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.
ok..
Little Jake would be referred to a child therapist or physiatrist..
I doubt Dr. Kevin Collins is qualified to work with children which is whole different thing..
Since Kevin is not a child therapist or physiatrist I will say he is there for Morgan or perhaps Kiki..
Considering all doctors on GH act as jack of all trades with little distinction between specialties (for example, I remember brain surgeon Patrick acting as a pediatrician when Britt brought Ben/Rocco back from his kidnapping), I wouldn’t bat an eye at Kevin counseling Lil’ Jake.
I highly doubt his qualifications as a child psychiatrist would come into play. If the story line involves Jake, I’m just happy they are bringing back a legacy character instead of using a random actor to play a child psychiatrist.
Yes, is it not refreshing that they are not introducing yet another brand new character to the overly saturated canvas with no acting experience?
@su000… I read he may be back to help Anna…
Yes, Fanny. Poor Anna is a mess. Paul is making me seethe over his subtle torture of Anna.
Also, let’s not forget that Patrick recommended Hayden see Dr. Kevin. The good Doc will be quite busy.
hhi Fanny..
0oohh I never thought about it being Anna..
Yes! it could be for Anna..
Kevin is needed in Port Charles, Kiki, Morgan, are just 2 in need of his services lol ..
@CeeCee…Hello Sweets…
There are numerous candidates on canvas that would benefit greatly from
a psych consultation with Kevin. Let’s hope he stays on long enough to help
them all.
They could have a spin-off called General Asylum. Kevin could be the doctor. Milo and Alice could be the bouncers. The patients would include Sonny, Carly, Morgan, Valerie, Nina, Franco, Ric, Alexis, Jake (big and little), Nikolas, Hayden, Olivia, Spencer, Ava, Paul, and others to be confirmed. Or committed.
That LSD trip that Heather sent Olivia on is still packing one helluva punch!! The most notable symptom is Olivia running around in EXTREMELY public places talking to others or just to herself saying things LOUDLY…such as “No one must ever know that the biological father of my child is really mob kingpin Julian Jerome. Did you hear me??? No one can find out that JULIAN JEROME is my baby’s father!!”
Hello, my Fanny. You always make me feel so good, with your endearment.
I, too, love the Doc. Sadly I really did not get to know him as Dr. Collins too well. But I enjoyed watching him with Lucy. He seems to be well-received by the audience. I do hope he has a longer run this time around. A’ bientot.
“oh, lordy” are they dumbing down Olivia
just like, Sonny, w/ Avery
just like, Victor, w/ Christian
just like, Julian, w/ Leo
any thing… to get Julian out of Alexis clutches
would work for me
th lesser of two evils… as Olivia … granted I like her work…. doesn’t reel that much.. but the sex appeal is that much… better with Julian
Totally grateful for Jon’s return as Dr. Kevin….but, what about Lucy, where is Lucy? What about Kevin and Lucy scenes? Has ANYTHING transpired with Kevin and Lucy’s relationship? Did they end up divorcing? Are they together? We’ve been left with no answers. I do hope we see Lucy reappear, too. Otherwise, it’s a big disservice to these legacy characters, so Kevin now after a long absence just pops back into action to counsel Little Jake? Come GH, give us some updates with Kevin and Lucy. I hope we hear and see them.
I’d like to know that, as well, Jeremy. I love this couple together….I would love to see more of their interaction myself.
Kevin needs a new love. Lucy is too over the top for Doc. Kevin and Laura?
Lucy and Kevin’s relationship is just another story line they’ve let slip by. Hope they can give it some air time now.
what an opportune time to reel with Genie Francis
there is love here
there is intrigue
there is interesting
there is veteran stat
this is a couple who can act and the camera loves them
i’m so glad they are going back to Liz and Jake…. bestill my heart
he’s so danged handsome
Patrick, I like the way you think!
Speaking of Liz. I know she’s the most ‘persona non grata’ on stage, right now; but, Patrick wasn’t her acting as calamitous as it gets? She was impressive, as she circled Hayden like a bird of prey, ready to swoop and feast on the spoils. And, her eyes, the cataclysmic change in her face….I really saw evil. Rebecca really worked that scene today.
i’m still so involved in the ; is it Liz or Sam ? I’m awstruck at how vocal… the Sam and Jason fans are…. Liz made a mistake…( ONE ) by all accounts, of all that I’ve read and learned… why is she burned at the stake ? ! and yes… it is out of character… for her to have “given” in to her needs… ???? it’s indescribable… selfish? what? thought of her ownself, first ? is evil incarnate? I adore this woman… all these posts… ie: that Liz can’t seem to not live without a man… in her life…… Read more »
@Patrick. ….thing is, Patrick. Liz did not just make one mistake. She continues making the same mistake every day, every hour, every second she holds the truth from Jason. That’s what is unforgivable. As I said a few times before, her only redemption is if she’s diagnosed as nuts. There’s another patient for our good doctor Kevin. Lol. I am very disappointed in her, but I still think Rebecca has found her niche. She’s so good at playing the bad girl. Kelly is not even in the running. She is not adept at either. She goes through her scenes like… Read more »
Very few people do “bitch face” like Mizz Becky. LOL. And it’s extra funny and cool because her character is not one you could categorize as a bitch. Its almost like her back arches and her feathers get all ruffled.
@Dylan.
Hi, Dylan.
You said it, when you mention Liz seemingly arching her back, I have this vision of a virago in the guise of a helpless little kitten who hides very sharp claws. Appearances are deceiving, are they not?
I found it tres amusing when Liz questioned Hayden’ s sincerity…..” Every word that comes out of your mouth is a lie.” That’s rich….Those words are fraught with irony. Say WHAT?!?!?!?!
Actually, I do believe that Ms Lizzie is stepping in caca; digging her own grave in the process.
Maybe he’s coming back to counsel Emma, Nicholas and Cam when they realize that Josselyn suddenly out aged them by about 5 years.
good one.
Little Jake, Big Jake, Morgan, Kiki, Liz–the list of people who need help on this show is endless.
that should keep him busy and employ for along time.
Great post. So true.
Love JL as Kevin. So glad to see him return.
Kevin is clearly going to treat Morgan and/or Lil’ Jake, but I really hope he has scenes with Lucy too. I love them together and this might be the last chance for the show to fix them.
Great news! I hope they dont weigh him down with Lucy! I would NEVER take that bimbo back! Although Moran, I mean Morgan is beyond help, I’m sure this is why Kevin is returning.
Lucy is not a bimbo, You seem unstable. lol. Heather Webber needs a roomate. You should join her, and make Heather s BLT. Lucy is a wonderful character and Lynn Herring is a terrific actress. Dont bash and diss Lucy, I will find you and crush you like a bug. Lol.
I’ll beg GH to recast Michael Easton as Caleb and sick him on Lucy and then I’ll send him to see Geena! Ha ha ha!
Timm, He should be on 24/7 The citizens of Port Charles are all bat shit crazy. I blame the Quarterrmaines. They must have dumped some chemicals into the Port Charles reservoir.
I blame Sonny! Besides Morgan I think Kevin will play a role in helping little Jake. Even though Liz thinks he is fine!
Awwww, Timmm. I love Lucy. Lol.
I Love Lucy but only with Ricky, Fred and Ethel..lol
Port Charles harbors crazy people, fulla crazies!..
If you go to Port Charles;
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER !!
It always had problems with its’ water..
@jimh.
Lol, Jimmy. You forgot Little Ricky. …..Babalu’!
I’m with you, Timmm! I cannot stand that hyperactive hussy, and never could…even back in the day when she debuted as the supposedly meek librarian with the secretly uninhibited social life. My antipathy for “Floocy” has only grown though the years….watching her now is simply unbearable. “Doc” deserves soooo much better!
“…“Doc” deserves soooo much … ”
complete dream
without question
superlative quest
i’d resign myself taken
loft
Shes a cartoon character. Its like Spinelli, he is good in small doses but to have him on everyday would warrant a FF! Bring Lucy on for the NB and thats that!
Lets see… Little Jake, Morgan, and Haden are all in need of a counselor since they keep mentioning him around them.
I believe Doc Kevin is called in for Kiki ..
On today’s show Hayden was referred by Patrick to the good shrink Dr. Collins.
The bigger ??. Why wasn’t little Jake taken for counseling immediately–poor writing obviously! Kidnapped by a madwoman, kept however kindly on a Mediterranean island with a nanny, no socialization, then taken to America to a family he barely remembers. Sure, he can just join his brothers at the breakfast table, no sweat, and lead a regular life.
People are right–there’s no shortage of patients for Kevin!
Hi, Anne. You have just summed up little Jake’s probable state of mind in a nutshell. Additionally, you have subtly depicted Miss Lizzie lost in her own little ‘netherworld’, looking at her crazy-fantastic life with Jason through rose-colored glasses….her favorite color. She needs as much psychoanalysis as her son, if not more. This whole scenario only reinforces my belief that the writers, in general, do not think ahead; ( I have noticed GH adopting this practice more than any other soap) they do make stuff up as they go along. Otherwise, taking little Jake to check his mental state, as… Read more »
“…as soon as he arrived back home, should have been at the top of the list. ”
why didn’t RC/FV hasten ?
kudos to the new head writing team ( s)
for going their
I don’t know… i’m giving the actor… who , as the original Jake.. has come back… that much more creative… for such a young person… to share his craft
i’m still in tears and angst over what little we’ve seen Liz.. and the danged GH production… missed the beat… and heart beat of audience pull…
hopefully Morgan.
omgawd, can we stop calling Jake Little Jake? Kid is going to get a complex.
I don’t care whose he is treating, just glad to see him back even for a short time.
if they raally want to do a “fun storyline” at least for me. Why not do a VeT triangle. I’d love to see Felicia and Kevin ..they had great chemistry but it was too weird in the beginning due to Ryan. but with the friendship of Lucy, Felicia ,Mac and Kevin..what if ? what if trying to “help” Kevin and Lucy…Felicia and Kevin get involved. That would really make things complicated and give all these vets something to do..Then maybe they could get Laura involved with Mac, throwing in Lucy/Scott. A real VET love mess which would shake up PC.… Read more »