Felicia Minei Behr obit

Former All My Children Executive Producer Dies At 83

 

He was not on the list.

Felicia Minei Behr, who broke the glass ceiling as the first woman to ever hold a producer position at a daytime soap opera, and most known for her work as the executive producer of All My Children, died on Sunday at the age of 83.

According to a Facebook post shared by Felicia’s two daughters Kristina Behr Miller and Francesca Behr, “We are writing on behalf of our mom, Felicia. She passed away peacefully on March 2nd surrounded by loved ones. We appreciate the love and support you have given our family over the last 5 years as she battled brain cancer.”

Behr helped launch the iconic All My Children in 1970 when she became the series associate producer till 1975, and worked for over three decades in the industry. She was the executive producer of the series from 1989 to the spring of 1996. Along the way she won two Daytime Emmys for Best Drama Series in 1992 and 1994, with 9 nominations over her tenure.

Under Felicia’s direction, All My Children received critical acclaim and reached #2 in the ratings consistently in the first half of the 1990s. In addition to All My Children, Behr held executive producer and producer positions at As the World Turns (1996 – 1999) and on Ryan’s Hope from 1982-1989. Later from 2000-2004, Felicia served as Senior Vice President of ABC Daytime, overseeing production of all of its network soaps, plus The View.

So many past and present daytime stars over the years have high praise of Felicia including: Genie Francis (Laura, GH) who played Ceara Connor Hunter on All My Children and Mark Consuelos who played Mateo Santos, and others.

Taking to her Instagram, Kristina Behr shared some touching photos of herself with her mother including on her wedding day. Along with the memories she wrote,”The irony that she has passed away on the day of the Oscars…it was her favorite, and we’d all watch it together as a family. While we are heartbroken, we are at peace knowing she is at peace, that she no longer has to fight, and has been reunited with dad. Thankful for her always- her love, guidance, compassion, and wisdom. There just aren’t enough words.”

Kristina, also posted a photo of a beautiful rainbow from Oscar night and spoke to how Wicked stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s opening the Academy Awards and ending on the song “Defying Gravity” had deep meaning for her.

Behr said, “The photo was taken by my husband leaving his work to help me, after I called and told him about my mom’s deteriorating status. The rainbow pointed toward her facility. Last night while watching her favorite awards show after saying goodbye a few hours before, Ari’s opening song hit different. While I know it was all about the success of “Wicked,” (which mom would have loved and literally “defied gravity” during her whole career and life) this extreme skeptic does find a little bit of solace in the coincidence of it all. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and well wishes. It really means a lot. ❤️”

Our condolences to Felicia Minei Behr’s family, loved ones, and former colleagues on her passing.