What These 5 Actresses Look like 40 Years After ‘Santa Barbara’ – Then and Now Photos

What changes have these five actresses undergone over the years, given their popularity as “Santa Barbara” stars in the 1980s? See their incredible changes with before-and-after pictures, demonstrating their grace and beauty forty years after the show’s premiere.

After making its debut in 1984, “Santa Barbara” immediately gained popularity due to its complex plots and dramatic tension. But the show’s major draw for a lot of fans was its brilliant cast.

The cast of “Santa Barbara” on the set of the famous series in Los Angeles, California, circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images

Loved for their beauty and personality on television, these five ladies went on to become icons of the era. Decades later, we examine the changes these actresses have undergone since appearing on the show. Look through the amazing before-and-after pictures of these “Santa Barbara” legends, from Marcy Walker to Robin Mattson.

“Santa Barbara” actresses Robin Mattson and Judith McConnell with actor Jed Allan at the 13th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on July 17, 1986, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Marcy Walker


Marcy Walker was a particularly notable star on “Santa Barbara.” She was well-known for her daytime television roles, captivating viewers with her stunning beauty and innate brilliance. Walker gained particular notoriety for portraying compelling, multifaceted female roles that connected with audiences.

Marcy Walker filming “Santa Barbara” in Los Angeles, California, circa 1986. | Source: Getty Images

Walker played the fiery and independent daughter of the rich Capwell family in “Santa Barbara,” Eden Capwell. Her character became well-known in the 1980s thanks to her intense and turbulent relationship with Cruz Castillo, which was one of the soap opera’s main plotlines.

Marcy Walker, circa 1991. | Source: Getty Images

Walker’s youthful beauty and her golden blonde hair won her praise during her time on the show. She radiated the traditional ’80s glam, which was prevalent at the time and was often seen in vivid makeup and power attire.

Marcy Walker at the premiere of “City Of Angels” on June 12, 1991, in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Decades after the show’s finale, Walker, 63, still looks amazing despite having a very different appearance. She has aged gracefully, embracing a more natural appearance with small adjustments that show her maturity.

Marcy Walker at the “Santa Barbara” 40th anniversary reunion in 2024. | Source: YouTube/Michael Fairman Channel

Robin Wright


Due to her early work on “Santa Barbara,” Robin Wright’s stardom soared, but her later parts solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s top actors. Kelly Capwell, the adored youngest daughter of the Capwell family, was the character she played.

Robin Wright on the set of “Santa Barbara” in Los Angeles, California, circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images

Her persona was benevolent and frequently the focal point of the show’s poignant plots. Wright’s performance won her over many fans with her nuanced depiction of power and innocence.

Robin Wright photographed in November 1987 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Wright’s “Santa Barbara” days were marked by an unquestionable young beauty. She stood out on television because to her long, flowing golden hair and her youthful, almost ethereal appearance. She became a style icon of the late 1980s because to her radiant smile and easy charisma.

Robin Wright in New York City, circa 1984. | Source: Getty Images

Years later, at the age of 58, Wright’s appearance has changed in the most elegant way. Her features have grown into a sophisticated elegance, and her blonde hair has been cut into a stylish, shorter style. Wright has managed to preserve her classic beauty as she has aged gracefully, retaining the qualities that first made her unique all those years ago.

Nancy Lee Grahn


After becoming well-known from “Santa Barbara,” the actress gained recognition as one of the best actresses in daytime television. She firmly established herself as a soap opera icon by drawing viewers in with her easy charm and wit.

Nancy Lee Grahn circa 1980s. | Source: Getty Images

Grahn portrayed Julia Wainwright, a knowledgeable and self-reliant attorney who wasn’t hesitant to speak up for her convictions. Fans found Julia to be a complicated and lovable character because of her no-nonsense demeanor and softer, sensitive side.

Nancy Lee Grahn circa 1980s. | Source: Getty Images

Grahn had a signature ’80s appearance while she was on the show; she was frequently spotted with long brown hair and daring outfit selections. Her poised manner and strong looks complemented her bright and motivated temperament wonderfully.

Nancy Lee Grahn and Kristen Meadows in Los Angeles, California, circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images

Grahn, who is now 68 years old, has matured gracefully and adopted a more subdued look. Her inherent beauty still shines through despite the shorter hairstyle that gives her a polished, sleek appearance. The actress demonstrates that true beauty never goes out by carrying herself with the same grace as she did decades ago.

Judith McConnell


She established herself as a seasoned actor before to appearing in “Santa Barbara.” She was the ideal choice to play Sophia Capwell, the regal matriarch of the Capwell family, because of her grace and elegance.

Judith McConnell and Nicolas Coster posing for a portrait for “Santa Barbara,” circa 1986 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

As Sophia, McConnell embodied elegance and refinement, serving as a pivotal character in the show’s numerous dramatic turns. Her character gave the soap opera an extra dose of glitz with her dazzling appearance and strong personality.

Judith McConnell circa 1992. | Source: Getty Images

McConnell had an incredibly glamorous appearance. She frequently wore chic attire and sophisticated hairstyles that accentuated the riches and prestige of her persona. She was the ideal choice for the part because of her classic beauty and regal characteristics.

Judith McConnell posing for a portrait in Los Angeles, California, circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images

McConnell, who is 80 years old, maintains the same elegant atmosphere decades later. She still exudes the grace that first made her memorable, even though her appearance has inevitably evolved with time. Her elegant style and graying hair portray a lady who has matured gracefully and is still in demand after all these years.

Judith McConnell at the Television Academy Daytime Programming Cocktail Reception on August 28, 2019, in North Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Judith McConnell at the Television Academy Daytime Programming Cocktail Reception on August 28, 2019, in North Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Robin Mattson

Her portrayal of the cunning yet endearing Gina Capwell on “Santa Barbara” made this actress another fan favorite. Being an experienced actor from soap operas, Mattson added a unique touch to the program that made her character memorable.

Robin Mattson in the movie “Fantasies” in 1982. | Source: Getty Images

An expert manipulator and opportunist, Gina Capwell emerged as one of the most fascinating characters on the show very fast. Throughout the length of the show, Mattson’s portrayal of the cunning villain was both compelling and entertaining, making her one of the most talked-about actresses.

Robin Mattson in “Ryan’s Hope” in 1984. | Source: Getty Images

In keeping with the extravagant nature of her role, Mattson’s glamorized and daring wardrobe choices during the show’s peak were appropriate. Her bright makeup, large, bouncy hair, and showy clothes perfectly captured the essence of the classic ’80s soap opera actress.

Robin Mattson at the Stallone Fund for Autism Research and the LA Chapter of the National Society for Children and Adults with Autism’s Eighth Annual Celebrity Fashion Show and Luncheon on March 21, 1987, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Even at 68 years old, Mattson still exudes her own magnetism today. She has a more natural hairdo and less makeup now, yet her appearance is still as alluring as ever, demonstrating that genuine charm never ages.

Robin Mattson at the season 8 premiere of “The Bay” and pre-daytime Emmy party on December 10, 2023, in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images

A special 40th anniversary reunion of “Santa Barbara” featured the actresses, giving fans a nostalgic look at the cherished cast once more.

Even decades after the show’s premiere, people were still talking about how beautiful the women looked when they appeared on social media.”It was lovely to see them all again. Whoa! Everyone is gorgeous,” said someone. “OMGGGGGGG MARCY!!!!!!!!!!” was typed by another person.

Although these five actresses have changed throughout time, “Santa Barbara” has left a lasting legacy. Their grace, beauty, and brilliance have endured through the ages, proving that real star power never goes out of style.