For decades, Susan Lucci has been synonymous with daytime drama, captivating millions as the indomitable Erica Kane on All My Children. Now, at 79, the Emmy-winning actress is stepping into the spotlight once more—this time as the author of her candid new memoir, La Lucci, released on February 3, 2026. With this second literary outing, Lucci invites readers to join her on a journey through fame, heartbreak, resilience, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
According to ABC News, Lucci’s memoir arrives at a poignant moment in her life. The book delves deep into the aftermath of her husband Helmut Huber’s death in March 2022, a loss that left her reeling. “I couldn’t imagine living without Helmut. I … could … not … imagine … it,” she writes, capturing the raw, unfiltered grief that followed more than five decades of marriage. Yet, as she reveals, finding the courage to move forward—one small step at a time—proved to be her lifeline. “It was better than lying on the floor in a puddle, completely destroyed.”
Lucci and Huber’s story began in 1969, blossoming into a partnership that was as much professional as personal. Helmut, who also served as her manager, was a constant presence through her meteoric rise and the everyday joys of family life with their two children, Liza and Andreas. Reflecting on his passing, a spokesperson for the family shared with The Economic Times, “A family man, he was a loyal friend and loved them deeply. Helmut's passing is a tremendous loss for all who knew and loved him. He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend.”
But loss isn’t the only theme woven through La Lucci. The memoir also chronicles a harrowing health scare that nearly cost Lucci her life. In 2022, she experienced what she calls “a near brush with a widow-maker”—a heart condition involving a 90% blockage in a major artery and a 75% blockage in an adjacent one. “My mom lived to be 104, and I thought I had my mother’s genes. But I wound up with a 90% blockage in a major artery and a 75% blockage in the adjacent artery. It wasn’t cholesterol; it turned out to be calcium, and I inherited that from my dad,” Lucci explained to Woman’s World. Despite her reputation for healthy living, she admits she was slow to seek medical help—a decision she now urges other women to reconsider. “Since then, I’ve been talking about my heart scares and encouraging women to listen to their bodies, and put themselves on their to-do lists which we never do,” she says. “I tell them what my symptoms were and how women’s heart attack symptoms are sometimes different from men’s. Luckily, I’d heard about that many, many years before, so I always say I had an angel on each shoulder.”
Her advocacy work has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, the American Heart Association honored her with the Voice of the Mission Award, recognizing her efforts to raise awareness about women’s heart health. Two chapters of La Lucci are dedicated to sharing her experience, offering practical advice and heartfelt encouragement for readers to prioritize their own well-being.
While Lucci’s personal challenges have been formidable, her professional life remains as vibrant as ever. Since her husband’s passing, she’s returned to both stage and screen, appearing in Joy Behar’s off-Broadway production My First Ex-Husband and taking a role in Jonah Hill’s forthcoming Apple TV+ comedy Outcome. And for fans who can’t imagine Pine Valley without Erica Kane, there’s hope on the horizon: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, both All My Children alums, are developing two movies for Lifetime through their production company, Milojo. Lucci has made it clear that she’s open to reprising her signature role—provided the creative vision is right. “I will always listen, but I have to know I’m in good hands,” she told TV Line. She emphasized the importance of strong leadership and creative direction, recalling the pivotal roles of All My Children creator Agnes Nixon and longtime head writer Lorraine Broderick during the show’s original run. Still, Lucci expressed confidence in Ripa and Consuelos, calling their involvement “very encouraging.”
As reported by SoapHub, Lucci’s book tour is in full swing, with stops in cities like Northvale, New Jersey, where she spent over three hours meeting fans, signing copies of La Lucci, and sharing stories. The memoir itself is a blend of behind-the-scenes anecdotes, emotional honesty, and moments of humor and inspiration. A special chapter, “Thank You for Asking,” addresses the questions she’s heard most often from admirers around the world, further cementing her connection with her loyal audience.
Lucci’s reflections on aging are particularly refreshing in an industry often obsessed with youth. “That it’s all over when you hit a certain age as a woman because it’s absolutely not!” she says, challenging stereotypes with characteristic candor. “I’ve never liked the idea of aging gracefully. I always thought I’m going kicking and screaming. I try to live my best life and not give up because I’m a certain age.” She also recalls the impact of labels—like becoming a grandmother and turning 60 on the same day—and her mother’s sage advice: “Well, honey, I just don’t think about it.” For Lucci, forgetting the labels and embracing authenticity has been key to living fully.
In La Lucci, she revisits not only her triumphs but also her most difficult moments: the cancellation of All My Children, surviving a miscarriage, and the process of embracing faith after loss. “I share incredible experiences in my life that were good, bad and very, very challenging,” she mentions in Woman’s World. “I felt alone going through some of these things, so I hope my stories will help others feel not so alone. Maybe my difficult choices can also help others with theirs.”
For those curious about Lucci’s next act, the future remains unwritten but bright. She’s open to new roles, new adventures, and perhaps even a return to the fictional Pine Valley that made her a household name. Above all, she hopes her journey—marked by perseverance, love, and a refusal to be defined by age or adversity—will inspire others to keep moving forward, no matter what life throws their way.
With La Lucci, Susan Lucci doesn’t just revisit her storied past; she offers a heartfelt, sometimes humorous, always honest invitation to live, love, and reinvent oneself at any age.