In the Soap Opera Spotlight: Ilene Kristen

Ilene Kristen has appeared on One Life to Live since 2001. The actress was dropped to recurring status in 2004, but said at the time:

"I can't let Roxy die. I love working here. The show is good to recurring characters."

We agree. Here are a few interesting facts about the One Life to Live star:

• Kristen's first One Life to Life stint — as a mechanic named Georgina — lasted three months.

• In the late 1970s, she produced a 30-minute film starring Karen Allen called The Aftermath.

• Kristen has never married; she split from fiancé Brian Sheridan in late 2007.

• It wasn't until 1971 when Kristen was appearing in the film Preacherman that she changed her last name from Schatz. The name was recommended by a director after several people told her she looked Swedish.

• During her junior year of high school, she traveled with a comedy troupe called The Six New Happenings.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.