News
Melody Thomas Scott's 35 Years On Y&R Celebration Featuring Heartfelt Speeches From Joshua Morrow, Eric Braeden … and Melody!
Photo Credit: Jeremy Fraser/LA Exposures
Earlier this week, the iconic Melody Thomas Scott of The Young and the Restless celebrated her 35th anniversary as the indomitable Nikki Newman with a heartfelt on set celebration that was attended by her cast mates, crew, CBS network brass, show co-creator Lee Phillip Bell, and invited guests, press, and family members.
Any Melody event would not be complete without an ode to Melody’s favorite show, “I Love Lucy”, and that was done via a very special cake made for the ceremony, plus there were some very special pictures of Melody over the years at Y&R that served as the backdrop.
The festivities kicked-off with current Y&R executive producer, Jill Farren Phelps saying a few words in honor of Melody and then what followed were some heartfelt, and often times emotional speeches, that also came with the perfect amount of a dash of humor to strike the balance of the afternoon celebration. Melody’s on-screen son, Joshua Morrow (Nick) next addressed the crowd on the CBS soundstage and shared his thoughts on the day’s honoree!
Photo Credit: MF Soaps Inc.
JOSHUA MORROW: The first time I met Mel, and I don’t know if she remembers this, but Nikki was coming in hammered staggering into a church. And Marnie Saitta (former, Y&R casting director) walked me in and said, “That’s going to be your mom,” and Mel as Nikki was a mess, but I thought, “She’s hot!” (Laughs) The next day I worked, she invited me into her dressing room to talk and to meet me. I, just straight off the bus from Oklahoma, did not realize how you should treat a woman in Hollywood, and I asked her how old she was! Melody said, “Why don’t you guess?” I didn’t know how the game was played and so I guessed and nailed it! And she looked at me and said, “Most people guess much younger.” There was like an uncomfortable nine seconds. So then she said, “I’m just messing with you.” (Laughs) Melody has always been my second mother. She gave me and my wife Tobe one of the coolest things ever. She asked me if she could throw my wife a baby shower, and I was like “cool”. And it turned out to be this ginormous party! We were really touched that you did that for us and I will never, ever forget it. The fact that you don’t have ten Daytime Emmys is a joke to me. You are incredible, and I am completely honored to play your son. I remember at one point I said to her, “I can’t call you Mel anymore, I want to call you “Mom”’, and she said, “I would be upset if you didn’t.” I love this woman. Thank you so much for all that you have taught me, and I love you.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Fraser/LA Exposures
Next, long time scene partner Eric Braeden (Victor) who along with Melody for decades has created The Young and the Restless most enduring supercouple Victor and Nikki, spoke emotionally and with tears at how much working with her has meant to him.
ERIC BRAEDEN: 34 years I have known Melody, and the thing is about this business is we work together and then we each go home, and we don’t really get to know each other that well. And yet, when we work together, I feel at home. I remember the first time that Bill Bell had written a scene where Nikki asks Victor about his childhood, and after doing that scene I knew I was going to stay at Y&R because it allowed me, and it allowed her, to show vulnerability. That is the secret to success in this business, pure and simple. I have never found that with anyone else on this show as much as with Melody. So I want to thank you for over 30 years of wonderful working conditions. I think somewhere along the line … we love each other.
Finally, the woman of the hour, and of the last 35 years in Genoa City, who has given so much and breathed life into Nikki Newman addressed the guests. In an emotional beginning, Melody shared a part of her difficult childhood, and how Y&R has truly become her family. She then shared how becoming Nikki on Y&R has changed her life in more ways than one.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Frazer/LA Exposures
MELODY THOMAS SCOTT: In February 1979, the most prolific writers in television, Lee and Bill Bell decided that I would be a suitable replacement for the actress playing Nikki Newman. I had never seen this show called The Young and the Restless, but it was a job and I knew I could pay my rent for the next 13 weeks, and I got to spend my time in my haven … a soundstage. My life was definitely continuing to improve, not only did their decision give me a job, but it also eventually gave me my husband, Edward Scott, 28 years and counting, and my perfect glorious children … and then later two grandchildren. And most of all friends, who are most definitely my family All the wonderful people standing here right now, you don’t know this, but you contribute to the joy that surges through me every time I walk through this building – everyone of you – cast mates, crew, staff, all of you. I might be tired or snappy, or worried that I haven’t learned my lines yet, but just your simple, “Morning Mel” it warms my heart. Your love and support, and you humor, brightens my day in more ways that I can ever express. And as lovely as this celebration is for me, it’s for all of you and my wonderful fans. What you all have given me; I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, not even an Emmy. (Laughs) None of this would be possible without the continued love and support of CBS, Sony, and the Bell family. I must thank the ones who started it all the beloved Lee and Bill Bell. I am sure you were unaware at just how you changed my life that day. But you all … thank you for this life, a life, my life, and my family. I love you all so much!
So, what do you think about the speeches made by Joshua, Eric and Melody on this incredible milestone? Share your thoughts below! And be on the lookout for more from the party in the days ahead!
General Hospital
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
It was just over 13 years ago on General Hospital when Ava Jerome (Maura West) shot and killed Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri (Kelly Sullivan) in an effort to keep her quiet from revealing that Derek Wells was actually Ava’s back-from-the-dead brother, Julian Jerome (William deVry). It’s a crime that somehow Ava never has quite paid for either.
The episode back aired on August 13, 2013 and viewers had to say goodbye to Kelly Sullivan who played Kate and her alter, Connie. In the story, just before she died, Kate/Connie scrawled the letters AJ in her own blood, initially making the PCPD and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) think that it was AJ Quatermaine (Sean Kanan) who did the deed.
Now, Sullivan recalled sharing scenes with the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning West, during a live conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. Kelly was the special guest talking about her recent return to the soaps in her new role as The Bold and the Beautiful’s Darcy Dylan.
Photo: JPI
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MAURA WEST
Speaking of her final GH scenes and working with Maura West, Sullivan gave her then GH co-star major props. “If you’re going to be shot by somebody (on the soaps), you want to be shot by Maura West, c’mon!”
Maura West debuted back in May 2013 as Ava, and Sullivan remembered when the As the World Turns favorite began on GH. “I remember when Maura West first arrived at GH. She walked in with this cute little bob (hairdo) and she’s just delicious,” shared Sullivan.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Kelly revealed more about Maura, adding “I think she’s amazing! I remember right before I left the show, someone suggested, and I would still love to do this with her, if she ever want to, but someone suggested that they wanted to direct the stage play A Streetcar Named Desire with Maura and I, where I would play Stella and she would play Blanche! Wouldn’t that be great?”
Speaking of the Ava/Connie showdown scenes, Sullivan expressed, “On television and on General Hospital specifically, Maura West is able to play a character who does the most horrendous things and you still care about her and that’s the mark of a really great actor. In other words, you’re able to be liked in the midst of the most horrendous things, and as a performer not shying away from that, and to just have the courage to do what’s on the page (in the script).”
Photo: JPI
KELLY SULLIVAN PARTING THOUGHTS AS SHE LEFT GENERAL HOSPITAL
Kelly also shared her sentiments when she walked off the set of General Hospital after her run back in August of 2013. “I really was honored. Every day I would go to work and I would say a little prayer, which is I want to do justice for my character, explained Kelly. “It’s between me and my character. I get to walk this path with her and to leave the show on that note, which is, I left every out there. I just gave it my all and again what an honor it was to play Kate/Connie.”
You can catch the full conversation with Kelly where she talks about her time on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless where she played Sage Warner and now The Bold and the Beautiful below.
So, do you remember the Ava and Connie scenes where Ava shot and killed her? What did you think of Kelly Sullivan’s sentiments about Maura West? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, watch the reveal where Ava recalls murdering Connie below!
The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.
TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.
That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.
Photo: ABC
STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES
GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.
Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.
GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS
Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.
Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.
So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
The Young and the Restless enduring favorite and two-time Daytime Emmy-winning actress, Jess Walton (Jill Foster Abbott) is set to release her memoir!
Kensington Publishing has revealed on their website that Walton’s book The Young and the Rest of Us is now available for pre-order while listing an April 27, 2027 release date. In addition, in June of 2027, Walton will mark her 40th anniversary with The Young and the Restless and her debut as Jill.
The official log lines for the memoir share, “Emmy Award-winning actress Jess Walton, known to millions as the iconic Jill Abbott on the #1 soap opera The Young and the Restless, shares her extraordinary journey to stardom, sobriety, true love, and self-discovery in this startingly candid, intimate, and star-studded memoir.”
Photo; Kensington Books
CAKE FIGHTS AND CORPORATE INTRIGUE
The book description for The Young and the Rest of Us adds, “In June 1987, Jess Walton walked through the artists’ entrance at CBS for her first day on The Young and the Restless,where she had just been hired to play the recast role of Jill Abbott. Two Emmy awards, four decades, and countless onscreen affairs, marriages, corporate takeovers, and cake fights later, she’s a beloved icon with an astonishing tale to tell.”
“In her refreshingly candid style, Jess shares her journey as a young actress from Toronto theaters to Los Angeles, where she found herself at the center of a Laurel Canyon circle that included the likes of Neil Young, David Geffen, Laura Nyro, and Joni Mitchell. Landing a Universal contract and a steady stream of guest starring roles, Jess embraced everything 1970s L.A. had to offer—including Hollywood parties fueled by limitless booze and drugs, and trysts with stars. She recounts with candor and gratitude the surprising path that eventually led her to sobriety, true love—and ultimately, to fictional Genoa City, Wisconsin, and the role of a lifetime.”
“Brimming with behind-the-scenes drama and celebrity cameos to delight fans, The Young and the Rest of Us is also rich in personal, relatable truths about marriage, motherhood, empty-nesting, self-discovery, and finding the courage to start over—as often as it takes. In a voice as fearless and frank as Jill’s, but with, humor and grace all her own, Jess Walton looks back on a life as unpredictable, and adventure filled as anything she has portrayed on screen.”
WHO ELSE PLAYED JILL FOSER ABBOTT?
Fans of The Young and the Restless know that Walton became the fourth actress to take on the role of Katherine Chancellor’s original nemesis Jill Foster back in 1987. The OG Jill was played by Brenda Dickson, also Deborah Adair, Bond Gideon and Melinda O. Fee played the part.
This year, Days of our Lives star Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) filled-in for several episodes for Walton who was unavailable to travel from her home in Oregon to Los Angeles where Y&R was taped. Walton is still with the long-running soap opera as Jill.
So, excited to learn of Jess Walton’s upcoming memoir, ‘The Young and the Rest of Us?’ Will it be it a must-read for you? Drop a comment below.
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Heather Tom Talks Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and What’s Behind Katie’s Deep-Seated Issues with Dylan (Exclusive)
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Sometimes there is so much negative stuff to dwell on it is nice to be reminded that love, friendship and respect still exists– and Mel seems to have inspired it and appreciates it– so congrats on 35 years–
side note– I didn’t know she replaced someone else, I thought she was the one and only Nikki– does anyone remember or know who the actress she replaced was?
I briefly watched the show in the late 70s(no recording back then so id switch back and forth with another show) when it was about the Brooks sisters…i couldnt remember who the original Niki was so i googled it and she was Erica Hope. i never really followed the show(i watch off and on)…i just like to tune in back then to see those hot Brook sisters!!!
Well said Mary SF!!! I thought it was incredibly heartfelt and just shows how close they people get working day in and day out with all the emotions that they play. She is a lovely lady and I hope she is on for many more years!
i could really feel & sense real emotion in melody & joshua’s speech – eric’s speech not so much…………….jmo
Joshua’s speech is really heartfelt.
Erica Hope. As I dimly recall she had a less warm take on the role than what Melanie brought to it.
Melanie who?
Everybody all together now …
Aaaaaawwwwwwww……
Congrats, Ms Thomas-Scott, on 35 wonderful years of bringing Nikki to the fans. And BTW, what the heck is your secret? I swear, we started out the same age, but you look marvelous and me … well, let’s just not mention that! 🙂
wolfy
I’m not a fan of Y&R, but I have seen MTS in a couple movies. She played young Marnie in Alfred Hitchcock’s Marnie. Her scenes were with Bruce Dern and Louise Latham. Those scenes revealed why Marnie grew up with a hatred for men. Tippi Hedren was adult Marnie. The movie has a better likeness now then it did in 1964.
love her so much. 35 years. wow wow wow. we’re all aging together! great work through the years MTS.
I remember when Melody replaced Erica! Erica wasn’t on very long at all. Her story never really got hot and heavy until Melody came aboard.
I think she is wonderful! Started watching about 5 years ago and its my favorite soap
They all sort of spoke for all of out here. They are our extend family, and we love them. We look forward to seeing them every weekday, The fact that they are acting is not important — we are the invisible family members on the set. Love to all.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
UN PETIT COUCOU DE FRANCE POUR DIRE FELICITATION DEPUIS DES ANNEES QUI NOUS FAIT TOUT LES JOURS DE VOUS SUIVRE ET QUE D AMITIEES A VOUS MELODY AINSI QUE TOUTE L EQUIPE DE Y&R MERCI
I met Mel on a visit to Toronto a couple of years ago and she was as lovely and as beautiful as you see on Y&R. She was incredibly friendly to me and my daughter and my granddaughter and took pictures with all of us. She even remembered tweeting with us. She is a darling woman and I have always loved “Nikki”. Its nice to see that Mel is just as lovely as Nikki! Happy 35 years Mel and many more!
I think Melody Thomas Scott gets more and more beautiful. She’s timeless. Great actress. To 35 more great years! Congratulations; and I Love Lucy is one of my all-time favorite shows, too!
What a wonderful tribute; and so well deserved! MY GOD, why doesn’t she have an EMMY!!??? It’s completely ludicrous. Melody/Nikki is a daytime GODDESS! Congratulations to her!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY. YOUR JUST AS BEAUTIFUL NOW AS YOU WERE WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED Y&R.
Happy Anniversary to Melody Thomas Scott.
It is truly wonderful to hear all of the heartfelt wishes and respect from your fellow castmates.
I am a long time viewer of the show, having watched the first episode when I was on spring break from school!