Liz Sanbourne is a fictional character on the American soap opera Passions, which aired on NBC from 1999 to 2007 and on DirecTV in 2007–08. Developed by the soap's creator and head writer James E. Reilly, Liz was portrayed by Amelia Marshall from October 3, 2001 to February 17, 2006. Arreale Davis and Taquel Graves also played the role in flashbacks in 2003. Reilly approached Marshall about the role after they worked together on Guiding Light. Marshall was attracted to the show due to its inclusion of a racially diverse ensemble on daytime television, and the opportunity to play a darker and more complex character. She characterized Liz as expanding the representation of African-Americans on television and the roles possible for African-American actors. Marshall left the show following sig