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Y&R's Doug Davidson Interview: Going For Lead Actor Gold Two Years In A Row – Daytime Emmy Spotlight!
Courtesy/HeraldSunAU
Currently on The Young and the Restless, Paul Williams (Doug Davidson) is fighting for his life, and on today’s episode his brother, Father Todd (Corbin Bernsen), even comes to the hospital! Things are not looking good! And then there is the matter of Dylan (Steve Burton) … will Paul survive to learn he has another son? Looks like that material could give Doug Davidson some Emmy fodder for next year.
But let’s talk about this year! Davidson is nominated again the Outstanding Lead Actor category and going for his second win in a row in the category! Can he do the two-peat? In his nominated work, Doug chose the scenes where Paul tries to talk Jamie (Daniel Polo) down from the roof and committing suicide, and then next going to see the parents of the teens responsible for almost driving the down-on-his-luck kid to the brink of death. Davidson was again at his best.
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Doug to get his thoughts leading in to Daytime Emmy night this Sunday. The awards will be live-streamed at www.daytimeemmys.net beginning at 5PMPST/8PMEST. Read on to find out his thoughts are on his competition, his choice of scenes, some suggested Emmy category reform, and more!
You are going for your second straight Lead Actor Emmy win, why did you choose the scenes you submitted?
Courtesy/CBS
DOUG: The truth of the matter is – this past year I had one show to submit in my estimation. The rest just wasn’t Emmy appropriate. I even considered changing categories, because it was not about my story, but about the story of Jamie (Daniel Polo) and the Baldwins (Christian LeBlanc and Tracey E. Bregman) and Phyllis (then, Michelle Stafford), etc. I was definitely a supporting player in this, but after conferring with the academy and my producers, they thought it’s not measured by the story, but measured by your tenure on the show. So I kept it in the “Lead” category. But the scenes were about keeping Jamie from jumping off the roof and committing suicide. I go over and talk to Phyllis in harsh terms about that she has got to keep tabs on her daughter and not let her bully. And when Jamie confessed to Paul that he wasn’t pushed by Fen (Max Ehrich), then Paul also went to the Baldwins and told them their son is not guilty of that, but that in Paul’s judgment Fen is not innocent at all in this.
It’s a touching performance, and in it you get to play tender, tough, remorseful, etc!
DOUG: I was playing a guilty parent giving advice to Phyllis. There was frustration and hurt. I was pleading because as Paul. He was pleading about the death of his own son (Ricky) and that he did not want to see another useless death by Jamie jumping off the roof.
Courtesy/HLN
Were you surprised that you got recognized in the category again this year by your peers?
DOUG: I will be very surprised if I go home this year with another trophy, but I felt there was honesty to the work that I was hoping would be appealing to the Emmy judges. The nature of the contest is structured as such that although it represents a year of work sometimes even more, that what they are really judging is a three or four minute clip of scenes for the pre-noms, and then judging if you get pre-nominated …one episode. For everything to work out right there is a convergence of writing and commitment on the shows part, and then as an actor when you are given the material to perform it. That is why I think the thing I am most proud of this year is the people I am grouped with in my category who are the nominees, and even in the pre-noms. There are some very, very fine actors in there. I will not be disappointing if anyone one of them wins.
And one again it’s all the men from The Young and the Restless competing against each other and General Hospital’s Jason Thompson! Why do you think the Leading Actor category, for the most part, is always dominated by performances from your show?
DOUG: We have wonderful actors on our show. I don’t think anybody takes it for granted, and the fact that they work so hard is a testament to our producers and our CBS executives. We want to put the best show on possible. I always thought in the last couple of years that we have had some very fine performances from storyline guest performers too!
Courtesy/IMDB
So you think like many others that have suggested that there should be added to the mix a “Guest Star” performance category … like they have at the Primetime Emmys?
DOUG: I think there should be! I have a bit of an issue with the label of the “Younger” performers’ category, because I don’t necessarily know if you are going to be getting an Emmy-winning performance from a 12 year old, and if you do, then they should be able to handle it with the rest of the “Supporting” group. And I am not slamming the younger kids by any means, but if it’s that touching and moving … you are giving them a handicap for being young. And at the Oscars, young or old, they go into a Supporting category if there work is lauded.
What did you think of the performances of Younger Actor nominees Daniel Polo and Max Ehrich (Fen), since you had the opportunity to work with both in the bullying storyline?
DOUG: I think Daniel is a marvelous young actor and Max is too! They are both so deserving of their Younger Actor nomination, for sure.
Were you an Emmy judge this year? If so, what category? And how did you feel the competition stacked up?
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
DOUG: I judged Supporting Actress. I will say, without naming names, without a doubt I picked two effortlessly for the first two spots, and even for the third. I did have trouble with spot five. Also when I looked at the pre-nom tapes/reels; there are some really unheralded performances when people are in for six weeks or six months on a show. I think if there is some way we could phrase a new category for them, I think that would be great. For example when Ray Wise (Ian,) first came to our show, he was not scheduled to be on as long as he is now, so he would have been considered perhaps then a “guest star”! His expertise, his finesse, his colors, his depth, is not easy to do ladies and gentlemen! To make all of that fly is not an easy feat. There is no handicap there. He either makes it work or he doesn’t make it work. So to honor some of those “guest stars” would be interesting.
Watch Doug’s nominated reel below! Then, let us know what you thought of it and his chances on Emmy night? What did you think of Doug’s thoughts on the Younger acting categories and a move to bring a Guest Star performance category? Share your comments below!
Think he should go in supporting. Good luck.
Would be awesome were he to win again … but I think this year it’s Jason Thompson’s to lose. He was fantastic in 2013 … and 2012!!!
Can’t wait for the show. Super excited to hear Kathy Griffin will be hosting.
first and foremost : NICE press Doug Davidson on Ray Wise !
isn’t he superlative.
“… His expertise, his finesse, his colors, his depth, is not easy to do ladies and gentlemen!”
Oye ! what a coop!
would that he could have been a recast for Victor Newman !
he’s astounding…
for the love of Serial
put him with : Gloria or Ashley
LOL… if he’s not too old for Ashley… certainly would be more plausible than Eric Braedon
i’m overcome with his chutzpah : Je ne sais quoi
is Eric Braedon still culling his own identity
* is Eric Braedon still mulling his own belong and identity
paul is a great actor as many in the show I think they all desevere one been watching since I was 13 and am now 66 I still love the show will always watch its like my family now sounds funny but true please never take it off the air hearts would be broken that’s for sure love to all
Doug Davidson surely deserves another Emmy. Doug has been on Y&R for over 30 years and has always exhibited emmy award winning performances!! I believe his idea for guest appearences awards is a great idea.
Y & R I have watched forever.
Enjoyed it more years ago.
Storylines now are insane, stupid & the new characters really do not care about.
They are wooden & the old timers are carrying them, ‘cept for Stitch,
Noah only new kid on the block that is ok.
Courtney as a cop, LOL!!!
Mariah, getting her position on the show, not in the real world.
..Worse is Tyler, no expression & w/his gal pal, another dumb blonde, wasn’t she leaving ?
I switch to Dr Oz. when any of the new crowd comes on they are boring & miserable actors.
New writers & people who can act would raise the ratings.
Agree totally with your comments Char….with the exception of Stitch. Liked him at first…now I can’t stand the character. He has become an a/hole, overbearing and so sure he is going to win the woman. I think Elizabeth Hendrickson should have won instead of Amelia Heinle…..her acting was not on the same level by any means. Tyler and Abby need to go. I can’t stand that self entitled blonde bimbo. Plus she can’t act her way out of a paper bag. That incessant laugh after ever sentence she utters drives me crazy.
Sorry to be critical, but this show is not what it was when I first began watching it. It has gone downhill since JFP assumed the reins as EP. The s/lines now go on and on….so much so that I lose interest in the altogether.
I won’t even start with Neil and Hillary…..he is old enough to be her father….disgusting.
Stitch & his secret getting annoying..it better be a humdinger,
Not he ran over a dog or help kill a dying man in the hospital.
who was 109
Hilary can’t stand her,, AND the esq , Avery;s partner always looks mad w/teeth & chin prortruding is not believable she is an esq like the oither dumb blonde Courtney is a cop!!!
Call Central Casting..the cast here other than the “adult” actors who have been around awhile,..should go asap not believable..nor can they act
Hope the new Michael is better than the new BILLY.
However, doubt it…waiting for another disappointment..maybe just keep showing his hand & other body parts..might be more exciting that the whole person.
This Billy does Not fill the role..looks like a stranger to Victoria.
I’d unload him quickly.. BILLY ROLE IS A REVOLVONG DOOR of lousy actors..
Can’t wait til red head Phyllis returns..hope she has sparkle & vinegar & better than the broads on this show. who are so .BORING!!!!!
I love Doug, so deserving. But this year I would rrally love to see Jason Thompson win, his year of playing Patrick, seeing his dead wife return was phenominal!
I so agree Eileen. It should have been a tie…..Billy Miller AND Jason Thompson.
Doug Davidson’s voice control was on point in these scenes. I agree with DD he should be in supporting actor category. TPTB, namely JFP, pulling her inflated ego he should be in Lead based on tenure. Such crap.
Best wishes Doug. You’re a wonderful actor.
OMG. I forgot about these scenes; Doug Davidson’s performance was absolutely visceral. Everything he was putting out there…. I could FEEL it, very intensely. He is an extraordinary actor and I think he should always win!
On a side note; oh, how I miss my Stafford on Y&R. She and Doug were two of my very favorite actors and I loved every scene they did together.
Congratulations to all of the nominees and thank you for giving so much of yourself to these fascinating characters that we all love.
How right you are. Doug always delivers; as did Michelle Stafford and Billy Miller. I miss those two terribly. It just isn’t the same watching Ms. Stafford on GH. I suppose I will have to get used to it.
If I my feelings for Y&R were lukewarm when my favourite characters left; well, I now only watch the show once or twice a week; since the new Billy. Good grief! This guy, my apologies, distorts the screen–one extreme to the other. ( I do not mean DT) He looks scraggly and nondescript. No Abbot, he !! He does not fit the profile. Not only does he look whitewashed, but also his acting is forced. I protest!
just put on y & r and heard them say the role of billy abbott was being played by so and so. so disappointed. not happy with this new guy. don’t care what shows he came from. hes not Tom. this new guy has such a flat affect. so different from billy. ugh!!
Eric Braeden knows exactly who he is, an accomplished actor of many years with many roles to his credit. Try another post and use ur head this time!
Michael M. as Adam should not & could not be replaced
He was an excellent actor.
Is it really true what he did or did they just have a fight & Hunter fig. let’s kick him out?
Shame..the powerful actors Michelle s, Michael, the old Billy..brought excitement to their roles. Now the characters are bland & boring,
Now that this year’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Nominations have been announced, several of the acting nominees will share their reactions and more to learning they are going for gold when the ceremony rolls around on October 30.
However, tonight on Tuesday July 14 beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT, Michael Fairman once again host his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations special live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Scheduled to appear thus far are: Beyond the Gates stars, Lead Actress nominee: Karla Mosley (Dani), Supporting Actress nominee: Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie), and Supporting Actor nominees: Mike Manning (Smitty) and Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill).
From The Young and the Restless: Lead Actress nominee Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Lead Actor nominee Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Supporting Actress nominee Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Supporting Actor nominee Sean Dominic (Nate).
In addition look for General Hospital’s Supporting Actress nominee Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), from Days of Our Lives, Outstanding Guest Performer nominee, Christopher Sean (Paul) and from The Bold and the Beautiful Lead Actor nominee Scott Clifton (Liam) and Supporting Actor nominee Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter) plus more featured guests.
So, what did you think of this year’s Emmy nominations for Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless?
Be with us in the live chat with your questions and comments on this year’s nominations and for our special guests.
For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams, special event coverage and more, make sure to “subscribe” to the Michael Fairman Channel.
So, looking forward to tonight’s special show with the nominees? Let us know via the comment section below and if you can’t be with us live, if you have any questions you want posed to our special guests and we just might ask during the broadcast.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.
Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”
Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
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As The World Turns2 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
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Breaking News4 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
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Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
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General Hospital4 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
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