Julie Solkin, Executive Suite

Julie Solkin (Geraldine Brooks)

Executive Suite was a short-lived prime time soap opera airing from late 1976 to early 1977. In episode 10 Julie, who was being physically abused by her husband Bernie, confessed to her friend Leona that she was a lesbian. Bernie then told Leona’s husband about his suspicions of the two friends.

In the next episode Leona admits that she has feelings for Julie as well, this realization upsets Leona who walks right into traffic with Julie chasing after her. Consequently, Julie is hit by a truck and dies, becoming the first character, in a long list, falling victim to the “Bury your Gays” trope. At her funeral Bernie blames Julie’s death on Leona, causing a guilty and confused Leona to have a nervous breakdown.

Appearances:

• 3 episodes.

Female love interests:

• Leona Galt (Patricia Smith, unknown, guest, credited for 1 episode, but appeared in at least 2)

Relationship story arc with a woman: No

Male love interests:

• Bernie (Norman Fell, guest, 1 episode, husband)

Relationship story arc with a man: No

Male love interest after being identified as a lesbian? Yes

Filter Relationship Arc:

• None

Storyline during sweeps? Yes

[1] A relationship story arc is defined as explicit, developed on screen, and lasting more than 3 episodes. It is listed as questionable or subtext if romance is only implied, mentioned instead of shown on screen, part of a dream sequence, or otherwise not explicit for the viewer.
[2] Sweeps episodes air in February, May, July and November, the periods when advertising rates are set. A character is marked as "sweeps" when there is a very limited number of episodes that address their sexuality, all air during sweeps period, and the storyline is otherwise ignore/dropped.