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Authors Reveal Secrets Of The Soap World's Biggest Legend: William J. Bell

STUDIO CITY (CBS) — Want to learn more about the life of the soap opera world's biggest legend? A new book about William J. Bell has all the secrets.

Bell's wife Lee and The Bold and the Beautiful's Heather Tom visited the KCAL9 studios Tuesday to talk about the book, "The Young and Restless Life of William J. Bell."

He is credited with co-creating and producing two of the most popular daytime dramas on the air today – "The Young and the Restless" and "The Bold and the Beautiful."

The legendary and prolific Bill Bell is considered one of the all-time premiere scribes of the soap opera genre. Filled with dramatic turns, dangerous risks, and an overall devotion to bringing life to the show, this biography will offer fans a backstage pass to the fascinating world of soaps! Bill Bell worked from a love of his characters and his family, and was never afraid to fight for what he knew to be important to both. For any fans of Bill's shows or anyone working on creating dramas, this is an unprecedented look into the life of one of the men who did it best.

Readers will also discover that when "Days of Our Lives" was headed for cancellation decades ago, Bill was asked to run the show. Within five years, Bill had turned the show around and made it the top rated daytime soap.

"Y&R," is celebrating 39 years on the air, and over a quarter century at the number one spot. Other creation "B&B" just celebrated their 25th year on the air, and over 15 years at the number two spot. Bill Bell was to daytime TV what Aaron Spelling was to nighttime dramas.

The book's authors, Lee Phillip Bell and Michael Maloney, will be signing copies of the book on Thursday, June 21 at the Barnes and Noble at the Grove. The signing is from 7 to 9 p.m.

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