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!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
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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!