Days Of Our Lives
Alicia Leigh Willis Talks Joining The Bay, Being The Bio-Mom To GH's Spencer Cassadine, Tyler Christopher & Her Recent DAYS Role!
Photo Credit: Paul Smith Photography
What happens when a seemingly grounded Avery Garrett (Alicia Leigh Willis) comes to Bay City with her younger brother Daniel Garrett (Eric Nelsen) for Marly’s (Martha Madison) secret wedding to Manny and both end up staying for her funeral instead? Plenty, as fans of the hit web series The Bay recently witnessed in its latest chapter! And it looks like more is ahead for the character of Avery, which gives long time soap opera fans the chance to see the talents of Alicia Leigh Willis again! The Bay’s creator Gregori Martin says of Alicia’s work: “She can act opposite anyone and the chemistry is just there! She’s perfect!”
Willis known for her roles on Another World as Alli Fowler, a recent guest star turn on Days of our Lives, and her most prominent role that of the late Courtney Matthews on ABC’s General Hospital, the mother of little Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Bechtel), has been quite the busy bee in 2014 going into 2015, with a multitude of projects including a leading role in an upcoming movie made for television on Lifetime, following some time off to raise her young daughter.
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Alicia to get her thoughts on: joining The Bay, if she has seen little Nicholas Bechtel performance as Spencer on GH, her thoughts on working with her former GH love-interest Tyler Christopher (Nikolas), if she would ever consider returning to the series … should they resurrect Courtney … and so much more! Here’s the hardworking and delightful, Alicia Leigh Willis!
So you joined The Bay! And, you came on to the series at a very important time in the story!
Courtesy/LANYFilms
ALICIA: Yes. I play Avery, and I come on with my brother Daniel played by Eric Nelsen. We grew up in Bay City as kids and we moved away, and we were close with my cousins and my aunt played by Mary Beth Evans (Sara). We came on to the scene during a tumultuous time. Avery comes to her support Marley, who we were more like sisters instead of cousins. She comes home to be with her, and we walk into this tornado of things going on, and ultimately Marley’s death! There will be a big story to come, but mainly it’s building this relationship with Sara, and it’s interesting because the audience hasn’t seen this character before. I know where Avery is coming from inside, and how I want to play it. I think there will be a lot of twists and turns. Avery is like the problem-fixer.
When I was watching how you and Eric Nelsen first came on to the canvas in your first episodes of The Bay, I was not sure if you were conniving or just mischievous, but I was intrigued!
ALICIA: Daniel is definitely mischievous, and I think Avery is the straight-laced one and the fix-it person. Working with Eric Nelsen is so great. I was really impressed with his work, and he was very off-the-cuff and very natural. Mary Beth Evans is the coolest, most down to earth person I have worked with in a long time. I loved her.
How did they get you to be a part of the latest casting additions to The Bay?
Photo Credit: Bubba Loo Photography.
ALICIA: I just got off of a project, and Gregori Martin (Creator, The Bay) had called me. I had literally started getting back to work after taking a break to raise my daughter. He was telling me who else was in the cast, and I realized I knew about 70% of the them from being on the soaps over the years. I just thought it would be almost like a reunion. Taylor Stanley, and Sandra Ferguson, and I were all on Another World together. It was an opportunity to reconnect with these women, and have some fun. I was excited to do jump in.
But … Avery is truly a good girl?
ALICIA: We think she is a good girl, but you never know. Good girls can take a turn! (Laughs)
Recently on General Hospital, your former character Courtney had been mentioned, because you are the bio-mom of little Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Bechtel)! Was it your decision to leave GH … or did they decide to kill-off the character?
ALICIA: It was my decision to leave. I had my four year contract, and it came up for renewal, and I decided not to renew. I made a deal with myself when I signed the four year contract that it was only going to be four years. I really wanted to keep exploring other opportunities in film and primetime. I just wanted to try everything. It was so hard though to leave. I loved my GH family and my character. I had such a wonderful time playing that role. I did work a lot at the beginning after I left, and then I took a break to be with my daughter. There are times in between that I miss being on GH, and then there are other times when it’s nice to be able to play around and do other roles.
Have you seen your “on-screen” son Nicholas Bechtel in action on GH? He’s an incredible talent!
ALICIA: I haven’t seen him on camera, but someone sent me a photo of him on Twitter. I talked to Tyler Christopher (Nikolas, GH) recently as well. Nicolas Bechtel is adorable, and someone was saying he was quite the scene stealer and really good! It’s so nice to see this still playing out on air.
Courtesy/ABC
Spencer has wanted a mother very badly. He even went so far to scheme with schemer Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), whom he wanted as his mother, in order to keep her in his and Nikolas’ (Tyler Christopher) life. For those who may not recall, how did you get killed-off as Courtney?
ALICIA: They killed me with the “Monkey Flu”. There was this epidemic in Port Charles. I think it may have had something to do with Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers). I honestly don’t remember. (Laughs) I remember Courtney died in childbirth … I think! (Laughs)
What if they resurrected the character of Courtney as they do so many characters on GH! (Laughs) Would you entertain the thought of going back?
ALICIA: Yes, of course! I would love to go back. GH was such an amazing part of my life. I miss a lot of the people. If the opportunity came up, I think it would be great.
What I think they should do is: have “visions” or the “ghost” of Courtney meeting her son Spencer, and giving him some “motherly” advice! What do you think?
ALICIA: Yeah, why not?
Courtesy/ABC
How was working with Tyler Christopher as your romantic love interest when you look back at your time on GH?
ALICIA: I loved working with Tyler. I think what was so great is that we had such great chemistry on-screen, because we had such chemistry off-screen. We would have each other in hysterics right before we taped a scene, and we had each other laughing on the floor. We even had the crew cracking up with us! We could barely get through a scene without goofing off! (Laughs) I can not say enough good things about Tyler. He has been such a good friend and a sweetheart.
You have done several guest star turns recently,including some time on Days of our Lives!
ALICIA: Since I came back, I did a run on Days of our Lives, and I did a lead in a TV movie Dangerous Company. In the movie, I played a woman with the early onset of dementia. It was a really great challenging role. I was also submitted for a Daytime Emmy in the Guest Star category for my work on DAYS. . In my role, my character, had been contacted because my ex-husband Liam (Mark Collier) had been stalking one of their friends. And, so I came into town saying, “Yeah, stay away from him. He’s dangerous.” I helped them take him down. That was my first project back after having my daughter Simone, then I did the TV movie, and then The Bay, and that was my year in 2014.
You are a relatively new mom! How is balancing raising a child and your acting career?
Photo Credit: Bubba Loo Photography
ALICIA: It’s really hard! You deal with this inner struggle of, “I just want to be home with my baby,” and then you are home with your baby, and then you also think, “I miss working so much.” So, then you have this constant inner battle. I am a creative person, and I need a creative outlet, or else I go nuts! But at the same time, I am so madly in love with my daughter. It’s hard to be away from her. My daughter will be three in February and I see the actress in her already, and it’s scaring me! (Laughs) I am single mom and my ex and I are still friends, so that works. I never anticipated being a single mom. I thought it would be a team deal, but we were better off as friends, and we are lucky that way … to stay in each others lives. He is a very good dad to Simone. We are still a family.
You have always been fortunate in that you always seem to work a lot!
ALICIA: I have been really lucky, and it’s been kind of cool. I have been fortunate that I have worked a lot, and also that I have been able to stay under the radar, and have a normal life. I feel like I got to have the best of both worlds, and I am grateful for that. This business has ups and downs … and sometimes you are waiting for the phone to ring!
You got your start on Another World. What were your thoughts on the passing of Daytime Emmy winner Charles Keating (Carl Hutchins)? Did you work with him?
Courtesy/Twitter
ALICIA: I did not know Charles Keating died! I knew him briefly. He was on the show when I was there, and we only worked together a couple of times. He was quite a character!
Were you close to the incomparable Linda Dano (Felicia Gallant) during your time on AW?
ALICIA: I was close with Linda Dano! I have to say; of all the women I have met in this crazy business … I have the utmost respect for Linda. What a class act! I was so young when I was on Another World, and she always gave me the best advice about being in this business. I really looked up to her a lot.
So, would you like to see Alicia back on General Hospital? Would you like to see Spencer have a visit from his biological mother, Courtney Matthews? Have you checked out Alicia on The Bay? Do you think she might land a guest star Daytime Emmy nod? Excited to see her upcoming Lifetime movie? Comment below!
“that” first pic : at the very top
reminds me of the hottie Daryl Hannah : in her younger days
HOT
OH my gosh no no no no no no…not back on GH.
Agree! Please don’t bring her back. Never was a fan.
Last time they saw Cornnuts, she was in the frozen food section of the supermarket staring transfixed at the frozen orange juice. Hours later the store manager asked if she needed help. She replied,”Yes,the cans say ‘concentrate.” They never saw her again.
Courtney Matthews was the best thing that happened to #GH! I love that Alicia Leigh Willis has a NATURAL cool that’s NOT COMMON like other actresses in Daytime. Unlike most of the current characters in daytime who are strumpets with that hard, cold & bitch personality that’s supposed to be the cool, Courtney Matthews was a strong female who could defend herself with words or her fist, was warm, had heart, ran her own business and was THEE ONLY WOMAN that JASON MORGAN wanted to marry! Woman hate her because she has something that can not be taught! She’s beautiful inside & out & GH needs her back!
I would love for Jax to roll into town with her and make Carly spin!
Would love to see her everyday again! And will watch her on the bay
Love her on The Bay! She’s got great chemistry with Mary Beth Evans and Eric Nelsen. Totally believable their characters are related.
I would love it if we GH fans found out evil Helena had frozen Courteney! Since she has frozen so many others this wouldn’t be beyond the realm of GH reality lol.
Just.say.no.to.Courtney.
Just say no to being rude. If you don’t like the character try just not commenting at all. This article is about Alicia’s work. If you’re not a fan like the rest of us why are you even here? Spend your time better supporting something positive that you love.
I always felt this character of Courtney was shoe-horned into GH during a very rough spot in the show’s history, and too much revolved around her for no reason. She’s a fine actress but Courtney was a somber, sleepy drag.
Wish her all the best, hope she enjoys The Bay!
Courtney Matthews came from a time of GH PERFECTION! When it was about friendship & family. Courtney & Carly ruled GH! They were friends who wouldn’t choose a guy over each other like Liz did Emily. Loved how she took on Mob boss Faith, her bond with Sonny & the PURE LOVE she had with Jason. Real love doesn’t cheat like what we see today. Courtney & Jason were pure & actually communicated. They tried to recreate this same Ship with Sam & Jason but it never worked. Sam is no substitute for Courtney. Courtney brought out the best of Jason as Carly did.
LOL, Courtney’s era was when GH’s core families were being dismantled piece by piece. A Quartermaine was being killed every Sweeps period, Laura was drooling in a chair staring at the padded wall, removing the heart from the Spencer family, and Sonny gained a sister that he ultimately didn’t need and who barely impacted his life. Steve Burton was also vocal about how the marriage of Jason and Courtney basically neutered Jason, and I suspect that’s why they fell apart (wasn’t she drawn to Officer Brian, who was instrumental in a rift with Jason?), she moved onto Jax, and then CHEATED on him with Nikolas, getting pregnant and then dying (mercifully for me) from the monkey flu. The character was a stooge for AJ, a lark for Coleman, and they built a whole episode around her moonily trying to kiss Jason for Thanksgiving. Weak, weak, weak. Probably the best friend Carly ever had (though clearly because she was the only woman who wouldn’t be a threat to her by going after Sonny), but the legacy Coutney left behind was nothing but the back end of the name of a hotel where half the cast currently resides and a precocious kid who probably had a better education and exposure to the world without Courtney Matthews around to drag him down. I don’t think I remember Courtney working a day in her life (did she waitress at Kelly’s? Was that it?) and her mother was probably the most annoying and grating character actresses I’ve ever seen pop up on a soap.
Alicia Leigh Willis definitely did ME a favor by ditching GH. And if the character was so central and necessary to the canvas, they would have probably made an effort to recast her or leave the door open for a return, rather than the senseless death that they scripted for her by way of encephalitis.
Again, I wish Willis all the best, but Courtney Frickin’ Matthews (her full legal name, I believe) was probably one of the bigger duds that came out of GH’s 2000s for me. An albatross that GH was lucky to lose.
woW, What a dull memory. As much as I love Laura I’d rather her drool in a chair than continue to be a weak woman who was run over by that bastard Luke & then fell in Scotty’s arms instead of completely standing on her own.
Courtney “Fierce* Matthews I believe is her full name & she represented women well. She is the definition of strength, allowed no one to run over her & was Jason’s first real & positive relationship. If you know the shows history Jason wasn’t a proper man to women until Courtney came along… He didn’t even treat Carly right until much later on, after he lost her to Sonny.
I also loved seeing Sonny go crazy trying to protect her from AJ, loved how Courtney grew from her experiences with Coleman & AJ. She didn’t become weak, but fought back & still managed to not lose her warmth. I loved that finally Carly had a friend that wasn’t insecure like the typical strumpets in Port Charles who slept around, were hypocrites who judged Carly & had no right. And, if you understood the great writing that constructed her character you would know that it was not her character to be with anyone else except Jason. That was actually bad writing.
Courtney’s presence & story reminds me of the beauty that Original Carly “Sarah Joy Brown & Sonny created when they were together. Alicia Leigh Willis & Sarah Joy Brown are the most unique actresses & I would actually love to see them both on GH. That would be amazing.
I would love to see Courtney back on GH, Spencer needs his mom in his life, hope they will bring her back from the dead like they do so many, it would be great to see her interact with Spencer
She wasn’t very bright. One time she called Nikolas to tell him she locked the keys in the car and needed help. Nikolas arrived to find Cornnuts trapped in her car.
The only people she had chemistry with were Tamara Braun (ex-Carly) and Ingo Rademacher (ex-Jax), who both would have chemistry with doorknobs. Unfortunately, both are gone. Never cared for her and Nikolas, or even her and Jason or her and *Sonny*, for that matter.
Alicia did a nice job on Days. Best wishes to her for whatever she does.
I love the actress! But the writing for her character was terrible!! She started out with promise and.purpose as AJ’s love interest. But then like all GH women ultimately do, she became nothing more than a mouthpiece for the mob. In 4 years she hopped from AJ to Jason to Jax to Nikolas. Its a shame she was so wasted on the show because she is a luminous and talented performer.
I think the writing was great for the character until the writers decided to break up the Corinthos/Morgan family. She was very naive when she first came on the show and then the character grew. Courtney wasn’t a mouthpiece for the mob. She was her own person, always has been and didn’t agree with mob business. That’s why she was on the outs with Jason & Sonny. She would’ve only been with AJ & Jason if they didn’t start writing badly for her.
Yes, bring her back to GH. It would give me a reason to watch the show again. To have real warmth and not the facade that has masked GH for YEARS. Family/Friendship was once REAL and LOVING. Most of the actors they have now convince me of nothing other than the fact that they need acting lessons.
Please bring Courtney Matthews back. GH needs her presence!
Brind her back to GH! I miss her so much. It truly it what Nik needs and Carly needs her best gal pal! ALW was wonderful and still is so beautiful. She brought such a light to GH. She would fit so well back in as she has so many ties to the canvas. I would love if they reunited Nico. Tyler and ALW were just amazing, and the story for NiCo just got started, so beautiful they were. Besides love her or hate her Courtney ALWAYS created a response, NEVER apathy with her character. Plus ALW is a great actress who just got better, really great towards the end. I would tune in full time to GH in a heartbeat if they brought her back. COME ON lets do this! BRING COURTNEY BACK!
Yes would love to see her back, Spencer needs him momma!! Been such a fan since Journey, she’s soo talented, please make it happen TPTB!!
Yes bring Courtney Morgan back she was the true love of Jason Morgan. Their story is about what real couples use to be. It was real not just for show. GH wrote Journey to be Forever! There is a opening for Jason being Spencer’s Father; it was written. All the writers need to do is to be ‘true’ to the story of Journey it would bring GH back to life in so many ways. ALW was the center of the show, she simply portrayed the role that so many others wanted for the female characters they like,,,,the love of & life with Jason Morgan!
You could bring her back as Courtney and explain that her twin actually died, not her. I know its too easy to write but we have a couple difficult stories right now and dont need all the twists. Courtney would fit into today’s GH because Nick is there, Spencer needs his mom, Carly needs a BFF again although I may write them a story where they end up enemies in a triangle with Jake where Courtney eventually finds out is Jason.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding 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
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
It’s Daytime Emmy nomination week, and as previously reported things kick-off on Monday, July 13 when Entertainment Tonight (7pm ET) will announce the nominees for Lead Actress category and Daytime Talk Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In addition on Monday, Extra (7pm ET) will reveal the nominees for Lead Actor and Daytime Talk Host.
On Tuesday, The View (11am ET) starts things off with their announcement of Daytime Drama, Entertainment News program and Outstanding Daytime Personality-Daily. That is followed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) full reveal of all the categories beginning at 12noon ET/9am PT on their website and their official social handles on X and Instagram.
Then, Tuesday night at 8pm ET/5pm PT join Michael Fairman as he hosts his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he will chat with some of the just announced nominees as we celebrate the hard work of the men and women in front of the camera who will be going for gold.
WHEN ARE THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
This year, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on October 30 in ceremonies in Hollywood, California (Venue yet to be revealed). At that time, as like last year, both the major categories and creative arts will be presented. There is no word yet on a broadcast partner for the annual celebration of daytime programming, or if it will soley be streamed on NATAS’ watch.theemmys.tv and various apps and platforms.
WHO WILL BE APPEARING ON THE DAYTIME EMMY NOMINATIONS SPECIAL 2026?
Throughout Tuesday, keep an eye on Michael Fairman TV’s social media handles on X, Facebook and Instagram, for updates of who will be expected to appear on our live show.
If you have a question or comment for one of the nominees, or on the nominations, we can encourage you to join us in the live chat on Tuesday night.
So, who are you hoping lands a nomination from Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless? Let us know via the comment section. More Tuesday!
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
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‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
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