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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!

 

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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!

Breaking News

‘Neighbours’ EP Jason Herbison on Series Daytime Emmy Nomination: “It’s a Huge Honour to be Nominated Alongside Such Iconic US Daytime Dramas”

When the 51st annual Daytime Emmy nominations were revealed last Friday, the iconic Australian soap opera, Neighbours, made the grade as one of the nominees for this year’s Outstanding Daytime Drama Series going up against U.S. titans such as General Hospital, The Young and the Restless et al.

That is because the revival of Neighbours, which is now seen in the United States streaming on Amazon Freevee, is now eligible under the rules from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).

Not only did Neighbours receive its first Daytime Emmy nomination for Drama Series, but also for one of its legendary stars, Guy Pearce, who returned for a stint in the revival as Mike Young. Pearce is nominated for Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series.

Photo: Freemantle

Throughout its run, Neighbours has received several nominations and wins in Australian and the UK, with this being its first nomination in the U.S.

Neighbours Executive Producer Jason Herbison shared on this momentous moment for the series: ‘Neighbours has been on an incredible journey these past few years and a Daytime Emmy Award nomination is the icing on the cake! It’s a huge honour to be nominated alongside such iconic US daytime dramas. This news is an exciting moment for our hard working cast and crew and a wonderful recognition of the new chapter of the show on Amazon Freevee.”

Photo: Freemantle

For those who need a bit of a refresher on the revival of Neighbours. The series streams exclusively on Amazon Freevee in the UK and U.S. and on Prime Video in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.  New episodes air daily Monday-Thursday on Amazon. The new series launched on 18 September, 2023, and picks up two years after the finale left off. In Australia, Network 10 retains first-run rights in Australia for the new chapter of the series.

Photo: Freemantle/AmazonFreevee

The series is known as the longest running local drama of all time in Australia and has launched the careers of so many celebrities including: Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, the aforementioned Guy Pearce, and Liam and Chris Hemsworth, to name but a few.

Long running series star Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodbridge shared their many thanks on Neighbours Daytime Emmy nominations in a video message below.

So, what do you think of ‘Neighbours’ being nominated for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Could they be the spoiler in the category? Weigh-in below.

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Days Of Our Lives

Lisa Rinna Would Be Down to Reprise Her Role of Taylor McBride in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot

When Lisa Rinna departed her popular role of Billie Reed on Days of our Lives back in 1995, her next major role would be a jump to primetime and the soapy Melrose Place.

In 1996, Lisa was introduced as new character Taylor McBride and stayed with the Fox young adult sudser for three seasons. Now in 2024, with the recent reveal that a Melrose Place revival is the works with Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Laura Leighton all on board to reprise their signature roles, would Rinna board the project should it come to fruition?

Speaking with PEOPLE, Rinna expressed, “Well, gosh, I’ve heard about it. I haven’t been approached or anything, but I would love to see what Taylor McBride is up to 25 years later. Wouldn’t that be something?”

Photo: FOX

OG Melrose Place fans know that in story, Taylor moved to the Melrose Place apartment building with her husband Kyle played by Rob Estes. However, Taylor had her eye on Dr. Peter Burns played by former GH star Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco). But, by the time she had moved to the apartment complex, Peter had married tough as nails ad executive, Amanda Woodward, played by Heather Locklear.

Recalling her time on Melrose Place, Rinna added that it, “was one of my greatest and most fun acting experiences, playing Taylor and working with Heather and the whole crew.”  Rinna also noted, “So if they need a Taylor McBride appearance, they know who to call. I’m around.”

Photo: JPI

The new Melrose Place is in development at CBS Studios. In the premise of the reboot, the Melrose Place residents reunite after the death of one of their friends, “but the pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.”

So, would you want to see Lisa Rinna reprise her Melrose Place role as Taylor McBride? Comment below.

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Sean Kanan’s Stepdaughter, Juliet Vega, to Appear on The Bold and the Beautiful

Coming up on this Friday’s April 26th episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, Juliet Vega, the stepdaughter to Sean Kanan will make an appearance on the CBS daytime drama series in the role of Michele.

Keeping it “All in the Family”, the character is named after Juliet’s real-life mother, and Kanan’s wife, writer and producer, Michele Kanan.

Back in 2012, Sean married Michele Vega and thus began their blended family which included his daughter, Simone, and Michelle’s children, Peter, Gigi, and her twins, Annie and Juliet.

Photo: JPI

According to a B&B show spokesperson, Juliet’s B&B character is intentionally named Michele in honor of her mother and Sean’s wife.

While we don’t know how “Michele” shows up in story, it is the same episode that Clint Howard makes an appearance as well seemingly tied to the case of where in the world is Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown)?

Photo: CBS

We can’t imagine that Juliet wouldn’t get the opportunity to mix it up on-screen with her stepdad, Sean Kanan. Previously, the two acted together in Sean’s streaming series Studio City, where she played the role of Delilah and he played soap actor, Sam Stevens. In it, Delilah is the bio-daughter Sam never knew he had.

So, looking forward to seeing Juliet on B&B and how ‘Michele’ turns up in the story? Comment below.

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Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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