Interviews
THE CHRISTIAN LEBLANC INTERVIEW – DAYTIME EMMY NOMINEE
On The Young and the Restless, Christian LeBlanc may be the most respected actor from the A-class acting troupe, who day in and day out, brings us the lives of the characters in Genoa City.
Last week, Christian received another Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, something many were certain he was a lock for. Now he looks to be one of the front-runner’s for the prize. Winning is no stranger to Christian, having walked off with the top prize at the Daytime Emmys both in 2005 and 2007. Will the man who plays the complex Michael Baldwin take home his third when the ceremonies are held in Los Angeles on August 30th? I chatted with Christian to get his thoughts.
MICHAEL:
So, here we are again, Mr. Emmy Nominee! My guess is that you submitted the Christmas episode where Michael does his take on “It’s a Wonderful Life” story. Am I correct?
CHRISTIAN:
Yes, I did. I had to be talked into it, because of the length. I loved it, but since the competition went to submitting only one show, it was going to stick out as being long. Then I talked to Thaao Penghlis (Ex-Tony, “DAYS”) and he said he submitted a 27-minute show. I said, “Thaao, I am not so shy anymore.” It was a perfect show. Everyone in it is amazing and they made me look good. It was hard to put together, and not just for me, but everybody who worked so hard on it.
MICHAEL:
I loved that on CBS.com, they had an online special with you commenting and doing the narrative as the scenes unfolded, giving the user and the fans an inside look at the making of this amazing episode, and your take on the performances.
CHRISTIAN:
I never heard my narrative, and they told me it came out really good. But truly, that was the first time I had seen the episode back. It was fascinating!
MICHAEL:
Why did you choose this show for competition? Did you know that this was the one?
CHRISTIAN:
I was convinced I put up my best work. That is the only thing you can be sure of in yourself. I looked and looked, and I did put the work in. If you are going to play the game, do your homework! I put my actor reel together as I go, because it helps me look back. I put things on it that I like. I tried not to put the Christmas episode in, but it just came back to being the best thing.
MICHAEL:
It was a true ‘tour de force’… a clear, stand-alone performance! Was that written as your Emmy show?
CHRISTIAN:
That doesn’t happen on our show. You will hear that a lot on set, “Emmy time”. Sometime some shows lend themselves to submitting something, and granted I had Ted Shackleford (Jeffrey) in my Emmy reel last year, and it was the whole show of me ranting at Ted in a wheelchair! I think people, as a compliment, say things like, “There is your Emmy reel!” I don’t know if the writers go about that or say, “Let’s give him his moment in the sun,” kind of thing. I think when you have the special combination of wonderful writing, and that I loved the original movie “It’s a wonderful Life”, it worked well. I think it was a happy medium.
MICHAEL:
It was your show, but there were some pretty incredible moments from your cast mates, as well.
CHRISTIAN:
I thought it was an amazing show, but I thought the writing was seamless and they should have put it up for Best Show. I thought everyone was on their best behavior because the actors really got to do a lot of character work, and they were excited. I looked good because everybody else was good, and the writing was amazing! I’ve got to tell you that when you walk in on those characters, those were done in one take. Not many people could have pulled that off, except daytime people.
MICHAEL:
You had discussed this in previous interviews, and if I recall, the scenes were shot out of order and done in one day.
CHRISTIAN:
Yes. For instance, I had to open the front door to the Lauren scenes and had to do the scene outside the door where the magic happens, then wait to get through the door several scenes later. So, you had to recapture the moment of finding Lauren and seeing that she was there after she has slammed the door in my face at the very end. That’s like film work every day. I got the benefit from it, and it got me the nomination.
MICHAEL:
Were you shocked, as so many were that perennial powerhouse “Y&R” did not get Emmy nominations in Show, Writing or Directing?
CHRISTIAN:
I am surprised we are not up for Best Show, but so much is relied upon what you submitted. It’s so subjective, and I am under no illusion that I am the overall best leading actor, EVER! Damn it! (He laughs) Look, it’s an honor, but it’s an honor we give to daytime in general because the Emmys are a business proposition. We want to get people to watch by showing them what our best could possibly be.
MICHAEL:
Where were you when you found out you were nominated?
CHRISTIAN:
I was at my computer, and a friend of mine called from New Orleans going, “Aren’t they today?” I truly did not know this was the day, because it had become so confusing when it was going to be.
So, I was at my computer, and Tracey Bregman (Lauren) called me. Tracy is always the one who knows. She has her finger on the pulse of everything, and it’s always good when your hot TV wife calls you first.MICHAEL:
Are you familiar with the other actor’s work in your category?
CHRISTIAN:
Those are really great people. Thorsten Kaye (Zach, “AMC”) I respect. Every time you say “Thorsten Kaye” to anyone, especially the girls, they go and repeat, “Thorsten Kaye.” It’s so upsetting! Tony Geary (Luke, “GH”)… I always know he is going to have phenomenonal work, and Peter Reckell I don’t know. I have never met him. Bo and Hope are legendary and iconic for “DAYS”… and Daniel Cosgrove (Bill, “GL”) is excellent, too. I haven’t handicapped it yet, but Tracey would know!
MICHAEL:
So, it looks like you have a great shot at the prize!
CHRISTIAN:
You want to be the one, even if you lose where they go, “You were robbed. Why didn’t you win?”
MICHAEL:
I thought it was an interesting twist to use the Christmas episode dream, or ‘time out of time’ shows to refer back to when Kevin was in a straightjacket for his latest dilemma. He was in a straight-jacket in the same room with a padded cell in Michael’s dream. Did you think they were going to use that, moving forward for story?
CHRISTIAN:
I didn’t think so. I was not told. I had no idea they would reference the dream. I did not even know I would comment on having it. I started referencing it, which I like, and I liked they used it later on. I thought it was brilliant. There was no indication that they were going to renew Kevin’s father issues in such a big way, with the Marge kidnapping. That was a
pleasant surprise, and what Maria has been
doing is tying in old storylines and making
it relevant to what is going on the show now,
and it’s terrific.MICHAEL:
Are you going to pick out something to wear for the big event on August 30th?
CHRISTIAN:
From the floor you mean? (He laughs) Joseph Abboud measured me himself for my tux, and I am not giving that one up that easy. It’s a recession, my friend. Maybe I will be on the red carpet with my lunchbox and bring it to the banquet!
MICHAEL:
What did you think about the Emmy broadcast finally landing a home on the CW?
CHRISTIAN:
We can’t afford to be lazy or run lax. I think at NATAS and ATAS no one can afford to feud. Maybe the CW is where we need to be. We need to entertain the people and we need the ratings up. I don’t think that is an impossibility. The audiences are shrinking, and that happens because they don’t see what they want to see. I don’t think it’s about dummying things down. I think it’s about stepping up and being more intelligent and not less. Despite what some may think, the audience does not want to be talked down to. There is a place for daytime. What there is not a place for here are people sitting on their laurels or being complacent. It’s a business, baby! We have to find a way to fill the seats and we will find the answer. And, it’s about a good story!
Interviews
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
It appears that Melissa Dylan (Sydney Bullock) has thus far successfully been able to swing Will Spencer (Crew Morrow) over to her side, and have him actually develop strong romantic feelings for her.
The one problem in her way is Will’s mother, Katie Logan (Heather Tom), and there is always the possibility that Will and Electra (Laneya Grace), who were each others first loves find their way back to one another.
However for now, Dylan’s portrayer, Sydney Bullock is confident that her soap opera alter ego’s got her man and that she can handle anything that can come her way Speaking on the red carpet with Michael Fairman TV at the recently completed 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Bullock explained where Will and Dylan’s relationship is at now on the CBS soap opera.
Photo: JPI
“Dylan is our lovable anti-hero. She’s messy, but she’s a human,” shares Bullock. Adding about keeping Will Spencer as Dylan’s guy, Sydney commented, “I think she can hold on to him for awhile. I think she’s got it in her.”
When asked how it is sharing the screen with young leading man, Crew Morrow, Sydney joked, “Crew, what a doll! It’s a hard job, my goodness! How do I do it?”
Photo: JPI
In the last few months, Bullock received an on-screen mom when General Hospital and The Young and the Restless alum, Kelly Sullivan (ex-Kate/Connie, ex-Sage, respectively) joined the show as Darcy Dylan.
“I love working with Kelly Sullivan,” said Bullock enthusiastically. “She’s always down to break down the scenes with me, and we go through so much, and she’s really like my mom on set. She’s so amazing.” Sullivan visited the Michael Fairman Channel for a live chat after her B&B debut here.
So, what’s ahead for Dylan and will be exciting? Hold the phone! Sydney explained, “Oh, man! Is it going to get exciting?! Dylan, she’s a survivor and we’re just going to keep seeing her surviving. She finds a lot of ways to do that.”
In the end, Bullock has high-praise and love for her B&B character: “I think she’s super strong and I’m really honored to play her. I’ve been rooting for her, and as for the fans, I think they will be (rooting for her) too.”
You can check out our Daytime Emmys red carpet chat with Sydney Bullock below, and for more interviews with your favorite stars from the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards, click here.
In addition on Wednesday, BBTV posted a new video with Crew Morrow and Sydney Bullock about the pairing of “Dill.” You can also check that out below.
So are your rooting for Dylan to keep Will all to herself? Do you think she will have to fight and claw to keep her man? Are you enjoying Sydney Bullock’s portrayal of Melissa Dylan? Let us know in the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Favorite Amanda Setton Talks Brook Lynn and Chase’s Divorce, Jude Jacks, Baby Phoebe, and What’s Next (Exclusive)
On General Hospital, Brook Lynn Quartermaine’s (Amanda Setton) life as she knows it has turned upside down. First, she and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed divorce papers while in the Dominican Republic. As much as they loved each other, they just couldn’t get past all the trust issues between them.
Then, right after that, Jude Jax (Wil Traval) shows up at the Q mansion and demands to see his daughter, baby Phoebe! Brook Lynn is thrown for a complete loop. Is this guy claiming to be the biological father of Delilah Wilson’s daughter, which had been adopted by Brook Lynn and Chase, telling the truth? Brook Lynn is on her way to getting to the bottom of his claims.
Meanwhile, Brook Lynn’s portrayer, Amanda Setton just celebrated her first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination, and in the very competitive Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category. While Amanda ultimately did not take home the gold statuette, that honor went to The Young and the Restless’ longtime veteran, Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott), she was in great spirits when Michael Fairman TV caught up with her on the red carpet.
Photo: ABC
THE END OF THE LINE FOR BROOK LYNN AND CHASE
When asked how she felt about Brook Lynn being the first (between her and Chase) to put pen to paper on their divorce papers, Settton recalled, “She did. But I’m like, ‘Did she or did he kind of?’ They did it (both of them).”
Getting a new co-star and cast member can go one of two ways, great or not so great, but Amanda had nothing but high praise for Wil Traval’s entrance and performance as Jude Jacks!
THE ARRIVAL OF JUDE JAX
“Wil Traval is fabulous to work with. His debut was so amazing the other day, wasn’t it? He was just such a force and everybody’s faces and reactions when he says that he’s, ‘Jude Jacks, Jerry’s son.’ It was so good and well-played! Wil’s awesome. I’m excited for what’s to come. We’re going to have a lot of stuff together.”
Photo: ABC
According to Amanda, Brook Lynn will have her hands full in the months to come: “There’s a lot of stuff coming down the pike with Baby Phoebe. Will Chase and Brooklyn work together? Will they not? Is it really Jude’s daughter? Lots of questions!”
GRATITUDE TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY HER PEERS
For Setton, being an Emmy nominee meant the world to her, and to finally be acknowledged by her peers in a television career that spanned daytime and primetime including her performances as Kimberly Andrews on One Life to Live. But most importantly for her work in 2025 in the emotional rollercoaster of a story where Brook Lynn learns Gio (Giovanni Mazza) is her biological son.
“It means so much to me,” expressed Amanda. “It really does. I keep using this line, but I really mean it. It feels like a big hug. You know, not everybody who votes for these categories works with you. It’s really a very humbling feeling to know that your work actually touched someone and moved someone enough for them to vote for you. And getting to play the storyline that I got to play was such a privilege. It really was, with the actors I got to play it with. To be a little rewarded for it feels so nice.”
You can check out our chat with Amanda Setton on the red carpet at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards below. Then make sure to check out all the Michael Fairman Channel red carpet interviews from daytime’s biggest night here.
So, do you think Brook Lynn and Chase will unite to keep baby Phoebe away from Jude Jacks? What do you think of Wil Traval’s performances thus far as Jude? How do you see this story for the custody of baby Phoebe playing out? Were you rooting for Amanda to take home the Supporting Actress gold? Let us know via the comment section below.
Interviews
B&B’s Crew Morrow Talks Will and Dylan Romance, Heather Tom’s Success, and Dad Joshua Morrow’s Inspiring ‘Y&R’ Performance (Exclusive)
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) is one of the brightest younger male leads in the world of daytime drama. Crew has quite the soap pedigree being the son of The Young and the Restless’ long-running star, Joshua Morrow (Nick Newman), but similarities aside, is forging his own path and success.
Currently on the CBS soap opera, Will is falling for Dylan (Sydney Bullock), after continued interference (by many) put a wrecking ball through this relationship with Electra Forrester (Laneya Grace). Now, it seems Will has softened towards Dylan, despite his mother, Katie Logan’s (Heather Tom) warning of mistrust of the young woman.
Michael Fairman TV caught up with Crew on the red carpet at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards where he weighed-in on: the future of Will/Dylan, finding out his on-screen mom, Heather Tom, had the opportunity to become the winningest actress in Daytime Emmy history, and his thoughts on his dad’s touching performances in Nick’s drug addiction storyline.
Photo: HuthcinsPhoto
WILL’S SECOND CHAPTER AT LOVE
When asked if it’s real love brewing for Will with Dylan, Morrow expressed, “Love is a tricky thing. He does love her. It’s been a journey for Will moving on from Electra. That’s always the most difficult thing is acceptance, and the courage to move on, because it’s so easy to be comfortable with someone. Everybody has fallen in love. Everybody knows what it feels like to be in love.”
Crew added, “And that was Will’s first love and as it was Electra’s, as well. So, we’re in a new chapter for Will. He’s found new love and not without its own difficulties. because now he’s got to convince his mother (Katie) that Dylan is not a bad egg.”
Speaking of momma Logan, Crew was surprised to learn that on-screem mom, after winning six gold statuettes, was in the running for what would be be her record-breaking 7th on Emmy night! Heather’s career has spanned roles on The Young and the Restless (ex-Victoria Newman) to One Life to Live (ex-Kelly Cramer) to The Bold and the Beautiful.
Photo: JPI
LEARNING YOUR TV MOM IS ONE STEP AWAY FROM THE EMMY RECORD BOOKS
“Wow. That like almost makes me tear up,” an emotional Morrow shared. “That’s so amazing. I’m so proud of her. I came upon a scene of her and my father from Y&R. It’s just the weirdest thing in the world, because I do see the resemblance, and my dad had some swag back then. But, he doesn’t anymore (laughs), but he used to have swag! I’m just kidding, he does!”
Next, Crew shared a behind the scenes story of an exchange that went down between father and son; just before Joshua Morrow took to the sound stage to perform the scenes where Nick admits to his father, Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) that he has a drug addiction.
Crew recalled, “In the drug addiction storyline, I was just telling my dad, it it was one of the most inspiring pieces of television that I’ve seen in a long time. And I don’t know if it’s because I’m so close with him, and I feel a lot of the same things that he does, but the scenes where he confesses that he has a drug issue to Eric Braeden as Victor were amazing.”
Courtesy/CBS
CREW AND JOSHUA MORROW TALK THROUGH NICK’S ADMISSION TO VICTOR
The Nick/Victor moment is one of the most memorable moments from the soaps thus far in 2026. Crew shared just how proud of his dad he truly was. “I was with him that day and we were talking about it and I was like, ‘What’s the process like?’ And we just began talking about it and I asked him, I go, ‘Dad, what if I had a drug issue? What if I was addicted?’ He looks at me and he says nothing and that was it. Then, I saw him go out to set and perform that scene, and he looked at me the same way that he looked at Eric Braeden, and it was just really special. He was incredible.”
Check out our conversation below with Crew Morrow from the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards now on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Then let us know: are you rooting for Will and Dylan at this point as a couple? What did you think about Crew’s reaction to learning some Emmy factoids about his on-screen mother, Heather Tom, plus the exchange Crew had with his dad Joshua Morrow, before the moment Nick admits to Victor he has a serious drug addiction? Let us know via the comment section.
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