Lori Loughlin Urges Her “Edge of Night” Audition Partner ‘Todd’ to Reach Out, More Than 4 Decades Later

Lori Loughlin Reflects on Early Acting Career and the Evolution of Soap Operas

Lori Loughlin, the beloved actress best known for her role in the classic sitcom *Full House*, has taken a reflective look at the beginnings of her career during a recent interview on the podcast *Cart Blanche With John Battagliese*, which streams on QVC+ and HSN+. Loughlin, now 62, is perhaps less known for her earlier work in the soap opera *The Edge of Night*, where she portrayed the character Jody Travis from June 1980 until December 1983.

During her chat with Battagliese, Loughlin recounted the pivotal moment that ignited her passion for acting — watching *The Wizard of Oz* alongside her father. Despite her family’s initial belief that her aspirations were merely a childhood whim, she began modelling at the age of 11, which eventually opened doors to commercial work and acting opportunities.

Loughlin described her audition process for *The Edge of Night* at the tender age of 15. Encouraged by her agent to claim she was 18, she faced a critical moment when a casting director asked her age during an audition. Recognising her youth, the director informed her that she was too young for the role. Nonetheless, Loughlin’s charisma shone through, leading the director to invite her back for a second round in front of the show’s producers.

In recalling this experience, the actress said, “I had a memorable encounter where an actor named Todd, who was also auditioning, expressed concern that he always lost out to the actresses he auditioned with. Just moments after, I received a call telling me I had landed the role.” She wistfully called out to Todd during the podcast, expressing her desire to reconnect, “Todd, where are you? I’m on Instagram, Todd. Please, find me.”

Loughlin also touched upon the shift in popularity regarding soap operas since her time in the industry. She noted, “I worked with incredibly talented theatre actors. Many were engaging in soap operas to supplement their income, as most had connections to Off-Broadway or Broadway productions.” This insight highlights the strong theatre roots that underpin the performances within the genre.

The conversation evolved to discuss the extensive learning opportunities available to young actors in soap opera environments. Loughlin explained that the pace and volume of dialogue in soap operas allow actors to hone their skills rapidly. “There are numerous pages to cover in a single day, but with practice, your brain adapts,” she stated, reflecting on her development. “By the time I left *The Edge of Night*, I could often memorise lines simply by looking at them once or twice.”

Loughlin acknowledged the challenges faced by young actors today, mentioning that the fast-paced nature of soap operas provided invaluable training for those starting out in the industry. “You learn a tremendous amount and are exposed to various actors at different stages of their careers. Those experiences can be instrumental in shaping your craft,” she remarked.

In a nostalgic tone, she added that while soap operas may have seen a decline in viewership, the experience of working in such a dynamic environment continues to resonate with her. The skills she acquired during her time on *The Edge of Night* laid foundational blocks for her future roles, including the much-loved Aunt Becky on *Full House*, which she joined in 1988.

Loughlin’s reflections not only celebrate her own journey but also shed light on the evolution of the television landscape, particularly in regards to the soap opera genre. As she continues to navigate her acting career, it is clear that her early experiences remain a treasured part of her professional narrative.

The discussion left audiences reminiscing about a time when soap operas ruled the television airwaves, and it serves as a reminder of the training ground they offered for countless actors, including Loughlin, who transformed their early ambition into enduring success.