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Y&R's Kristoff St. John Talks His First Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination!

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

With his sixth Daytime Emmy nominations, and two Daytime Emmy wins, The Young and the Restless’ Kristoff St. John (Neil) finds himself going for gold on May 1st for the very first time in his daytime drama career in the Lead Actor category.   St. John looks to be the sentimental favorite in the most hotly contested contest of the night.  If St. John should win, he would be the only actor besides The Bold and the Beautiful’s Heather Tom (Katie Logan Spencer) to have won in every daytime drama acting category: Younger, Supporting, and Lead.

For Kristoff, having recently celebrated his 25th year on Y&R as Neil Winters, is no easy feat, and to have a character as enduring as Neil has been, and that has remained so popular.  In addition, Kristoff suffered the most painful loss imaginable with the death of his beloved son, Julian.  Pouring his heart and soul into his craft following the tragedy, St. John delivered some of Neil’s darkest hours in a performance that will be remembered for quite some time to come.

On-Air On-Soaps talked with Kristoff to get his reaction to his Daytime Emmy nomination, how he sizes up the competition in the Lead Actor race, what he thought of his nominated work and banner Emmy season, and more.   Here’s what he shared:

What scenes did you end up submitting in the final round of voting that landed you a nomination?

Courtesy/CBS

KRISTOFF:   It’s always a tough thing to choose from a year’s worth of material … at least it is for me.   I had already had my eye on one episode, and whenever we get done with a scene on set, which we would call ‘good’, we hear some nice comments and file that away.   Well, I heard that about a scene on an airplane 33, 000 feet above the ground that contained the reveal of Neil’s vision coming back.  I went back and looked at it, and it seemed pretty powerful for what we needed.  Then I paired it with scenes from another episode where Neil is drunk and Devon (Bryton James) is there, and the two of them are going at it about the whole affair with Hilary (Mishael Morgan) and did he know the entire time.  They seemed to have worked well together.

This is your first Lead Actor nomination in your daytime career, too!

Courtesy/CBS

KRISTOFF:   I have been in either the Younger Actor or Supporting Actor category throughout my daytime career, and never ‘Lead’.  But it was purposeful for much of my run on daytime.  It has been a long journey and now I have been with Y&R for 25 years, and so this would naturally be the arc of my daytime Emmy entries – Younger, Supporting and Lead.   Should I have been nominated before in Lead Actor?   I don’t know.   I think these are all very self-congratulatory moments, anyway in our careers.   We all get together on Emmy night, share some laughs, have some drinks, and hand out some golden trinkets, and we say to each other, “See you next year!”

Another prerequisite, often times for actors to decide what category to submit themselves in, is if they drove story.  Without a doubt in 2015, Neil was front and center.

KRISTOFF:   Some of 2014 and 2015 were huge years for Neil.  Our head writer, Chuck Pratt Jr. wrote me off of the page.  I have only had four or five years of working over my guarantee, and Chuck was responsible for two of them, which is why I was able to pull these episodes out for the lead category.

Courtesy/CBS

I remember watching your now Emmy-nominated scenes when they first aired. Neil let everyone on the plane know he could see … and he knew how duplicitous Devon and Hilary were being for their affair.  He was so angry, and he let everyone have it, just before the plane crashed.    

KRISTOFF:   If we go back to 2015, that was without question, one of the most difficult years of my life.  Having lost my son Julian in November of 2014, I was embroiled in the middle of this story.  I was still playing blind on the show and the angst and the pathos.  It was years of having a relationship with a human being that I called my son, and it was cut off at the pass and destroyed.  Being able to use some of those emotions as an actor is a treasure in an unfortunate way and circumstance.  I had never had that kind of emotion to work with before, and it was absolutely terrifying for me.

Then later Neil became quite the villain! Viewers have never seen good guy Neil take such a left turn in his character, but it made for compelling drama.

Courtesy/CBS

KRISTOFF:  Neil had never been down the dark corridors such as with the blind storyline and then ultimately coming out of that and going further down in the rabbit hole, and then having taken the life of another human being … a baby.  That was a weird parallel universe in itself – having someone die in Neil’s world and having the same tragedy happen in real life.  It was cathartic to go to work and throw myself into heavy drama, which I had not gotten to play in a long time.

In what is probably the most hotly contested race of the 43rd Annual Daytime Emmys, you are up against four extraordinarily talented actors in the Lead Actor category.  What do you think of your co-nominees?

Courtesy/ABC

KRISTOFF:  Tony Geary (Luke, GH) is an icon, and a legendary man and actor.  He has been doing daytime for decades, and this would be his ninth Emmy win, and he would tie with Cloris Leachman for all-time Emmys wins by an actor, if he won.   To be in the category with Mr. Geary with this his final year is an honor.  I know Tony.  He is one of the very few actors who can take anything you give him, or thrown at him, and he will take it turn it into gold.   He has been fortunate to have incredible head writers and writers at General Hospital that have written specifically for him and that has been a gem for Tony.  Then there is Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) at General Hospital, who has submitted one of the best tapes of his life.  I watched the Lead Actor tapes in the Pre-Nom round.   Tyler’s tape is one of thee best I have seen. I t was one of the most incredible storylines to be a part of potentially losing his child.  Again, it’s something meaty to play.  Justin Hartley (Adam, Y&R), who has come on to our show with a bang is such an organic actor.  He lives moment by moment, I really admire that. To watch an actor pull from so many different places sometimes it’s inspiring. I find myself watching his scenes closely.  And then there is Christian LeBlanc (Michael, Y&R)!   What can I say?  He is a three-time Emmy winner, and like Tony he has been up on the podium multiple times.  He has been there, because of his body of work and year end and year out, Christian delivers.   We were up against each other in 1999, and we lost to Shemar Moore (Ex-Malcolm, Y&R) that year!   So we are both in this horse race.  I am so happy and thrilled to be invited to the dance.

Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

If you were to win the Daytime Emmy this year, it would be extra special for many reasons, personal and professional, as we have discussed.   But there is yet another interesting bit of Emmy trivia that could change with a St. John victory!

KRISTOFF:   Yes, and I’ve to throw this in.  It’s been 31 years for an African-American male to win in the Lead Actor category.  The last man to do this was Darnell Williams (Ex-Jesse, AMC) in 1985, and before that the late Al Freeman Jr. (Ex-Ed Hall, OLTL) in 1979.  And it has been since 1991 when James Reynolds (Abe, DAYS) was nominated for Generations that an African-American actor was even nominated in the Lead Actor category.   If I win, it would be the first time in 31 years for that, and while it would feel great, it does make me pause.   I mean, were there not any other years where an African-American could have made the final cut for Lead Actor?   It’s one to think about, but not for too long.

For more with this year’s Daytime Emmy nominees listen to Soap Nation Live! with Michael Fairman Daytime Emmy Nomination Special 2016.

So, what do you think about the thoughts shared by Kristoff and his reaction to his Daytime Emmy nomination in the Lead Actor category? After an emotional rollercoaster of a year, would you like to see Kristoff win for his Emmy submission?  What did you think of Kristoff’s analysis of the competitors in his category, and what did you think of Kristoff’s performance in his Emmy-nominated scenes?  Is it hard to imagine that no other African-American actor has won Lead Actor in the last 31 years?  Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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Neil has been put through hell and then some and St. John takes him there masterfully. Hell yes my buddy is going to win the gold and congratulations and keep up the great work. Interview great- wanted it to go on more but thanks for interview.

I agree, Mark. TPTB have ruined Neil. Kristoff did his job, and did it well; unfortunately, the butchering of the character by the writers damaged him for the viewer.
I do not like Neil….I admire the actor; I loved the character back in the day. But, Neil is portrayed as as chasing young skirts, a lascivious older man, unscrupulous alcoholic who would stab his son in the back.
Most importantly, i support his beliefs and values. Very good point….I agree.
But, honestly? No one compares to Darnell Williams…..unparalleled!!

CeeCee- my goodness. When you find a little mold do you throw out the whole wedge? Not in my house, young lady! Cut it off and enjoy the rest! Neil had some troubles and will have more and will have Nicki and they will have a baby. Darnell left AMC to become the big star that never happened – crawled back and I love him and a delight and did not see him on Y&R and I know Angie was on as well and also left- why did they leave?

Tyler Christopher takes the emmy his reel was off the charts! Please could we keep race out of just one thing god I love my friends for who they are not the color of their skin!!!

I love kristoff

Congratulations Kristoff! Well deserved!

Wish Drucilla was back in on the show! You two were such a power couple!

She is an excellent actress but she has burned her bridges and pretty much torched the town and outlying areas and yet continues in her claims of racial discrimination and her website devoted to latest updates on her case which in some way is still going on. #getoverit

Yikes! What? Thanks for the information. I haven’t followed her after her Y & R departure. Too busy parenting etc. LOL. But now I’m going to research her case! Sounds ridiculous! Why would she destroy her reputation and career? Y & R was so good to her! Very Sad.

In any case! I’m so happy for Kristoff!

having Dru, BACK , ON

WITH Neil… would answer soooooo many questions… intrigue would be heightened… and yes… a supercouple unite

i’ll continue to say as such… The Neil Winters Clan… like the Newmans… are so BORING!

Neil is the lone standout
Victoria is the lone standout

I still say… Devon has a setback… loses his hearing… this time for good… he puts all his trust in Dru… she has HER … OWN motivations

she caches her sultriness and IS hot about town

give her a job Y&R… she’s the African American Brenda Dickson

CHARGE your wares Ms. Winters

may as well go all out and wreak havoc with Devon 2 billion dollars

I can see her and Sharon joining forces and take MR. BIG NewMAN for a RIDE

I liked Neil best with Drucilla. She made his life and everything she touched interesting. I loved her drama-queen personality. There is no one like her on Y&R. She was a natural; spontaneous and talented. I loved Drucilla. I love Victoria. I don’t care what circulates the air waves or the media. No one knows, and I am sure she has sound reasons.
All I know is after Dru /Vic left, Neil started going downhill….then, after the appearance of Devon, Neil was doomed.

It would be good and history if Kristoff wins………………His biggest competition is Tony Geary (GOD I HOPE HE DOESN’T WIN!!!!)

Congrats and hoping you win!

Too bad all we’ll be able to do is read about the results.. Oh well

I really like the actor and the character of Neil as well. I would be happy to see him win. I watched Michael Knight today and would like to see him win supporting next year. I have watched vigilantly for any sign of Thaddius Martin and can find none whatsoever and loved Tad the cad but have respect for the actor now too and I have the right to an opinion on here I think.

You certainly do, Bettina. And, it’s a very good opinion, at that.
I agree, I loved Tad, the cad….I love Michael Knight in everything he does.

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Robin Strasser Meets Kristen Alderson’s Baby Kiera in a One Life to Live Reunion

For years, Robin Strasser (ex-Dorian) and Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr) have been the best of friends and the best of co-stars. On One Life to Live, Kristen was only six-years-old when she began her journey as Todd and Blair’s daughter and met the iconic Strasser.

Now in 2024, Kristen is a new mom to her baby girl, Kiera. Strasser, who lives in New York, along with her best friend, John, traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just a few days ago to visit the Alderson family and spend the day with Kiera.

Taking to her Instagram a very happy Kristen shared, “Look at who came to visit today! Robin & her bestie John! Robin and I got all misty eyed when she met Kiera today!”

Photo: JPI

In a very touching part of her post, Alderson expressed, “Robin is such a special person in my life, it means so much to me that we’re as close as we are. She’s just the best❤️ A great day of laughs & a great brunch spread😍”

Robin added, “I’ve been smiling since I met her. I’m a big softie for babies, but what a doll Kiera is!” The Daytime Emmy-winning star, also shared, “I’m so grateful for my ongoing friendship with Kris and Kathy. Amazing women and loyal friends!”

What do you think about Kristen and Robin’s enduring friendship and recalling their time on One Life to Live? Comment below.

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Nancy Lee Grahn’s Star-Studded ALS Fundraiser Reveals “I’ll Be There” Video Featuring Soap Opera Notables

Talk about your impressive line-up! It’s a soap fans dream and for a great cause. General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) is prepping her one-night only ALS fundraiser which will feature many of her friends and co-stars.

The benefit is set for May 4th in Glendale, California. Slated to participate are Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Peter Bergman, Maurice Benard, Eileen Davidson, Thorsten Kaye, Michelle Stafford, Stephen Nichols, Rena Sofer, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Claire Egan, Maura West, Kristina Wagner, Gregory Harrison, Trevor St. John, Kate Mansi, Kirsten Storms, Cynthia Watros, and many others.

On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

As GH viewers know, Gregory Harrison is playing the character of Gregory Chase, who is also battling ALS in a touching storyline that is currently playing out shedding a light on this disease.

For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

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‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

As General Hospital’s new head writing team of Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahy gets off the ground and running, there are still changes a foot on the writing team.

Now comes word via breakdown writer Shannon Peace that she is no longer on contract with the long-running ABC soap heading into its 61st season. Peace shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, thanking the fans, and the show for the opportunity and the importance of diversity in the writers room.

Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

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