage fell apart and Asa had thrown her out on the street, Max had moved on to the love of his life, Luna Moody. In 1994, Blair became romantically involved with Cord Roberts
.
arrives in Llanview, scarred by her childhood with her unstable mother and raised in various European boarding schools arranged by her aunt Dorian. Kelly comes to live with her cousin Cassie and Cassie's husband Andrew, and develops an infatuation with Dorian's husband David Vickers
. Over time, Kelly and her family become close. Later, Kelly falls for both Joey
and Kevin Buchanan
.
In 1997, Melinda is finally recovering from her breakdown, and remembering her and Dorian's traumatic past at the Cramer family's ancestral home in Canton
, Ohio
. Dorian, desperate not to let the dark secrets of their past resurface, begins switching Melinda's antipsychotic medication, and Melinda once again sinks into dementia.
In 2003, it is revealed that Melinda had told Dorian upon a recent hospital visit that she had given birth to a son as well as a daughter during her years in Europe
, and that the boy had been given away. This child turns out to be Paul Cramer
. Melinda is seen again in 2004 during the "baby switch" storyline, in which Kelly confesses her and Paul's sins to her delusional mother. A disoriented Melinda — lost in her own world — mistakes Kelly's son Ace for her own son Paul. A devious Paul is murdered in October 2004; One Life to Live was met with criticism when the killer was later revealed to be married district attorney Daniel Colson, who had murdered Paul to cover up the fact that Daniel is secretly gay. On March 1, 2010, the assembled family receives the news that Melinda has died of a heart attack.
Cassie Callison (originally Reynolds; formerly Coronal, Carpenter, and Buchanan) is a fictional character
on the American
ABC
daytime
drama
One Life to Live
. She is the daughter of Dr. Dorian Lord and musician David Renaldi.
A young girl named Cassie Reynolds appears in 1981, claiming to be Dorian's daughter. Dorian had given birth while in medical school, and Cassie's father David had run off with her, living under the assumed name Reynolds. Dorian and Cassie are reunited, and Dorian's husband Herb Callison adopts Cassie. In 1985, Cassie is engaged to Rob Coronal, but by 1986 their marriage had ended in divorce. Evil Mitch Laurence
is killed while trying to rape Cassie; at first she is implicated, but Dorian confesses to the crime and is convicted herself. Eventually Dorian is exonerated when a tape surfaces that proves the killing had been in self-defense.
Dorian leaves Llanview in 1987 (and becomes the U.S. Ambassador to Mendorra) after discovering that Cassie is having an affair with Dorian's boyfriend, private detective Jon Russell. Cassie and Jon's relationship later fizzles as she reunites with ex-husband Rob. In 1987 Cassie lives with a returned Melinda in Dorian's penthouse, but leaves town in 1988. Dorian returns in 1989, followed by Cassie in 1991.
Much to Dorian's chagrin, Cassie becomes involved with Bo Buchanan
; Dorian's machinations (and a failed attempt to kill Cassie by Bo's insane ex, Alex Olanov
) do not stop the couple from marrying. Immediately after the wedding, however, Bo's presumed-dead wife Sarah Gordon appears, very much alive. An anguished Bo chooses to stay with Cassie, but their marriage later falls apart after Cassie realizes Bo is still in love with Sarah.
In 1993, Cassie marries the Reverend Andrew Carpenter; she later miscarries their son, William. She finds an abandoned baby in the manger outside St. James Church. The mother of Cassie's foundling appears, but soon dies; her last wish is for Cassie and Andrew to adopt baby River.
. The Carpenters' marriage seemed to be getting back on even footing as they focused on raising their new son River, but when Cassie went back to work as a journalist at The Banner in 1997, she began a tempestuous working relationship with rival reporter Kevin Buchanan
, one that slowly blossomed into mutual passion. Cassie broke her wedding vows and began an affair with Kevin, ruining her marriage and her reputation, even losing custody of River in the ensuing divorce and custody battle. Kevin and Cassie were deeply in love, however, and Kevin risked his life to save Cassie from the inferno that burnt down the Cramer homestead in Canton
, Ohio
. Meanwhile, Cassie's long-lost father, David Renaldi, returned to Llanview, stricken with ALS
, to reconnect with his daughter and new grandson.
When Kevin and the family visited Cassie, they discovered she had suffered a full psychotic break, believing she was still happily married to Andrew. Andrew and Kevin both attempted to break through to her, to little avail. Cassie's mother, Dorian, had never approved of Cassie and Kevin's relationship, and in early 1999 decided to send Cassie to Switzerland
for further treatment. Kevin fought her every step of the way, even stowing away on the private plane bound for Switzerland to try one last time to get through to his wife. In a brief moment of lucidity, Cassie begged Kevin to let her go. Heartbroken, Kevin returned to Llanview and agreed to have his marriage annulled.
wedding. Cassie explained that she was almost fully recovered and living in Switzerland, and shared a somewhat awkward reunion with her cousin Kelly
, who had since gone on to marry Kevin herself.
Fully recovered, Cassie next returned a year later in late 2002, rushing to Blair's aid after she was apparently attacked by mob hitmen. Cassie believed Blair had been rendered catatonic, and was tasked to take her out of the country. In reality, Todd and Blair had used Cassie to lure away her supposed assailants with the help of a body double, while Blair hid out at Todd's penthouse.
While back in town for Blair, Cassie also recounted her harrowing experiences with Mitch Laurence
for Viki
and Bo. Nothing could have prepared her for the shock of her life when she returned the following March to see Dorian, only to discover that her mother was marrying the resurrected Mitch - the man who had tried to rape Cassie! Cassie and Blair watched in shock and disgust as Dorian and Mitch took their unholy vows, and gained control of the Lord fortune. Cassie did not yet realize that Dorian was conning Mitch in the hopes of winning his trust and destroying him. Dorian haltingly tried to explain things to her daughter, but Cassie left town in disgust for her new home in Savannah
. Later that year, on Mother's Day
, Cassie and Dorian made peace after Cassie discovered Dorian and Blair's efforts to murder Mitch. Meanwhile, a now-teenaged River came home from Savannah to spend time with his father and grandmother. During this visit, Cassie also painfully reunited with Kevin and Kelly.
In the fall of 2003, Cassie was part of the Cramers' competition to win "Aunt Betsy's" inheritance, but was immediately disqualified due to her own "lapses in judgment" with Andrew and Kevin. In 2004, Cassie returned, furious about River's relationship with Adriana Colon
, his newfound "aunt". She and Adriana eventually made peace, and Cassie returned to Savannah, where she resides to this day. Dorian calls Cassie to warn her about a returned Mitch on February 15, 2010. She then returns to Llanview with her ex-husband, Andrew, in tow and reveals that Melinda has died. Following a short reunion with her mother, sisters and, cousins Cassie returns to Savannah. When Bo and Nora re-marry, it is revealed that Andrew traveled back with her, to visit River.
Agatha "Addie" Cramer (formerly Vickers) is the older sister of Dr. Dorian Cramer Lord and mother to Blair Cramer
, and has been portrayed by Pamela Payton-Wright
since December 1991.
Blair Daimler comes to Llanview in 1991 with a secret — she is the daughter of Dorian's older sister Addie Cramer. Mentally ill and institutionalized for years, Addie is now hidden in Blair's loft. Blair blames Dorian for her mother's illness and her own childhood in foster care; Blair is apparently the result of Addie's rape at the hands of an unknown man in the sanitarium. Seeking revenge, Blair tries to ruin Dorian by getting her aunt's signature on a document confessing to the murder of her husband Victor Lord in 1976. Blair then plots to marry Asa Buchanan
to gain the financial security and power she needs to care for her mother and destroy Dorian. It is revealed that Dorian had been told that Addie had died by their parents, who had institutionalized her. Blair and Dorian reconcile, and Dorian is tearfully reunited with sister Addie, who calls her "Dori." Sweet but simple-minded Addie is placed in St. Ann's sanitarium for full-time care, but is visited often by her family.
Addie surprises the Cramers on December 24, 2007 when she appears at Dorian's home La Boulaie. Apparently "recovered" due to a new medication, Addie is anxious to make up for lost time.
She sets things straight with on-again, off-again son-in-law Todd Manning
and flirts with Dorian's new friend Charlie Banks
. While at Roxy Balsom
's beauty salon, Addie seems to recognize Miles Laurence
, whom she's never met; they commiserate on the fact that they have both spent most of their lives in hospitals. On February 5, 2008, Addie is relieved by her assessment that Dorian is no longer a "Viki wanna-be," reminding Dorian of her persistent use of the Lord name, "running a newspaper like hers, naming your house," and shared romantic partners — as well as Dorian's romance with Viki's son Joey
. "And I thought you weren't paying attention," notes a flabbergasted Dorian.
On June 18, 2008, the extroverted Addie reveals that she has married Dorian's ex-husband David Vickers
, but her torrid "friends with benefits" relationship with David comes to a swift end when she realizes he still carries a torch for Dorian; they part amicably.
With Dorian's departure in August 2011, Addie becomes the matriarch of the Cramer family in Llanview.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
One Life to Live
One Life to Live
One Life to Live is an American soap opera which debuted on July 15, 1968 and has been broadcast on the ABC television network. Created by Agnes Nixon, the series was the first daytime drama to primarily feature racially and socioeconomically diverse characters and consistently emphasize social...
. The popularity and longevity of the family began with the introduction of Dr. Dorian Cramer to the show, debuting on the series in 1973. Her initial feud with Victoria Lord
Victoria Lord
Victoria "Viki" Lord is the principal fictional character and matriarch of the Lord family on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live...
and the ensuing popularity of the character facilitated the writing of Cramer relatives onto the canvas, raising the family to prominence in storylines since the 1990s.
Enter Dorian
Dr. Dorian Cramer arrived in LlanviewLlanview, Pennsylvania
Llanview, Pennsylvania is the fictional setting for the long-running American soap opera One Life to Live. The city exists in the same fictional universe as cities from other existing or defunct ABC daytime dramas, including Pine Valley from All My Children, Port Charles from General Hospital, and...
in 1973 with unstable younger sister Melinda. Their parents had died in a plane crash en route to visit an injured Melinda, whose promising career as a pianist was ended by a fall that had paralyzed her arm. Having lost a third sister to pneumonia, Dorian and Melinda were each other's only family.
Dorian treated Eileen Riley Siegel for her addiction to painkillers, and soon became romantically involved with Dr. Mark Toland, the husband of Eileen's daughter Julie. A furious Melinda, who had also developed a crush on Mark, became further unhinged. When her plan to stab Dorian and Mark in bed failed in 1974, Melinda was institutionalized.
Dorian was suspended from Llanview hospital in 1974 for her involvement in the death of a patient, and she blamed hospital board member Viki (who had actually voted in Dorian's favor) for the decision. She and Viki sparred further when Dorian became Victor's private physician, but their rivalry was cemented when Victor announced that he had married Dorian. Victor's long-lost son Tony Harris came to town and Dorian, hoping to maintain her hold on Victor's fortune, soon manipulated events to make father and son bitter enemies. After Victor's mysterious death in 1976, the shadow of suspicion surrounded Dorian for decades.
Melinda returns
A recovered Melinda returned in 1978, but soon sabotaged Dorian's new relationship with Dr. Peter Janssen, wanting him for herself. Melinda seemed to win when she and Peter eloped, but her compulsive behavior returned. Resuming her career as a concert pianist, Melinda practiced day and night, putting a strain on her marriage to Peter. She became more unbalanced when a failed audition put a close to her musical ambitions, and in 1979 checked herself into the Compton Clinic. Dorian had Melinda declared mentally incompetent; by 1980, Peter hoped to marry Jenny Wolek Vernon, but couldn't divorce Melinda until she was mentally stable. After threatening Jenny with a letter opener and sinking further into psychosis, Melinda returned to the clinic in 1981.Cassie
In 1981, a young girl named Cassie Reynolds appeared and soon revealed herself as Dorian's daughter. Dorian had been in medical school when she had given birth to Cassie, whose father David Renaldi had run off with her. Mother and daughter reunited, and Dorian's husband Herb Callison adopted Cassie. In 1985, Cassie became engaged to Rob Coronal, but by 1986 their marriage had ended in divorce. Dorian left Llanview in 1987 (and became the U.S. Ambassador to MendorraMendorra
Mendorra is a fictional European monarchy on the long-running U.S. soap opera One Life to Live. The principality is supposedly located near Germany.-Locations:...
) after discovering that Cassie was having an affair with Dorian's boyfriend, private detective Jon Russell. Cassie and Jon's relationship later fizzled as she reunited with ex-husband Rob.
Melinda returned for a third time in 1987 and moved into Dorian's penthouse with Cassie, who later left Llanview in 1988. Melinda had a relationship with Jon, but left town herself in 1989. Dorian returned that same year, followed by Cassie in 1991. Much to Dorian's chagrin, Cassie became involved with Bo Buchanan
Bo Buchanan
Beaufort Oglethorpe "Bo" Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live.-Casting and awards:The role was originated in 1979 by Robert S. Woods, who briefly left the series in 1986 but returned in 1988, and currently portrays the role...
. Dorian's machinations (and a failed attempt to kill Cassie by Bo's insane ex, Alex Olanov
Alex Olanov
Alexandra "Alex" Olanov is a fictional character from the long-running ABC soap opera One Life to Live...
) did not stop the couple from marrying, but the reappearance of Bo's presumed-dead wife Sarah Gordon ultimately ended the union.
Blair's revenge
In 1991, Blair DaimlerBlair Cramer
Blair Cramer is a fictional character on the American daytime drama One Life to Live...
came to Llanview with a secret — she was the daughter of Dorian's older sister Agatha "Addie" Cramer, who had not died after all. Blair had Addie, mentally ill and institutionalized for years, hidden in her loft, and blamed her Aunt Dorian for her mother's illness. Seeking revenge, Blair tried to ruin Dorian by getting her aunt's signature on a document confessing to the murder of Victor Lord in 1976.
Blair sought to marry Asa Buchanan
Asa Buchanan
Asa Buchanan is a fictional character and patriarch of the Buchanan family on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. The Texan industrialist father of newly-arrived characters Clint and Bo Buchanan, Asa was originated in 1980 by Philip Carey. Carey portrays the nearly continuously for nearly three...
to gain the financial security and power she needed to care for her mother and destroy Dorian. As it turned out, Dorian had been told Addie had died by their parents, who had institutionalized her. Blair married Asa despite the fact that she was in love with Max Holden
Max Holden (One Life to Live)
Max Holden is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. He was most popularly portrayed by James DePaiva.-Storylines:Max Holden came to Llanview in 1987 and as soon as he got there, he became involved in a love triangle with two women, Tina Lord Roberts and Gabrielle Medina....
; by the time her marriage fell apart and Asa had thrown her out on the street, Max had moved on to the love of his life, Luna Moody. In 1994, Blair became romantically involved with Cord Roberts
Cord Roberts
Cordero "Cord" Roberts is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. The role was originated in 1986 by John Loprieno, who left the series in 1992 and then returned from 1993 through 1997...
.
Kelly and Paul
In 1995, Melinda's rebellious daughter Kelly CramerKelly Cramer
Kelly Cramer is a fictional character on the long-running daytime soap opera One Life to Live, most notably portrayed by Gina Tognoni, who first appeared in the role February 17, 1995 and left on August 24, 2011.-Casting:...
arrives in Llanview, scarred by her childhood with her unstable mother and raised in various European boarding schools arranged by her aunt Dorian. Kelly comes to live with her cousin Cassie and Cassie's husband Andrew, and develops an infatuation with Dorian's husband David Vickers
David Vickers
David Vickers Buchanan is a fictional character from the daytime soap opera One Life to Live, portrayed by Tuc Watkins.-Appearances:...
. Over time, Kelly and her family become close. Later, Kelly falls for both Joey
Joey Buchanan
Joseph "Joey" Riley Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC daytime serial One Life to Live. The character is the son of original characters Victoria Lord and Joe Riley, Sr.-Casting:...
and Kevin Buchanan
Kevin Buchanan
Kevin Lord Riley Buchanan is a fictional character on the soap opera One Life to Live. The character is the first child born to original characters Victoria Lord and Joe Riley.-Casting:...
.
In 1997, Melinda is finally recovering from her breakdown, and remembering her and Dorian's traumatic past at the Cramer family's ancestral home in Canton
Canton, Ohio
Canton is the county seat of Stark County in northeastern Ohio, approximately south of Akron and south of Cleveland.The City of Caton is the largest incorporated area within the Canton-Massillon Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. Dorian, desperate not to let the dark secrets of their past resurface, begins switching Melinda's antipsychotic medication, and Melinda once again sinks into dementia.
In 2003, it is revealed that Melinda had told Dorian upon a recent hospital visit that she had given birth to a son as well as a daughter during her years in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, and that the boy had been given away. This child turns out to be Paul Cramer
Paul Cramer
Paul Cramer is a fictional character from the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live. Paul was originated on October 3, 2003 by Brock Cuchna, who played the role until March 10, 2004. The character was then recast with David Tom on March 11, 2004...
. Melinda is seen again in 2004 during the "baby switch" storyline, in which Kelly confesses her and Paul's sins to her delusional mother. A disoriented Melinda — lost in her own world — mistakes Kelly's son Ace for her own son Paul. A devious Paul is murdered in October 2004; One Life to Live was met with criticism when the killer was later revealed to be married district attorney Daniel Colson, who had murdered Paul to cover up the fact that Daniel is secretly gay. On March 1, 2010, the assembled family receives the news that Melinda has died of a heart attack.
Cassie Callison
Cassie Callison (originally Reynolds; formerly Coronal, Carpenter, and Buchanan) is a fictional character
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
on the American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
daytime
Daytime television
Daytime television is the general term for television shows produced that are intended to air during the daytime hours on weekdays. This article is about American daytime television, for information about international daytime television see Daytime television....
drama
Drama
Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
One Life to Live
One Life to Live
One Life to Live is an American soap opera which debuted on July 15, 1968 and has been broadcast on the ABC television network. Created by Agnes Nixon, the series was the first daytime drama to primarily feature racially and socioeconomically diverse characters and consistently emphasize social...
. She is the daughter of Dr. Dorian Lord and musician David Renaldi.
A young girl named Cassie Reynolds appears in 1981, claiming to be Dorian's daughter. Dorian had given birth while in medical school, and Cassie's father David had run off with her, living under the assumed name Reynolds. Dorian and Cassie are reunited, and Dorian's husband Herb Callison adopts Cassie. In 1985, Cassie is engaged to Rob Coronal, but by 1986 their marriage had ended in divorce. Evil Mitch Laurence
Mitch Laurence
Mitchell "Mitch" Laurence is a fictional character, portrayed by Roscoe Born, on the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live, from 1985 to 1987 and again from 2002 to 2003...
is killed while trying to rape Cassie; at first she is implicated, but Dorian confesses to the crime and is convicted herself. Eventually Dorian is exonerated when a tape surfaces that proves the killing had been in self-defense.
Dorian leaves Llanview in 1987 (and becomes the U.S. Ambassador to Mendorra) after discovering that Cassie is having an affair with Dorian's boyfriend, private detective Jon Russell. Cassie and Jon's relationship later fizzles as she reunites with ex-husband Rob. In 1987 Cassie lives with a returned Melinda in Dorian's penthouse, but leaves town in 1988. Dorian returns in 1989, followed by Cassie in 1991.
Much to Dorian's chagrin, Cassie becomes involved with Bo Buchanan
Bo Buchanan
Beaufort Oglethorpe "Bo" Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live.-Casting and awards:The role was originated in 1979 by Robert S. Woods, who briefly left the series in 1986 but returned in 1988, and currently portrays the role...
; Dorian's machinations (and a failed attempt to kill Cassie by Bo's insane ex, Alex Olanov
Alex Olanov
Alexandra "Alex" Olanov is a fictional character from the long-running ABC soap opera One Life to Live...
) do not stop the couple from marrying. Immediately after the wedding, however, Bo's presumed-dead wife Sarah Gordon appears, very much alive. An anguished Bo chooses to stay with Cassie, but their marriage later falls apart after Cassie realizes Bo is still in love with Sarah.
In 1993, Cassie marries the Reverend Andrew Carpenter; she later miscarries their son, William. She finds an abandoned baby in the manger outside St. James Church. The mother of Cassie's foundling appears, but soon dies; her last wish is for Cassie and Andrew to adopt baby River.
Divorce and new beginnings
After baby William's death, Cassie and Andrew's marriage was never quite the same. Prior to their adopting River, Cassie suffered a mental breakdown, and Andrew nearly fell into an affair with close friend Marty SaybrookeMarty Saybrooke
Dr. Margaret "Marty" Saybrooke is a fictional character on the American daytime drama One Life to Live. The role was originated by Susan Haskell, who portrayed Marty from January 24, 1992 through September 16, 1997 and made brief appearances on February 16, 2004 and February 2005...
. The Carpenters' marriage seemed to be getting back on even footing as they focused on raising their new son River, but when Cassie went back to work as a journalist at The Banner in 1997, she began a tempestuous working relationship with rival reporter Kevin Buchanan
Kevin Buchanan
Kevin Lord Riley Buchanan is a fictional character on the soap opera One Life to Live. The character is the first child born to original characters Victoria Lord and Joe Riley.-Casting:...
, one that slowly blossomed into mutual passion. Cassie broke her wedding vows and began an affair with Kevin, ruining her marriage and her reputation, even losing custody of River in the ensuing divorce and custody battle. Kevin and Cassie were deeply in love, however, and Kevin risked his life to save Cassie from the inferno that burnt down the Cramer homestead in Canton
Canton, Ohio
Canton is the county seat of Stark County in northeastern Ohio, approximately south of Akron and south of Cleveland.The City of Caton is the largest incorporated area within the Canton-Massillon Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. Meanwhile, Cassie's long-lost father, David Renaldi, returned to Llanview, stricken with ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a form of motor neuron disease caused by the degeneration of upper and lower neurons, located in the ventral horn of the spinal cord and the cortical neurons that provide their efferent input...
, to reconnect with his daughter and new grandson.
Insanity
Wounded in the fire in Canton, Kevin became enamored of his hospital nurse, Barbara Graham, who developed an obsessive fixation on Kevin after their brief affair went sour. Turning murderous, Barbara attempted to kill Cassie, whom she believed stood in the way of her future with Kevin. Barbara lured Cassie to the docks in the warehouse district of Llanview and attempted to gun her down; instead, she murdered Drew Buchanan and gravely injured Cassie, leaving her paralyzed and using a wheelchair. Eventually, Cassie discovered that Barbara was the shooter, and her rage and fury left her mind once again unhinged. Cassie turned the tables on Barbara, blackmailing her with knowledge of her crime, forcing Barbara to participate in her wedding to Kevin and become Cassie's personal nurse. As Cassie slowly regained the use of her legs, she hid the truth from her friends and family. Finally, Cassie dragged Barbara to a bell tower at gunpoint, attempting to force her to jump to her death. Kevin and Andrew arrived just in time to stop Cassie. Cassie was institutionalized, and Barbara was arrested.When Kevin and the family visited Cassie, they discovered she had suffered a full psychotic break, believing she was still happily married to Andrew. Andrew and Kevin both attempted to break through to her, to little avail. Cassie's mother, Dorian, had never approved of Cassie and Kevin's relationship, and in early 1999 decided to send Cassie to Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
for further treatment. Kevin fought her every step of the way, even stowing away on the private plane bound for Switzerland to try one last time to get through to his wife. In a brief moment of lucidity, Cassie begged Kevin to let her go. Heartbroken, Kevin returned to Llanview and agreed to have his marriage annulled.
Return engagements
Since her exit in 1999, Cassie had made a series of recurring appearances. In the years since Cassie's departure to Switzerland, it was revealed that she was slowly recovering, and eventually River was even sent out of the country to spend time with his mother. Cassie herself finally reappeared in late 2001, as a guest at Todd and Blair'sTodd and Blair Manning
Todd Manning and Blair Cramer are fictional characters and a supercouple from the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live. Todd was originated by Roger Howarth and later portrayed by actor Trevor St. John. On August 17, 2011, St. John's character was revealed to be Todd's identical twin brother, Victor...
wedding. Cassie explained that she was almost fully recovered and living in Switzerland, and shared a somewhat awkward reunion with her cousin Kelly
Kelly Cramer
Kelly Cramer is a fictional character on the long-running daytime soap opera One Life to Live, most notably portrayed by Gina Tognoni, who first appeared in the role February 17, 1995 and left on August 24, 2011.-Casting:...
, who had since gone on to marry Kevin herself.
Fully recovered, Cassie next returned a year later in late 2002, rushing to Blair's aid after she was apparently attacked by mob hitmen. Cassie believed Blair had been rendered catatonic, and was tasked to take her out of the country. In reality, Todd and Blair had used Cassie to lure away her supposed assailants with the help of a body double, while Blair hid out at Todd's penthouse.
While back in town for Blair, Cassie also recounted her harrowing experiences with Mitch Laurence
Mitch Laurence
Mitchell "Mitch" Laurence is a fictional character, portrayed by Roscoe Born, on the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live, from 1985 to 1987 and again from 2002 to 2003...
for Viki
Victoria Lord
Victoria "Viki" Lord is the principal fictional character and matriarch of the Lord family on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live...
and Bo. Nothing could have prepared her for the shock of her life when she returned the following March to see Dorian, only to discover that her mother was marrying the resurrected Mitch - the man who had tried to rape Cassie! Cassie and Blair watched in shock and disgust as Dorian and Mitch took their unholy vows, and gained control of the Lord fortune. Cassie did not yet realize that Dorian was conning Mitch in the hopes of winning his trust and destroying him. Dorian haltingly tried to explain things to her daughter, but Cassie left town in disgust for her new home in Savannah
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important...
. Later that year, on Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
, Cassie and Dorian made peace after Cassie discovered Dorian and Blair's efforts to murder Mitch. Meanwhile, a now-teenaged River came home from Savannah to spend time with his father and grandmother. During this visit, Cassie also painfully reunited with Kevin and Kelly.
In the fall of 2003, Cassie was part of the Cramers' competition to win "Aunt Betsy's" inheritance, but was immediately disqualified due to her own "lapses in judgment" with Andrew and Kevin. In 2004, Cassie returned, furious about River's relationship with Adriana Colon
Adriana Cramer
Adriana Cramer is a fictional character on the American daytime drama One Life to Live, portrayed most notably by Melissa Fumero.-Casting:...
, his newfound "aunt". She and Adriana eventually made peace, and Cassie returned to Savannah, where she resides to this day. Dorian calls Cassie to warn her about a returned Mitch on February 15, 2010. She then returns to Llanview with her ex-husband, Andrew, in tow and reveals that Melinda has died. Following a short reunion with her mother, sisters and, cousins Cassie returns to Savannah. When Bo and Nora re-marry, it is revealed that Andrew traveled back with her, to visit River.
Addie Cramer
Agatha "Addie" Cramer (formerly Vickers) is the older sister of Dr. Dorian Cramer Lord and mother to Blair Cramer
Blair Cramer
Blair Cramer is a fictional character on the American daytime drama One Life to Live...
, and has been portrayed by Pamela Payton-Wright
Pamela Payton-Wright
-Biography:Payton-Wright was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Eleanor Ruth and Gordon Edgar Payton-Wright. She graduated from the Birmingham-Southern College in 1963. She began her television career in 1972 as Rhonda on Corky...
since December 1991.
Blair Daimler comes to Llanview in 1991 with a secret — she is the daughter of Dorian's older sister Addie Cramer. Mentally ill and institutionalized for years, Addie is now hidden in Blair's loft. Blair blames Dorian for her mother's illness and her own childhood in foster care; Blair is apparently the result of Addie's rape at the hands of an unknown man in the sanitarium. Seeking revenge, Blair tries to ruin Dorian by getting her aunt's signature on a document confessing to the murder of her husband Victor Lord in 1976. Blair then plots to marry Asa Buchanan
Asa Buchanan
Asa Buchanan is a fictional character and patriarch of the Buchanan family on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. The Texan industrialist father of newly-arrived characters Clint and Bo Buchanan, Asa was originated in 1980 by Philip Carey. Carey portrays the nearly continuously for nearly three...
to gain the financial security and power she needs to care for her mother and destroy Dorian. It is revealed that Dorian had been told that Addie had died by their parents, who had institutionalized her. Blair and Dorian reconcile, and Dorian is tearfully reunited with sister Addie, who calls her "Dori." Sweet but simple-minded Addie is placed in St. Ann's sanitarium for full-time care, but is visited often by her family.
Addie surprises the Cramers on December 24, 2007 when she appears at Dorian's home La Boulaie. Apparently "recovered" due to a new medication, Addie is anxious to make up for lost time.
She sets things straight with on-again, off-again son-in-law Todd Manning
Todd Manning
Thomas Todd Manning is a fictional character from the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live. Created by writer Michael Malone, the role was originated in 1992 by actor Roger Howarth. In 2003, Howarth departed from the series and the role was recast with actor Trevor St. John as Todd, initially written...
and flirts with Dorian's new friend Charlie Banks
Charlie Banks (One Life to Live)
Charles "Charlie" Banks is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. He was portrayed by Brian Kerwin from October 25, 2007 to May 11, 2011.-Character history:...
. While at Roxy Balsom
Roxy Balsom
Roxanne Louise "Roxy" Balsom is a fictional character on ABC's daytime drama One Life to Live...
's beauty salon, Addie seems to recognize Miles Laurence
Miles Laurence
Miles Laurence is a fictional character on ABC's daytime drama One Life to Live. He was portrayed by David Chisum from February 12, 2007 to April 22, 2008.-Storylines:...
, whom she's never met; they commiserate on the fact that they have both spent most of their lives in hospitals. On February 5, 2008, Addie is relieved by her assessment that Dorian is no longer a "Viki wanna-be," reminding Dorian of her persistent use of the Lord name, "running a newspaper like hers, naming your house," and shared romantic partners — as well as Dorian's romance with Viki's son Joey
Joey Buchanan
Joseph "Joey" Riley Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC daytime serial One Life to Live. The character is the son of original characters Victoria Lord and Joe Riley, Sr.-Casting:...
. "And I thought you weren't paying attention," notes a flabbergasted Dorian.
On June 18, 2008, the extroverted Addie reveals that she has married Dorian's ex-husband David Vickers
David Vickers
David Vickers Buchanan is a fictional character from the daytime soap opera One Life to Live, portrayed by Tuc Watkins.-Appearances:...
, but her torrid "friends with benefits" relationship with David comes to a swift end when she realizes he still carries a torch for Dorian; they part amicably.
With Dorian's departure in August 2011, Addie becomes the matriarch of the Cramer family in Llanview.
Family tree
Unnamed Parents [deceased]- c. Lou Cramer [deceased]
- m. Sonya Roskova (dissolved by his death) [deceased]
- c. Dorian Cramer LordDorian Cramer LordDr. Dorian Lord Buchanan is a fictional character and matriarch of the Cramer family on the American daytime drama One Life to Live, most notably portrayed for nearly three decades by Robin Strasser...
- a. David Renaldi [deceased]
- c. Cassie Callison (adopted by Herb Callison)
- m. Bo BuchananBo BuchananBeaufort Oglethorpe "Bo" Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live.-Casting and awards:The role was originated in 1979 by Robert S. Woods, who briefly left the series in 1986 but returned in 1988, and currently portrays the role...
(1991; invalid) - m. Andrew Carpenter (1993–1997; divorced)
- c. William Sloan Carpenter [deceased 1993]
- c. River Carpenter (adopted; biological parents are Beth Garvey and an unnamed male)
- m. Kevin BuchananKevin BuchananKevin Lord Riley Buchanan is a fictional character on the soap opera One Life to Live. The character is the first child born to original characters Victoria Lord and Joe Riley.-Casting:...
(1998–1999; annulled)
- m. Bo Buchanan
- c. Cassie Callison (adopted by Herb Callison)
- m. Victor Lord (1976–2003; dissolved by his death)
- m. Herb Callison (1981–1985; invalid)
- c. Cassie Callison (biological daughter of David Renaldi)
- m. Bo BuchananBo BuchananBeaufort Oglethorpe "Bo" Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live.-Casting and awards:The role was originated in 1979 by Robert S. Woods, who briefly left the series in 1986 but returned in 1988, and currently portrays the role...
(1991; invalid) - m. Andrew Carpenter (1993–1997; divorced)
- c. William Sloan Carpenter [deceased 1993]
- c. River Carpenter (adopted; biological parents are Beth Garvey and an unnamed male)
- m. Kevin BuchananKevin BuchananKevin Lord Riley Buchanan is a fictional character on the soap opera One Life to Live. The character is the first child born to original characters Victoria Lord and Joe Riley.-Casting:...
(1998–1999; annulled)
- m. Bo Buchanan
- c. Cassie Callison (biological daughter of David Renaldi)
- m. Manuel Santi (1980s; invalid; deceased)
- c. Adriana CramerAdriana CramerAdriana Cramer is a fictional character on the American daytime drama One Life to Live, portrayed most notably by Melissa Fumero.-Casting:...
(adopted by César and Ramona Colón)- m. Rex BalsomRex BalsomRex Balsom is a fictional character on the American daytime drama One Life to Live, portrayed by John-Paul Lavoisier since May 9, 2002.With the character initially named "Jamie" prior to production, then-Executive Producer Gary Tomlin "toyed with the idea" of putting Rex in a gay storyline;...
(2008; divorced)
- m. Rex Balsom
- c. Adriana Cramer
- m. David VickersDavid VickersDavid Vickers Buchanan is a fictional character from the daytime soap opera One Life to Live, portrayed by Tuc Watkins.-Appearances:...
(1995; divorced; first time) - m. Mel Hayes (1998–1999; dissolved by his death)
- m. Mitch LaurenceMitch LaurenceMitchell "Mitch" Laurence is a fictional character, portrayed by Roscoe Born, on the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live, from 1985 to 1987 and again from 2002 to 2003...
(2003; annulled) - ac. Langston WildeLangston WildeLangston Wilde Cramer is a fictional character on ABC's daytime drama One Life to Live. She has been played by Brittany Underwood from May 17, 2006 til April 12, 2011...
(biological daughter of Broderick Wilde & Linda Montez Wilde) - m. David VickersDavid VickersDavid Vickers Buchanan is a fictional character from the daytime soap opera One Life to Live, portrayed by Tuc Watkins.-Appearances:...
(2009; annulled; second time) - m. David VickersDavid VickersDavid Vickers Buchanan is a fictional character from the daytime soap opera One Life to Live, portrayed by Tuc Watkins.-Appearances:...
(2011–present; third time)
- a. David Renaldi [deceased]
- c. Melinda Cramer [deceased 2010]
- a. Unknown
- c. Kelly CramerKelly CramerKelly Cramer is a fictional character on the long-running daytime soap opera One Life to Live, most notably portrayed by Gina Tognoni, who first appeared in the role February 17, 1995 and left on August 24, 2011.-Casting:...
- m. Joey BuchananJoey BuchananJoseph "Joey" Riley Buchanan is a fictional character on the ABC daytime serial One Life to Live. The character is the son of original characters Victoria Lord and Joe Riley, Sr.-Casting:...
(2000–2001; divorced) - m. Kevin BuchananKevin BuchananKevin Lord Riley Buchanan is a fictional character on the soap opera One Life to Live. The character is the first child born to original characters Victoria Lord and Joe Riley.-Casting:...
(2003–2004; divorced)- c. Kevin Buchanan, Jr. [deceased 2004]
- a. Duke Buchanan [deceased]
- c. Zane Buchanan
- m. Joey Buchanan
- c. Kelly Cramer
- a. Unknown
- c. Paul CramerPaul CramerPaul Cramer is a fictional character from the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live. Paul was originated on October 3, 2003 by Brock Cuchna, who played the role until March 10, 2004. The character was then recast with David Tom on March 11, 2004...
[died 2004]- m. Babe CareyBabe CareyArabella "Babe" Carey Chandler is a fictional character from the American daytime drama All My Children. She was originally portrayed by actress Alexa Havins, from October 13, 2003 to October 8, 2007, and then by actress Amanda Baker from October 8, 2007 to October 31, 2008...
(2003–2004; annulled; deceased)
- m. Babe Carey
- c. Paul Cramer
- m. Peter Janssen (1978–1981; annulled)
- a. Unknown
- c. Addie Cramer
- r. Unknown
- c. Blair CramerBlair CramerBlair Cramer is a fictional character on the American daytime drama One Life to Live...
- m. Asa BuchananAsa BuchananAsa Buchanan is a fictional character and patriarch of the Buchanan family on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. The Texan industrialist father of newly-arrived characters Clint and Bo Buchanan, Asa was originated in 1980 by Philip Carey. Carey portrays the nearly continuously for nearly three...
(1992; divorced; deceased) - m. Todd ManningTodd ManningThomas Todd Manning is a fictional character from the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live. Created by writer Michael Malone, the role was originated in 1992 by actor Roger Howarth. In 2003, Howarth departed from the series and the role was recast with actor Trevor St. John as Todd, initially written...
(1995; annulled; first time) - m. Todd ManningTodd ManningThomas Todd Manning is a fictional character from the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live. Created by writer Michael Malone, the role was originated in 1992 by actor Roger Howarth. In 2003, Howarth departed from the series and the role was recast with actor Trevor St. John as Todd, initially written...
(1995–1997; divorced; second time)- c. Starr ManningStarr ManningStarr Irene Manning is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. Portrayed by Kristen Alderson since 1998, Starr is the oldest child of Todd Manning and Blair Cramer, and was originally known for her mischievous behavior, exacerbated by her parents' volatile...
(born 1996)- a. Cole ThornhartCole ThornhartCole Patrick Thornhart is a fictional character on ABC's daytime drama One Life to Live. He was played by Brandon Buddy from October 10, 2006 to November 10, 2010. He is also the nephew of Ian Thornhart, Patrick's identical twin brother from the now-defunct series Port Charles...
- c. Hope Manning Thornhart (born 2008)
- a. Cole Thornhart
- c. Starr Manning
- a. Patrick ThornhartPatrick ThornhartPatrick Thornhart is a fictional character on the daytime soap opera, One Life to Live. He was played by Thorsten Kaye from October 1995 to September 16, 1997, and an unknown actor by June 3, 2011 to June 6, 2011.-Storylines:...
[deceased 2005]- c. Brendan Thornhart [stillborn 1997]
- m. Max HoldenMax Holden (One Life to Live)Max Holden is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. He was most popularly portrayed by James DePaiva.-Storylines:Max Holden came to Llanview in 1987 and as soon as he got there, he became involved in a love triangle with two women, Tina Lord Roberts and Gabrielle Medina....
(1999–2001; divorced) - m. Todd ManningTodd ManningThomas Todd Manning is a fictional character from the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live. Created by writer Michael Malone, the role was originated in 1992 by actor Roger Howarth. In 2003, Howarth departed from the series and the role was recast with actor Trevor St. John as Todd, initially written...
(2001–2002; divorced; third time)- c. Jack ManningJack Manning (One Life to Live)John "Jack" Cramer Manning is a fictional character on the American soap opera, One Life to Live. He is the first-born son and second child of Todd Manning and Blair Cramer.-Casting:...
(born 2001)
- c. Jack Manning
- m. Victor Lord Jr. (2003–2004; divorced; first time)
- m. Victor Lord Jr. (2007–2008; divorced; second time)
- m. John McBainJohn McBain (One Life to Live)John McBain is a fictional character on the American daytime drama One Life to Live, portrayed by Michael Easton since October 1, 2003.-Natalie and Evangeline:...
(2009; divorced) - m. Elijah ClarkeElijah ClarkeElijah Clarke , born in Anson County, North Carolina, was a soldier and officer with the Continentals and considered a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Afterward he was elected to the Georgia legislature. In 1794 he organized the Trans-Oconee Republic, several settlements in counties of...
(2010; dissolved by his death)
- m. Asa Buchanan
- c. Blair Cramer
- m. David VickersDavid VickersDavid Vickers Buchanan is a fictional character from the daytime soap opera One Life to Live, portrayed by Tuc Watkins.-Appearances:...
(2008; annulled)
- r. Unknown
- c. Dorian Cramer Lord
- m. Sonya Roskova (dissolved by his death) [deceased]
- c. Betsy Cramer [died 2004]