Letters to the Editor about Stephen & Mary Beth and/or Steve "Patch" Johnson & Kayla
[Please note that some letters are edited to exclude comments not pertaining to Stephen and Mary Beth or their characters.]Soap Opera Digest, November 14, 1989
Thank you for your insightful article on DAYS OF OUR LIVES's Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans ["What People are Saying Behind Their Backs," 8/22/89]. The personal reflections shared by people who really know them was a real treat; it enabled me to get to know them a little better as the people behind Steve and Kayla, the characters they portray. I hope it is something that more people remember in the light of their recent storyline. It was reported several times that Nichols received some pretty hateful mail regarding his "transformation." It amazes me that there are people who hold an actor responsible for what his character does or doesn't do, and attack the actor personally. Story lines come from the writers; that's their job and viewers would complain to them. This behavior only encourages the belief that soap fans are obsessive personalities that can't tell fantasy from reality. There are those of us who simply appreciate the hard work and emotional stress that result from being an actor on a soap, and I thank Mary Beth and Stephen for their fine performances.
S.S., Fayetteville, AR
Soap Opera Update, November 6, 1989
I would like to thank Soap Opera Update for the commendable job you are doing! I never read soap opera magazines until I came across SOU. You keep us updated on every aspect of the soap world. I have especially enjoyed all the pictures and articles on Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans. They are two very extraordinary performers. Thank you for giving them all the exposure you have in your issues. The September 11th cover is the best so far. Your photographer did an excellent job. Keep up the outstanding work SOU and please continue to give Stephen and Mary Beth the recognition they deserve!
April Story, Oklahoma City, OK
Soap Opera Update, October 23, 1989
Thanks so much for marking Steve and Kayla's first anniversary. How Days of Our Lives could allow their anniversary to pass without anyone uttering a word about it is beyond me. Their current storyline would have been the perfect opportunity for a secret, romantic celebration. I, for one, am a very disappointed Steve and Kayla fan.
A Devoted S&K Fan, Ashland, KY
Daytime TV, July 1989
The story of Emily and Gideon on DAYS OF OUR LIVES is a welcome change from the rapists, pimps, prostitutes, and assorted criminals and low lifes DAYS has doted on for too long. It is refreshing to see normal people in a normal relationship with some moments of happiness. This is entertainment and what makes DAYS worth watching; I am thrilled to see such a story, well-written, creative, and meaningful, with some depth to it. The development of a strong, loving relationship offers a story that is neither dull nor boring when it is done creatively; and a relationship such as Emily and Gideon (or Patch and Kayla's) is inherent with enough differences to reconcile to satisfy even a soap opera's insatiable thirst for conflict. DAYS has success with this kind of story; and with their easy rapport and obvious affinity for each other, Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans are peerless as the choice to portray such a story. Here's hoping we'll see Patch and Kayla for many weeks to come, continuing to build a strong marriage and facing the inevitable conflict together with enough happiness and laughter to entertain rather than depress DAYS" audience.
Pat Walker, Cordova, TN
Daytime Digest, The Best of Days of Our Lives, January 1989
Just a few comments on Steve and Kayla's dream wedding: A man who talks to his God on a more or less equal basis ('I guess I have you to thank, Big Dude.') wouldn't feel comfortable in an elaborate cathedral. The boat (on which the couple were wed) honored both Steve and Kayla's heritages — his stint with the Merchant Marines; her childhood in her family's fish market. The tuxedos worn by Shane, Marcus, Frankie, and Roman were appropriate for them but not for Steve Johnson. His suit was perfect — bolo tie and all. Of course, some people wouldn't have cared if he had worn the ripped black tank top and bandana he dons when he lifts weights. Thank you for the chance to express my views. I had fun!
Soap Opera Update, January 9, 1989
Well, I guess history does repeat itself, even in soap operas. I thought when Bo left DAYS OF OUR LIVES that would be the end of men with greasy hair in pony-tails and scruffy beards, but unfortunately it seems that Steve has picked up where Bo left off. And what has happened to the magic between Kayla and Steve? Just because they are married, the romance doesn't have to be gone. Writers, please give us back the old Steve and Kayla soon!
Daytime TV, January 1989
Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans are without a doubt the best actors to ever hit television! They made Steve and Kayla's struggles to be together so real and so touching when they finally became Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Earl Johnson, I couldn't stop crying! They can and should stay together forever! And be daytime TV's first happily married couple!
Happy days are here again. Patch and Kayla are together again. Thank you Days' writers. I am sure a lot of Days fans agree overwhelmingly. Patch and Kayla are daytime's #1 duo and without a doubt, make my days worthwhile because I look forward to spending a warn and friendly afternoon with them. Thank you Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans for being a very pleasant part of my day.
I never thought that there'd be a couple who could make me forget Luke and Laura on General Hospital — or even Bo and Hope on Days of Our Lives. When Days decided to pair Steve and Kayla, I knew they were on to something. Their chemistry is unique. The scenes keep me riveted to the screen. There have been days when I've fast forwarded through the entire show, just so I could see my favorite couple! Please Days, don't ever let Stephen Nichols or Mary Beth Evans leave the show! If sports figures like Wayne Gretzky can command millions then you must do everything in your power to keep this couple on the air forever!
Dominic Abramo, Staten Island, NY
Soap Opera People, December 1988
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated the beautiful color centerfold of Mary Beth Evans and Stephen Nichols that was in the August issue. They are the reason I buy magazines. They are so good at what they do and they are able to make the viewer feel what they feel. Their kind of talent doesn't come along that often! All of their fans appreciate all they have given us. They are the best!
M. Haddox, PA
Soap Opera Update, September 5, 1988
Often Days of Our Lives has claimed to be responsive to their viewers. For the past year the producers have been responsive, all right. They have responded to their viewer's suggestions and pleas for a quality story for Patch and Kayla by giving them a story fit for the garbage dump! Do these producers think they are doing anything of value when they say Patch and Kayla will be married — only to turn around two weeks later and separate them?
A couple does not have to endure constant conflict and separation to be interesting and appealing. This is cop-out writing at its worst. Quality, creative writing can produce a story for a couple that includes occasional conflict resolved together, mixed with happiness and comedy that is more entertaining than this continual unrealistic, maudlin misery Days has been turning out for months — far longer than the writers' strike is NOT A VALID EXCUSE!
Many prime-time shows are having success now with happily married couples. Daytime soaps more successful than Days produce stories for couples who stay together and work through trouble without being separated by it. Days has the advantage of having the most gifted team on daytime; it's long past time the producers stopped wasting Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans. If Days were responsive to its viewers, as it claims, than Patch and Kayla would be kept together and given a story worth their time and talent!
Sue Lewis, Birmingham, AL
Daytime TV's Greatest Stories, Picture History of Days of Our Lives, 1988
Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans of DAYS are excellence personified. No one can touch them in talent, credibility, and charisma, which is what they bring to the characters of Steve (Patch) and Kayla...the producers and writers in control of their story have almost destroyed these unique characters...They have taken something special from all of us and left us with the taste of ashes.
A Fan, Albany, NY
Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans are all that is worth watching on soaps. With their tremendous talent and ability they should be given the most creative, finest script DAYS' writers can produce—and maximum air time.
Carol Pearson, University, MS
Soap Opera Update, August 15, 1988
There are no superlatives adequate enough to praise the June 13, 1988, issue of SOAP OPERA UPDATE and the feature articles on Stephen Nichols, Mary Beth Evans, and the love story of Patch and Kayla! The issue was everything I eagerly anticipated and more! The photos were especially great! Stephen is a talented, dynamic actor and so very deserving of this kind of recognition. His vivid characterization of Patch keeps me riveted to the screen and a loyal DAYS follower. I hope SOAP OPERA UPDATE will continue to carry photos and articles about Stephen, Mary Beth, and the oh so romantic, Patch and Kayla. For me these are a major selling feature of a magazine. Thanks again for an exceptional issue and keep up the good work!
AMK, Ottawa, Canada
Soap Opera Digest, December 15, 1987
Steve and Kayla are the best thing on soaps today. I think Steve's transformation has been terrific and no easy feat...Thank you, DAYS, for Steve and Kayla, Kim and Shane and Adrienne and Justin. We love them and we hope you'll keep giving us these terrific couples.
S.S. [Letter edited]
Soap Opera Stars, September 1987
Patch and Kayla are the best thing that's happened to Days of Our Lives. But if they don't let them sleep together soon I'll die!
Patch and Kayla Fan, Woburn, Mass.