And even during this time, soaps like Edge of Night (where Joel Crothers ended his career) were still done live most days, barring preemptions--which led to some major flubs; the biggest I remember from that show was an actor's toupee coming off during a fight scene!
LOL! Now I wonder how many wigs might have been flying, had Cassandra and Mrs. Johnson gone to the mat.
LOL, I just bet Mrs. Johnson was tougher than her. My money would be on her!