Delia Ryan

Delia Ryan
Ilene Kristen as Delia Ryan (2013)
Ryan's Hope character
Portrayed by	Ilene Kristen (1975–78, 1982–83, 1986–89, 2013–15) Robyn Millan (temp. 1979) Randall Edwards (1979–82) Robin Mattson (1984)
Duration	1975–84 1986–89 2013–15
First appearance	July 17, 1975
Last appearance	June 1, 2015
Created by	Claire Labine and Paul Avila Mayer
Introduced by	Claire Labine and Paul Avila Mayer (1975) Joseph Hardy (1986) Frank Valentini (2013)
Crossover appearances	General Hospital
Classification	Former; recurring
Profile
Other names	Delia Reid Delia Ryan Coleridge Delia Ryan Crane
Occupation	Businesswoman Waitress
Residence	Riverside New York City, N.Y.
Brothers Bob Reid Spouse Frank Ryan (1970–77) Patrick Ryan (1977–78) Roger Coleridge (1978–80, 1989–) Matthew Crane (1984) Sons Johnno Ryan Daughters Ava Jerome Stepdaughters Olivia Coleridge Grandsons Owen Ryan Granddaughters Kiki Jerome Avery Corinthos

Delia Ryan is a fictional character from the original ABC daytime soap opera, Ryan's Hope.

Most notably portrayed by Ilene Kristen, the character was created and introduced by Claire Labine and Paul Avila Mayer. Kristen originated the role in the series premiere on July 7, 1975. Delia is the catalyst for most of the show's story lines and remains a central component of the series throughout its run. Delia is the kind of character that viewers "love to hate". Delia has a habit of dealing with situations in ways that cause even more trouble. Delia is known for her early chaotic romances with brothers, Patrick and Frank. Delia eventually finds true love with Dr. Roger Coleridge. Delia is considered to be the breakout character of the series and remains one of the most iconic characters in daytime history. In the fall of 2013, Kristen reprised the role of Delia on the sole surviving ABC soap, General Hospital. She departed in late February 2014 but returned on June 30. She returned again on the 3 until the 6th of March 2015. Us Magazine ranked the character as #1 villainess in soaps in 1977.

Delia Reid grows up as a very lonely and confused child. Her father ends up in a mental institution and her mother works herself into an early grave leaving Delia in the care of her older brother, Bob. Delia becomes close to the Ryan family when the matriarch, Maeve (Helen Gallagher) shows her kindness and gives her food. As a teenager, Delia falls in love with the youngest Ryan son, Patrick. However, their romane ends when Pat chooses his medical career over her. Delia later begins seeing the mysterious Victor Jerome (Jack Axelrod). She later discovers that he is a mobster and she breaks off the relationship only to learn she is pregnant. Delia gives birth to a daughter whom she puts up for adoption. Delia then falls for Pat's older brother, Frank Ryan and they marry in 1970. The marriage is strained due to Frank's lawschool affair with Jillian Coleridge. Delia then gets herself pregnant believing it will keep Frank from straying. Delia grows up without any guidance or security due to losing her parents at such a young age. She has a lot love to give, but is unaware of the appropriate ways to show her love for others.