HOLLYWOOD—Constance Towers, who portrays billionaire Helena Cassadine on ABC’s “General Hospital” has worked with John Wayne, Glenn Ford, William Holden and Michael Douglas, to name a few. Lesley-Anne Down, who portrays Jackie Marone on CBS’s “The Bold and the Beautiful,” has worked opposite legends like Patrick Swayze and Peter Sellers. Both Towers and Down are striking beauties who are well known to millions of television viewers around the world. What makes their characters so sensual and elegant on screen has a lot to do with the writing on both shows, but also the tremendous talent these two ladies have as leading ladies on their shows.

Towers is one of the most successful stars in Hollywood and one of the most renowned philanthropists in Beverly Hills. Her work never ends, from assisting families in southern California to finding homes for orphans from Mexico to various local charities, she can always be found making a difference in the lives of others. However, when it comes to playing Helena, Constance thrives on the younger men the show’s writers often put her with. From her new henchman Thor to fellow business mogul Jasper Jax, Helena doesn’t mind flirting with danger or falling in lust with any number of younger men in Port Charles. Constance Towers is the epitome of class, but Helena is a rich lady who enjoys toying with the emotions of younger men.

Lesley-Anne Down as Jackie Marone on “B&B” is a multi-millionaire fashion designer who is married to a Greek god. At least for the latest Jackie M marketing campaign. When she and her husband Owen are not holding each other in loving arms, they are using their cougar status to promote their latest fashion line. Recently Owen and Jackie faced his adulterous behavior with her daughter-in-law Bridget, and Jackie came out the winner. She’s a woman you really know is capable of keeping her man.

Helena Cassadine and Jackie Marone are the most famous cougars on TV. Courtney Cox of ABC’s “Cougar Town” is eating their dust. She could learn a lot from these two divas, as she could from their amazing portrayals.

Photographs Courtesy: Jackie and Owen (B&B) by JPI Studios West Hollywood and Helena and Thor by ABC Studios in Hollywood