It’s been quite the banner year for Sydney Mikayla (Ex-Trina Robinson, GH) thus far, and she topped it off with her second Daytime Emmy nomination, when a few weeks ago she landed in the Younger Performer in a Drama Series category. That means, Mikayla will be vying for the gold statuette, but also against some of her dear friends and former co-stars from General Hospital.
Back in March, Mikayla revealed she was leaving the ABC daytime drama series to focus on college full-time where she is a freshman at UCLA. With Sydney’s departure came recasting the role of Trina and the part went in to the capable hands of Tabyana Ali, who is currently appearing on the soap and carrying on the Trina Robinson torch.
As the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are just around the corner (they air live next month on June 24th on CBS), Michael Fairman TV caught up with the very busy Mikayla, to get her take on all things Emmy including: the scenes she chose for her nominated reel, working alongside with Nicholas Alexander Chavez and creating what would become the popular “Sprina”, the factors that led to her departure and more. Here’s what Sydney shared below.
Your former co-stars and fellow ‘Younger Actor’ nominees, William Lipton (Cameron) and Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Spencer) appeared on my Daytime Emmy Nominations livestream special, and both share how thrilled they were that that you got nominated. I know you’re friends with them, but they just could not have spoken more highly of you.
SYDNEY: That’s so sweet! I’ve loved working with them for so long. It just feels so great to know that they said that.

Photo: ABC
What was on your Emmy reel submission that landed you the nomination?
SYDNEY: I was a little bit nervous this year, more than last year, because last year was the first time that I ever had a storyline. So, for this year, I was definitely like, “I’m not really sure how this is going to go,” because there’s just so many new elements that were happening with everything that was going on, for example: Trina getting a more acclimated relationship with her mom, and then we had Cyrus (Jeff Kober) come in for a little bit. I chose the best moments that really showcased my acting, even though it wasn’t a cohesive storyline from start to finish on my reel. I’m really glad it worked! I was a little more on pins and needles for this one, and ultimately, it turned out great.

Photo: IG
Was Nicholas Alexander Chavez in any of the scenes you submitted?
SYDNEY: He was! I got to show that soft side of Trina, which I really didn’t think we got to see, especially in my first Emmy reel, and her being vulnerable. We never see Trina really make a mistake, so that was really fun. Not that her relationship was a mistake, but more that we never get to see her slip up or say the wrong thing, or just put herself out there, and put her heart on the line. I enjoyed being able to play that and then being able to put it in my reel. Nicholas just made it so easy … what an amazing co-star. He just made me feel so comfortable. It was just really fun to do and to include. I also had scenes with the teen scene …there’s five of us! Of course, I had to include Trina’s standoff with Esme (Avery Pohl). I think, it was actually the last clip I put in on my reel.
Which was a great scene!
SYDNEY: Yes, and Avery is so sweet, but she plays evil so well. So, that was also so incredible to do, just that standoff of: ‘Who’s going to win!? Trina? Esme? What’s going to happen? What’s going to go down?’ No one knew, so that was really fun, too.

Photo: JPI
Did you include scenes between you and Eden McCoy (Joss) as bff’s Trina and Joss on your Emmy reel?
SYDNEY: Oh, of course, of course! It was some of those heartfelt bestie moments of her just kind of consoling me, and making sure everything was okay between Trina and Esme. I like those heartfelt moments that Trina had with one of her closest friends on the show, and a great friend in real life, as well.
When you found out you were nominated, who was the first person you called … or was your phone blowing up and you were receiving lots of congrats?
SYDNEY: This year, with being on a college campus and being in person for the first time, it’s really easy to get sick. So, I was not feeling too great. I was sleeping in my dorm when the nominations came out. I still keep in contact with my makeup artist from the show, Ali, and she’s so sweet. We were texting, and she was like, “By the way, congrats”, and kind of kept texting me, and I’m like, “Congrats for what?” I looked, and I was like, “Oh my gosh! I got nominated!” So that was pretty funny, and I screamed through my whole dorm! I posted a video on Instagram because I wanted to keep everyone in the loop, and I really do feel so grateful. I feel all of the support from my friends, and family, and the fans of the show. I always try to make a video every year to try to just be grateful, or say ‘thank you’ because I really want to key everyone into this journey. It was a little bit of a shock, but definitely in the midst of not feeling too well, it was the highlight of my day, for sure! Now, I am feeling that heat of finals at school, but I am so excited. The Emmy definitely breaks up the stress a little bit, so I’m very grateful.

Photo: ABC
Was there somebody you called to let them know you were nominated, though?
SYDNEY: I actually called Nicholas and William, first, to say congratulations. William had called me before I had woken up, and then I called him back, and then of course, I called my mom and dad. It was also a surprise to them. I think it was just because I had been so laser-focused on school that looking at the Emmy nominations really wasn’t the priority this year.
Could you believe how popular ‘Sprina’ became so quickly? They weren’t even a bonafide duo yet!
SYDNEY: I could not! I was really shocked, but I was excited to see how much the fans loved it, and how much the fans kind of lived through it. That in turn, gave us more of that ammo to really build that story and build that tension, and to always kind of play those moments in between. Nicholas did a really great job of that, and of challenging me to always have that subtext, under the lines. I was really shocked to see how quickly the popularity of Sprina blew up, but I’m grateful that the fans loved it for as long as they. I hope that they continue to love it with Tabyana Ali playing the part. She is such an incredible actress and powerhouse.

Photo: ABC
You were so popular in the role of Trina, and now Tabyana is bringing her take on the role. Do you check in on GH?
SYDNEY: Don’t cancel me, but no! (Laughs) I don’t have time to watch TV! I’m very serious. I’ve just had so much going on here. I’m also part of clubs, and leadership is also something that’s very important to me. I love planning things, and when you’re planning things, that also takes up your time. So, doing that along with school and just trying to keep my GPA up, I just don’t have the time to check in on it. I think that was kind of part of it for me too. On a spiritual level, I always believe that you can’t receive other things in your life, great things, acting or otherwise, until you are able to let things go, and so for me, I knew when I was leaving, I really would have to leave mentally and physically. As much as I love General Hospital (and I really cannot wait to see everyone in person, I really can’t wait to have that big reunion!), I really don’t feel like any part of me is still clinging on to General Hospital. I’m so grateful that the audience has also received Tabyana so well, because that’s exactly what I’ve always wanted. So, I’m really happy for her, and I’m really happy for both of us. I think we are both in a great place.
Was making the decision to leave GH a difficult one for you?
SYDNEY: Honestly, no. I always kind of knew in the back of my mind that it would have to come at some point because as much as I love General Hospital, I’d really been working for college for all of my life. I wish someone had told me that colleges really don’t look at anything past high school because I was working really hard in elementary and middle school too! But that’s my point, I’ve always had this dream of, “I’m going to go to college. I’m going to get that second education. I’m going to do really well. I need to get my degree, and possibly even get my doctorate.” We’ll see if I even want to go that far, but I know for sure that going to college and getting that bachelor’s was really important for me. So, I knew that took precedence over anything else in my life.

Photo: ABC
What are you studying?
SYDNEY: Right now, I’m studying sociology. That might change. Honestly, as a freshman it’s just been really general classes, still kind of general science, general math. We’ll see as time goes on if I still want to stick with sociology. So, that’s also been really fun, and just meeting people, and experiencing the college life.
You’re in a gender-neutral acting category at the Daytime Emmys … Outstanding Younger Performer. How do you feel about that because you’re actually competing against your former castmates, Nicholas and William, in the same category?
SYDNEY: Coming to college, you meet a lot of people who are non-binary. I’ve always wondered how that would work when we are going to have more actors who identify as non-binary as our generation starts to get older and as we start getting cast in these movies. I actually think we are kind of moving towards the future and in the future, it will all be smooshed together for all of the categories. We are going to eventually do away with the Best Actor and Actress because a lot of people don’t identify as either. I think either way, whoever wins is going to win. I’m just really glad to be nominated, and it works for me!

Courtesy/ABC
If a role came up in a movie or project that interested you, would you do it, or are you just only concentrating on your studies?
SYDNEY: We’ll see kind of where life takes me. It would definitely depend on so many things, of course, but if an opportunity were to present itself, it would definitely just be by a case-by-case basis. Of course, I’m definitely open to doing things in summer too. During the school year, like I mentioned, it’s really important for me to get this degree.

Photo: SMikaylaIG/ABC
Is there any favorite moment you had from your time on General Hospital as Trina that you wish you could have included in your Emmy reel, but didn’t?
SYDNEY: There were so many good moments! If I could include any moment, I would include one of the blood scenes. I had never worked with fake blood, and it was sticky, but ultimately a good experience. I was acting, but there wasn’t much of me talking. It was more everyone being concerned for me, like, “Why is she covered in blood? What’s going on?” So, I don’t think I included that as much, but if they just wanted me to include amazing makeup, then I could have put it in there! So, it’ll always be in my heart. It’ll always be in my personal reel, and I hope that counts for something!

Photo: TimSchaeffer
I’m assuming you like picking out a dress, and then walking the red carpet?
SYDNEY: I do! It’s actually funny because I don’t usually enjoy hair and makeup on a day-to-day basis, but I do think I enjoy the creativity of doing my own look for the Emmys. I get to be somewhat a little different, like a super awesome version of myself. I wonder, for celebrities who have to go to red carpets every week if they really like it, but for me to do it a few times a year, I really love it. I love choosing the aesthetic that I’m going for. This year, I’m definitely trying to do something classy and stylish. I’m super excited for you guys to see because I’m beaming even as I talk about it now!
The Daytime Emmys are back to being in-person, after two years of being virtual. Didn’t you have to tape an acceptance speech last year when you were nominated, in case your name was called?
SYDNEY: Yes! It was so funny, one of our producers, Nneka Garland, called me, and she was like, “Oh, it’s going to be in person,” and it just like, snapped for me: “Oh, this is going to be live!” I’m looking forward to that this year. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone, giving everyone real, in-person hugs! I can’t wait!
So, are you rooting for Sydney to take home the gold in the Outstanding Younger Performer category at this year’s Daytime Emmys? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Griffin wants to tell Anna that he is her son, or her nephew. He is Leora’s twin, stolen at birth? Or, Alex’s child? Or Lindsey’s?
Baddie Charlotte absconded him and hid him somewhere, or gave him away.
Will David Hayward resurface? I may be way off base, but I know there is a connection between them….a familial connection. That’s why Dr. Munro is so familiar to Anna.
He could be Aiden Devane, having had facial reconstructive surgery. Yes, yes, yes…..rubbing my hands together, at the prospect/possibilities….doing a happy dance!!!!!! If some of the AMC’s beloved characters will return, whether recasts or not, would be my pleasure!
I’m really hoping griffin is related to Anna somehow Anna needs family in town.. Hope it’s not something dopey like duke incarnated or something like that, it’s not going to fly. I’m telling you griffin looks like a young Tristan Rogers. As for the other plots I hope Helena gives Liz some money for kidnapping little jake.
GH has become very transparent, and that means no suspense or mystery, just transparent..
Know what’s going to happen–
The second Anna said he looked familiar, I knew he was of Duke’s DNA..
0ooh when Tracy had her 1st sign of illness I said;
It was a parasitic brain infection, worms in the brain thing..
And, it will be, wait for it .. / too transparent..
You did, su. I remember…and so did I….as told by my husband. Malignant, benign or an infection. But, you were very sure it was an infection. You called it.
Timmm did suggest that Larry put something in Tracy’s drink….could have been some kind of fetid additive.
Hi, su, I though that today’s episode held some suspense. Don’t you agree? Obviously, Griffin in a towel, sporting a scar on his lower left part of his abdomen was done for a reason. We were meant to see that…mystery and suspense. I agree it is not the salivating suspense some of us expect, but I got to see Griffin’s exposed bod, again. Maybe next time he’ll be wearing just a loin cloth. ….KIDDING!! Also, the name Griffin Fitzgerald Munro really seemed to have jarred Anna, albeit she made an Herculean effort to be impassive. That added a little suspense… Read more »
Some reports are that he is Duke’s son, from another mother. If true, that’ll hurt!!!
Very interesting, Tristan….so many possibilities.
You called it, Tristan. You are right.
I must say, though, Anna seems to welcome these news, in a bittersweet way. I guess it hurts in a different way. She regrets neither father or son ever met. Sad.
Like i said under a different posting…he is her son or her sister’s son…
So did I, Jimmy. But, which sister? Anna had/has two. Alex and Lindsey, if I am not mistaken.
They cannot mention Anna’s family from AMC, because of the Prospect Park lawsuit.
ahhhh Anna has sisters.. I did not that..
hmmm then he may not be of Duke DNA ..
but geez how far back are they digging to grab a sister?
The doc. is about 30? so going back 30 years?
Didnt know there was two…thats interesting to know.
@jimh.
Hey, Jimmy.
I double checked with my Gran and she said that Anna had two half sisters; Alex and Lindsey (Aidan Devane Turner’s) mother. The sisters were borne of three different mothers but had the same father.
Charlotte Devane was Alex’s mother, and she was a witch, according to my grandmother. LOL.
Charlotte did so many despicable things; my Gran speculates that Charlotte could have kidnapped Griffin as a baby. So, he could be offspring to one/any of the sisters.
Thank you and your gran for that info about Anna’s sisters…i didnt watch much of AMC when Anna was there and barely remember much of her storyline-so unlike me…but yet i can remember stuff from the 60s and 70s when i was soooooooo young…lol
@Tristan.
Hey, Tristan,
Of course you are right….I forgot all about that, Tristan. It would have been an ok premise, though, no. ……and I would have absorbed every gripping moment if Lindsey were not dead after all.
This PROSPECT PARK thing will forever be looming over the soap to the end. Enervating!!Too bad TPTB cannot hand pick a few characters from Anna’s past on AMC.
@Tristan.
Again, Tristan, I must say how correct you were. I was way off base thinking it had to do with AMC.
I cannot remember who linked Griffin to Duke on these boards, but that person was on right on target. Fitzgerald is an Irish name…..was Duke Irish or Scottish?
Is Helene even dead…she could leave Laura her wardrobe, Sam her brain, Alexis a bra and Nik learns he is bankrupt and has to move in a trailer park with Hayden/Rachel?whoever-whatever she is, Liz learns Jake is a clone and Jason learns he isnt Jason….lol
LOL
especially the trailor Park Nicholas… this will really test the allegiance of Hayden, now wouldn’t it
it seems the griffin munro mystery has taken hold and eclipsed… every one else… that being Jason; Hayden/Rachel; and ???
I must say… i’m intrigued to know… who Claudette is… ??? I think it’s Kiki real name ??? finally… “they are” ? getting to the mystery of Nina possibly being Kiki long lost child?
Hi, Patrick. At the risk of patting my own back, lol…..as soon as a fuss was made by bringing focus to that glove in Nathan’s tux-side-pocket, I posted the fact that there was a mystery woman behind that glove. Someone else, I think Rose, responded by saying that whoever it was, still held meaning to him for having had it and by putting it back in his pocket without disposing of it. Good call, Rose…it does have meaning for Nathan, which will open a nasty, smelly can of worms. I took a wild guess and I was right. Yeayyy!! LOL.… Read more »
I wanted to post this…. I was soooo taken… with ; Felicia… what a mother tigress just being so… doggone cute and upfront… without being confrontational… Felicia brought Nathan…. this black poodle… LOL here’s Claudette Here’s my daughter Miaxie.. we’re on to you buck up LOL Nathan.. he’s in for the log haul right… those looks just stifle any misgivings at time loved how Maxie was right on point… LOL waking / shaking him… who is Claudette I love women for their sixth sense and wherewithal its about Timely for Nathan and Maxie to flex some muscle and wing he’s… Read more »
You’re welcome, Jimmy. My grandmother is 75, with a sharp wit and memory….sometimes better than mine. I loved AMC, but I can’t remember details as well as she. I was young and carefree, Lol…..I had never heard of Charlotte or Lindsey until Gran mentioned them.
I thought that the only link GH and AMC had was Anna, Alex, and Aidan. Was Aidan ever on GH? To be honest, I thought he was Alex’s son not Lindsey’s.
I TRULY – want – some thing… any-thing… to MOVE Laura !!!! why shouldn’t Helena… in all her magnanimous fortitude… salute Laura… and bequeath Laura with POWER !!!! Genie Francis NEEDS to focus on herself!!! which is simply put : GH !!!! forever and day.. give Laura a storyline… besides being the queen of virtue and if she eats one more candy bar…. I’ll shuck GH again I want that Helena has stipulated.. that Nicholas and Laura WORK together… and reign as mother and son… and fight for ELQ and fortress WindeMear… and catapult the Cassadine Dynasty I’m already so… Read more »
hey Patrick..
The Cassadine Dynasty is a true sop power family and the Casidiones were/are the spark that started all the big fires, some a 5 alarm..
GH needs the Cassadines back, like yesterday..
I was more than disappointed when reading Easton will once again be a doctor when he would/could be an awesome Cassidine!
No, no, no monsieur Patrick! ELQ needs to get back to its rightful owners, the Q’s! That is THEIR company, it has always bern a part if their story and I wouldn’t want to see Laura pulled in yet again to anothet of Nic’s
i’m just impatiently waiting out… story time… for Genie Francis what’s it going to be ????? fans were clamoring for her return… and SHE IS GOLD ! that being said… I don’t want her to be just the token voice of reason… and a dutiful grandmother was hoping Helena would bequeath …and stipulate that perhaps .. the Cassadine fortune is not as ailing as Nicholas stated… and that this gives Nicholas more power and reign at his disposal… I certainly don’t think Laura would be globetrotting wonder woman espionage.. as long as it’s to Amsterdam to tell AG to forget… Read more »
The last thing I want GH to do with Laura, after promising that Genie is going to have a big storyline, is to have Helena’s bequest to Laura to send her off on some “adventure” – meaning we don’t see her onscreen for 3 months. This woman is soap royalty and has been ignored and maligned enough by TPTB and, in my opinion, certain actors who would throw her under the bus rather than allow her to remind them of the glory of LnL. Give Genie her due and do right by her finally.
Yes, “do right” by Genie!
I think you may be right about this ‘adventure’ of Laura’s ….or a wild goose chase, Nancy.
I surely hope this ‘key’ will not take her search of ‘whatever’ too far. Maybe keep her within the confines/perimeters of PC.
But, as I understand it, Laura is no shrinking violet….would she embark for parts unknown in search of that which the key will unlock? Pandora’s box, mayhap?
I cant help but think Griffin may know something about Carlos.
Please just give Laura a story! A great story! Not coming back til this happens.
When I first saw Griffin in scenes with Anna I thought he could be a younger brother. I do not know off all Anna’s family connections. I know FH appeared on All My Children as Anna’s twin Alex. Thus a nephew may not be far off.
Today GH was perfectly decent today! Save for fast forwarding through the Sonny scenes, I actually found myself watching every scene with interest. My favorite? Why that would be Laura educating Hayden on the dynamics of the Gatsby and Daisy romance. Thank you, Laura. Because yesterday it was driving me crazy (and well all know that is a short drive for me) when Lizzy and others read Hayden’s inscription on the first edition of The Great Gatsby. Really, what kind of idiot would defile a first edition of an enduring classic such as The Great Gatsby with such a stupid… Read more »
The only thing that bothered me about Laura’s description of Daisy’s as being a “weed” is that daisies were always Laura’s favorite flower. There was talk in the 80s and 90s stating that. Fine analogy for Hayden, but Laura wouldn’t equate daisies to that. Oh well, another insignificant detail of rewrites that bothers me.
Harry 1, I, too, loved it that Laura put Hayden’s in her place. Wish she had gone on to quote the line from The Great Gatsby about “careless” people leaving their messes for other people to clean up.”
That line would have been perfect, Nancy. Maybe it’s coming?
I had forgotten that the daisy was Laura’s favorite flower. I never cared for daisies myself.
Well said Harry!
Continued…another of Nic’s wrongdoings. What I WOULD like to see is Jason aligning himself with the Quartermaine’s his real family…and help them to take back what was stolen.
I too want a great story for Laura, nut not at the expense of losing the woman she’s always been…loving, supportive, wise…at the same time action oriented when need be. They can make her dynamic withouy corrupting her.
As for the Cassadines, they alwayd been the evil yet mesmerizing clan. Unfortunately the writers killed them off. Hopefully some old and new sill start spfinging up to up the edge again.
I totally concur with you here, Rebecca and I think this might happen
hi rebecca1
Jason and Dillan will work together to get ELQ back..
It is inevitable that ELQ will be returned to the Q’s..
The cassidine are Aliens or something, they can not die they are immortal. lol
A Cassidine is never dead, as in dead … lol
I really would love a Cassadine invasion !
I totally agree… that ELQ will be back in it’s rightful place… at the “Q” I just find it too .. ho hum… at every thing Jason does… spins or weaves in to gold… and he is merely toying with Nicholas… which bugs me which simply put… all the story for Nicholas… will go by the wayside… as it has been who doesn’t want good story for; Nicholas and mom Laura… I like the angst Hayden brings… it just smarts that Liz is asking Sam to NOT stop her investigation in to Rachel… which is interesting to a point… OK…… Read more »
I have to give both of you…Harry and Su…exrra credit for deciphering my many typos! I’m constantly posting from ny phone and by the time I realize ny delicate lil fingers have hit the wrong key they’ve magically hit send!
And I agree with both of you…who agree with me. 😉
Doesn’t Anna have a twin sister? I thought she was married to Dimitri’s brother on AMC??
Yes, Nicky. Anna has a twin, Alex and another sister, Lindsey, who has died. Aidan Devane is Lindsey’s son.