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Y&R's Kristoff St. John Talks His First Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination!
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?
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
Breaking News
(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
After exciting morning for your favorite daytime stars when they were revealed to be nominees for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards comes tonight 10th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special.
Beginning at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, several of the nominees will talk with Michael Fairman on their reactions to the news they have been nominated for a Daytime Emmy, share what scenes they submitted that landed in the top five or six in their respective performer acting categories and much more.
Scheduled to appear are: Days of our Lives nominees, Tamara Braun (Ava), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), The Young and the Restless nominees: Allison Lanier (Summer), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Courtney Hope (Sally), Bryton James (Devon), The Bold and the Beautiful’s John McCook (Eric), General Hospital nominees, Finola Hughes (Anna) and Alley Mills (Heather), and The Bay’s Mike Manning (Caleb).
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th and emanating, once again this year from the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
For a full list of this year’s nominations click here.
Now, watch below as the stars chat it up as we celebrate their Daytime Emmy Nominations. If you have a potential question you might want posed to any of our guests, drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it on air.
Breaking News
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) have officially announced on Friday, the full list of nominees for the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
While Thursday brought with it four reveals of the nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama, Talk Show Host, Lead Actor and Actress categories (as presented by various entertainment news programs), today’s nominations include all the other categories not previously announced.
The Daytime Emmy Awards telecast is set to be presented live on Friday night, June 7, at 8 PM EDT /delayed PT, on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. This will mark the 18th time that CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmys.
In addition, The Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards will be presented on Saturday, June 8 at t9 PM ET/6 PM PT and streamed on The Emmys apps and at watch.TheEmmys.tv. The ceremonies will take place at the Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles.
Television icon, Dick Van Dyke has received his first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Guest Performer category for his touching portrayal of Timothy Robicheaux on Peacock’s Days of our Lives. The nomination makes Van Dyke the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee in history at 98-years-old. In addition, motion picture and TV star, Guy Pearce, is also nominated as Guest Performer for his longtime role as Mike Young in the reboot of Neighbours.
Speaking of Neighbours, the Australian soap opera also received its first ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Daytime Drama Series now that its a revival can be streamed on Amazon Freevee. In addition, The Young and the Restless iconic, Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) received his first Daytime Emmy nomination in more than 20 years in the Lead Actor in a Drama Series category.
In the Daytime Drama series categories, CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless each scored 12 nominations more than any other show. Leading the acting nominations was B&B, who landed 7 performers in the various categories, a first in its 37-year history.
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS expressed, “We are happy to once again honor the creative talent both in front of and behind the camera of America’s favorite Daytime programs. We look forward to celebrating the icons who enliven the days of audiences across the country.”
Brent Stanton, Head of Daytime, NATAS added, “Producing the Daytime Emmys is a labor of love for all of us at NATAS. The huge popularity of these shows continues to be must-see viewing for their fans.” NATAS also revealed that Lifetime Achievement Honorees, Hosts, Presenters, and Silver and Gold Circle honorees will be revealed at a later date.
The Daytime Emmy Awards recognize outstanding achievement in television programming honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.
The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be produced once again by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI). Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie executive produces from ATI.
Congratulations to all the men and women in front of the camera and behind the scenes for their recognition as we take a look at who will be going for gold come June. Here are the nominees below starting with the Daytime Drama Categories.
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
Neighbours
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
Tamara Braun, Days of our Lives
Finola Hughes, General Hospital
Katherine Kelly Lang, The Bold and the Beautiful
Annika Noelle, The Bold and the Beautiful
Michelle Stafford, The Young and the Restless
Cynthia Watros, General Hospital
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
Eric Braeden, The Young and the Restless
Scott Clifton, The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye, The Bold and the Beautiful
Eric Martsolf, Days of our Lives
John McCook, The Bold and the Beautiful
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
Jennifer Gareis, The Bold and the Beautiful
Linsey Godfrey, Days of our Lives
Courtney Hope, The Young and the Restless
Allison Lanier, The Young and the Restless
Emily O’Brien, Days of our Lives
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
Robert Gossett, General Hospital
Bryton James, The Young and the Restless
Wally Kurth, Days of our Lives
A Martinez, The Bay
Mike Manning, The Bay
OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
Linden Ashby, The Young and the Restless
Ashley Jones, The Bold and the Beautiful
Alley Mills, General Hospital
Guy Pearce, Neighbours
Dick Van Dyke, Days of our Lives
OUTSTANDING WRITING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DIRECTION
General Hospital
The Jennifer Hudson Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTION, CAMERAWORK, VIDEO
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
The Kelly Clarkson Show
OUTSTANDING CASTING
African Queens: Njinga
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
Start Up
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN
African Queens: Njinga
The Drew Barrymore Show
General Hospital
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN/STYLING
African Queens: Njinga
The Bold and the Beautiful
The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri
OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING AND MAKEUP
African Queens: Njinga
The Drew Barrymore Show
Sherri
The View
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG
“Shine” General Hospital
“Unexpected Truth”Unexpected
“We’re Home” Reconnecting Roots
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME TALK SERIES
The Jennifer Hudson Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall
Turning The Tables with Robin Roberts
The View
OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS SERIES
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
OUTSTANDING CULINARY SERIES
Be My Guest with Ina Garten
Family Dinner
Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays
Valerie’s Home Cooking
What Am I Eating? with Zooey Deschanel
OUTSTANDING LEGAL/COURTROOM PROGRAM
Hot Bench
Judy Justice
Justice For The People with Judge Milian
The People’s Court
We The People with Judge Lauren Lake
DAYTIME TALK SERIES HOST
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa, Live with Kelly and Mark
Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, Sheryl Underwood, The Talk
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
OUTSTANDING CULINARY HOST
Lidia Bastianich, 25 Years with Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee
Valerie Bertinelli, Valerie’s Home Cooking
Eduardo Garcia, Big Sky Kitchen with Eduardo Garcia
Emeril Lagasse, Emeril Cooks
Sophia Roe, Counter Space
Buddy Valastro, Legends of the Fork
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME PERSONALITY – DAILY
Frank Caprio, Caught in Providence
Kevin Frazier, Nischelle Turner , Matt Cohen, Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Will Marfuggi, Rachel Smith, Entertainment Tonight
Deborah Norville, Steven Fabian, Lisa Guerrero, Ann Mercogliano, Jim Moret, Les Trent. Inside Edition
Robert Hernandez, Star Jones, Divorce Court
Judge Judy Sheindlin, Whitney Kumar, Kevin Rasco, Sarah Rose, Judy Justice
What do you think about the nominations for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Who do you think deserved to get in that did? Who do you think got snubbed? Who are you happiest to see receive a nomination? Let us know via the comment section below.
Make sure to be with us live starting tonight Friday, April 19th at 8pm ET/5pm PT for the Michael Fairman Channel’s 10th anniversary edition of its Daytime Emmy Nomination Special 2024, featuring some of the just announced daytime drama nominees.
All My Children
51st Daytime Emmys: Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Receive Talk Show Host Nominations
On Thursday, nominations were announced in the Outstanding Talk Show category for the upcoming 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo, All My Children) coming off his first-year as co-host of ‘Live” with real-life wife, Kelly Ripa scored his first Talk Show Host nomination along with Ripa who has been nominated previous times.
Joining Mark and Kelly in the race are: Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, Sheryl Underwood, The Talk and
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall.
As previously reported, The Talk is coming to its end when its upcoming 15th and final season ends in December of 2024.
The 51st annual Daytime Emmys are slated to be broadcast and stream live on CBS and Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th
Look for the full list of nominations to drop on Friday morning at 12 noon ET/9 am PT.
So, are you rooting for Kelly and Mark to win their first Talk Show host award together? Comment below.
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