Susan Lucci’s life and career stand as a testament to longevity, resilience, and enduring love — both on screen and off. Best known for her iconic portrayal of Erica Kane on All My Children, Lucci didn’t just define a character; she helped shape an era of daytime television, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in soap opera history.
For more than four decades, Lucci brought Erica Kane to life, captivating audiences with the character’s ambition, vulnerability, and unforgettable drama. She first stepped into the role in 1970, a breakthrough that would anchor her career for the next 41 years until the show concluded in 2011. Along the way, Erica Kane became synonymous with television excess and romance — famously marrying 11 times, including remarriages to the same men and even a vow renewal.
Yet while Lucci’s on-screen life was marked by dramatic twists, her real-life love story was refreshingly steady.
Lucci married Austrian-born businessman Helmut Huber in 1969, just a year before her soap opera debut. Their marriage endured for an extraordinary 53 years, becoming one of Hollywood’s most lasting partnerships. While Erica Kane cycled through husbands, Lucci remained devoted to Huber, often describing him as her greatest supporter and confidant.
In a throwback Instagram post shared in 2019, Lucci fondly recalled the early days of their marriage, posting a photo of the couple dancing together in the mid-1970s. “Throwback to mid 70’s/before babies—Dancing with my handsome husband at Club A!!! SO much fun!!!” she wrote, offering fans a rare glimpse into her private happiness.
That enduring love came to a heartbreaking end in March 2022, when Huber died peacefully at age 84 on Long Island, New York. The loss marked one of the most painful chapters of Lucci’s life.
Honoring her late husband at the Daytime Emmy Awards later that year, Lucci delivered an emotional tribute that resonated deeply with fans and colleagues alike. “My husband, Helmut Huber, was a larger-than-life force of nature,” she said. “He was a confident caregiver who knew exactly how to make things happen and to keep us all laughing at the same time.”
She went on to praise his devotion to their family, noting how deeply proud he was of their children and grandchildren. Closing her speech, Lucci shared a reflection that captured the depth of their bond: “They say that grief is the price we pay for love. Well, grief is an excruciating price, but I would not give up even one second of the love.”
In recent years, Lucci has also faced significant health challenges, undergoing two heart procedures that forced her to slow down and reevaluate her priorities. Yet even these obstacles have not dimmed her determination or passion for storytelling.
Now in her late seventies, Lucci continues to expand her acting career beyond daytime television. She is set to appear in Outcome, an upcoming crime drama directed by Jonah Hill, starring alongside Keanu Reeves and Cameron Diaz — a testament to her enduring relevance and versatility as an actress.
Adding another milestone to her remarkable journey, Lucci is preparing to release her memoir, La Lucci, on February 3, 2026. The book promises an intimate look at her life, career, and personal growth, offering fans a chance to see beyond the glamour and into the experiences that shaped her.
From soap opera superstardom to lasting love, personal loss, and renewed creative pursuits, Susan Lucci’s story is one of perseverance and grace. As she continues to evolve, both personally and professionally, her legacy remains firmly etched in television history — and in the hearts of generations of viewers.
