What Could Have Been: This General Hospital Star & SNL Icon Called Off Their Wedding Last Minute

The following article includes discussions of alcoholism.

There is no shortage of what-could-have-been couples in Hollywood. The world often becomes enraptured when two stars come together, forming a love that fans hope can last. Sadly, for every Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, there are half a dozen celebrity divorces that surprise everyone. And while onlookers will always wonder what could have been, after the dust settles, everyone can see that deciding to go their separate ways is often for the best. That was the case for "General Hospital" star Janine Turner, who almost married 17-time "Saturday Night Live" host Alec Baldwin.

Baldwin and Turner first met at an audition when she was 20, and they were both early in their careers. Turner recalled the moment to Page Six: "He stared at me across the crowded room, and I didn't get the role because they told me he was too distracted by me." Baldwin later tracked Turner down, and the two began dating. For Turner, the relationship was momentous, revealing, "He was my first love." 

Things got serious enough between Turner and Baldwin that, as Turner told Oprah (via HuffPost), "I was a good ol' Baptist Texas girl, so we became engaged." The young couple did everything to prepare for the big day. But as the wedding date grew closer, the two decided to call it off. The decision was hard for Turner, who explained, "I loved Alec very much, so it was devastating ... we both just knew that it was wrong ... It wasn't healthy."

During their engagement, Janine Turner couldn't help but notice that Alec Baldwin's career kept progressing while hers felt stuck in first gear. Turner told Page Six, "I was watching Alec get all of these great roles, and I was just told to show up in a bikini and do a 360 or be kidnapped. And I felt that was beneath my dignity." Turner further elaborated on her career issues to Salvationist, explaining, "Thousands of auditions," she remembers. "Thousands and thousands of nos ... And as I was dealing with what I like to call my '10,000 nos,' I started to drink." Turner only realized her drinking was affecting her life after she and Baldwin separated. 

Turner began attending Alcoholics Anonymous and found a path to sobriety. She also found acting roles beyond bikinis and kidnappings, playing Maggie O'Connell in the hit series "Northern Exposure" — which earned her an Emmy nomination. Turner also found herself appearing in the Sylvester Stallone movie "Cliffhanger," and showing up on "Friday Night Lights." Turner continues to act, but has also turned her attention to writing and podcasts. Turner has written books on being a single mother, her faith, and sobriety, and hosts Northern Disclosure, a "Northern Exposure" rewatch podcast with her former co-star Rob Morrow.

After almost marrying Turner, Baldwin went on to have a string of high-profile relationships. The "30 Rock" star's love life has been relatively steady since he married Hilaria Baldwin in 2012, and the two have seven children together. And while their own marriage never made it down the aisle, Turner still considers Baldwin a friend.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).