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Y&R's Kristoff St. John Talks His First Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
With his sixth Daytime Emmy nominations, and two Daytime Emmy wins, The Young and the Restless’ Kristoff St. John (Neil) finds himself going for gold on May 1st for the very first time in his daytime drama career in the Lead Actor category. St. John looks to be the sentimental favorite in the most hotly contested contest of the night. If St. John should win, he would be the only actor besides The Bold and the Beautiful’s Heather Tom (Katie Logan Spencer) to have won in every daytime drama acting category: Younger, Supporting, and Lead.
For Kristoff, having recently celebrated his 25th year on Y&R as Neil Winters, is no easy feat, and to have a character as enduring as Neil has been, and that has remained so popular. In addition, Kristoff suffered the most painful loss imaginable with the death of his beloved son, Julian. Pouring his heart and soul into his craft following the tragedy, St. John delivered some of Neil’s darkest hours in a performance that will be remembered for quite some time to come.
On-Air On-Soaps talked with Kristoff to get his reaction to his Daytime Emmy nomination, how he sizes up the competition in the Lead Actor race, what he thought of his nominated work and banner Emmy season, and more. Here’s what he shared:
What scenes did you end up submitting in the final round of voting that landed you a nomination?
Courtesy/CBS
KRISTOFF: It’s always a tough thing to choose from a year’s worth of material … at least it is for me. I had already had my eye on one episode, and whenever we get done with a scene on set, which we would call ‘good’, we hear some nice comments and file that away. Well, I heard that about a scene on an airplane 33, 000 feet above the ground that contained the reveal of Neil’s vision coming back. I went back and looked at it, and it seemed pretty powerful for what we needed. Then I paired it with scenes from another episode where Neil is drunk and Devon (Bryton James) is there, and the two of them are going at it about the whole affair with Hilary (Mishael Morgan) and did he know the entire time. They seemed to have worked well together.
This is your first Lead Actor nomination in your daytime career, too!
Courtesy/CBS
KRISTOFF: I have been in either the Younger Actor or Supporting Actor category throughout my daytime career, and never ‘Lead’. But it was purposeful for much of my run on daytime. It has been a long journey and now I have been with Y&R for 25 years, and so this would naturally be the arc of my daytime Emmy entries – Younger, Supporting and Lead. Should I have been nominated before in Lead Actor? I don’t know. I think these are all very self-congratulatory moments, anyway in our careers. We all get together on Emmy night, share some laughs, have some drinks, and hand out some golden trinkets, and we say to each other, “See you next year!”
Another prerequisite, often times for actors to decide what category to submit themselves in, is if they drove story. Without a doubt in 2015, Neil was front and center.
KRISTOFF: Some of 2014 and 2015 were huge years for Neil. Our head writer, Chuck Pratt Jr. wrote me off of the page. I have only had four or five years of working over my guarantee, and Chuck was responsible for two of them, which is why I was able to pull these episodes out for the lead category.
Courtesy/CBS
I remember watching your now Emmy-nominated scenes when they first aired. Neil let everyone on the plane know he could see … and he knew how duplicitous Devon and Hilary were being for their affair. He was so angry, and he let everyone have it, just before the plane crashed.
KRISTOFF: If we go back to 2015, that was without question, one of the most difficult years of my life. Having lost my son Julian in November of 2014, I was embroiled in the middle of this story. I was still playing blind on the show and the angst and the pathos. It was years of having a relationship with a human being that I called my son, and it was cut off at the pass and destroyed. Being able to use some of those emotions as an actor is a treasure in an unfortunate way and circumstance. I had never had that kind of emotion to work with before, and it was absolutely terrifying for me.
Then later Neil became quite the villain! Viewers have never seen good guy Neil take such a left turn in his character, but it made for compelling drama.
Courtesy/CBS
KRISTOFF: Neil had never been down the dark corridors such as with the blind storyline and then ultimately coming out of that and going further down in the rabbit hole, and then having taken the life of another human being … a baby. That was a weird parallel universe in itself – having someone die in Neil’s world and having the same tragedy happen in real life. It was cathartic to go to work and throw myself into heavy drama, which I had not gotten to play in a long time.
In what is probably the most hotly contested race of the 43rd Annual Daytime Emmys, you are up against four extraordinarily talented actors in the Lead Actor category. What do you think of your co-nominees?
Courtesy/ABC
KRISTOFF: Tony Geary (Luke, GH) is an icon, and a legendary man and actor. He has been doing daytime for decades, and this would be his ninth Emmy win, and he would tie with Cloris Leachman for all-time Emmys wins by an actor, if he won. To be in the category with Mr. Geary with this his final year is an honor. I know Tony. He is one of the very few actors who can take anything you give him, or thrown at him, and he will take it turn it into gold. He has been fortunate to have incredible head writers and writers at General Hospital that have written specifically for him and that has been a gem for Tony. Then there is Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) at General Hospital, who has submitted one of the best tapes of his life. I watched the Lead Actor tapes in the Pre-Nom round. Tyler’s tape is one of thee best I have seen. I t was one of the most incredible storylines to be a part of potentially losing his child. Again, it’s something meaty to play. Justin Hartley (Adam, Y&R), who has come on to our show with a bang is such an organic actor. He lives moment by moment, I really admire that. To watch an actor pull from so many different places sometimes it’s inspiring. I find myself watching his scenes closely. And then there is Christian LeBlanc (Michael, Y&R)! What can I say? He is a three-time Emmy winner, and like Tony he has been up on the podium multiple times. He has been there, because of his body of work and year end and year out, Christian delivers. We were up against each other in 1999, and we lost to Shemar Moore (Ex-Malcolm, Y&R) that year! So we are both in this horse race. I am so happy and thrilled to be invited to the dance.
Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos
If you were to win the Daytime Emmy this year, it would be extra special for many reasons, personal and professional, as we have discussed. But there is yet another interesting bit of Emmy trivia that could change with a St. John victory!
KRISTOFF: Yes, and I’ve to throw this in. It’s been 31 years for an African-American male to win in the Lead Actor category. The last man to do this was Darnell Williams (Ex-Jesse, AMC) in 1985, and before that the late Al Freeman Jr. (Ex-Ed Hall, OLTL) in 1979. And it has been since 1991 when James Reynolds (Abe, DAYS) was nominated for Generations that an African-American actor was even nominated in the Lead Actor category. If I win, it would be the first time in 31 years for that, and while it would feel great, it does make me pause. I mean, were there not any other years where an African-American could have made the final cut for Lead Actor? It’s one to think about, but not for too long.
For more with this year’s Daytime Emmy nominees listen to Soap Nation Live! with Michael Fairman Daytime Emmy Nomination Special 2016.
So, what do you think about the thoughts shared by Kristoff and his reaction to his Daytime Emmy nomination in the Lead Actor category? After an emotional rollercoaster of a year, would you like to see Kristoff win for his Emmy submission? What did you think of Kristoff’s analysis of the competitors in his category, and what did you think of Kristoff’s performance in his Emmy-nominated scenes? Is it hard to imagine that no other African-American actor has won Lead Actor in the last 31 years? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Neil has been put through hell and then some and St. John takes him there masterfully. Hell yes my buddy is going to win the gold and congratulations and keep up the great work. Interview great- wanted it to go on more but thanks for interview.
I agree, Mark. TPTB have ruined Neil. Kristoff did his job, and did it well; unfortunately, the butchering of the character by the writers damaged him for the viewer.
I do not like Neil….I admire the actor; I loved the character back in the day. But, Neil is portrayed as as chasing young skirts, a lascivious older man, unscrupulous alcoholic who would stab his son in the back.
Most importantly, i support his beliefs and values. Very good point….I agree.
But, honestly? No one compares to Darnell Williams…..unparalleled!!
CeeCee- my goodness. When you find a little mold do you throw out the whole wedge? Not in my house, young lady! Cut it off and enjoy the rest! Neil had some troubles and will have more and will have Nicki and they will have a baby. Darnell left AMC to become the big star that never happened – crawled back and I love him and a delight and did not see him on Y&R and I know Angie was on as well and also left- why did they leave?
Tyler Christopher takes the emmy his reel was off the charts! Please could we keep race out of just one thing god I love my friends for who they are not the color of their skin!!!
I love kristoff
Congratulations Kristoff! Well deserved!
Wish Drucilla was back in on the show! You two were such a power couple!
She is an excellent actress but she has burned her bridges and pretty much torched the town and outlying areas and yet continues in her claims of racial discrimination and her website devoted to latest updates on her case which in some way is still going on. #getoverit
Yikes! What? Thanks for the information. I haven’t followed her after her Y & R departure. Too busy parenting etc. LOL. But now I’m going to research her case! Sounds ridiculous! Why would she destroy her reputation and career? Y & R was so good to her! Very Sad.
In any case! I’m so happy for Kristoff!
having Dru, BACK , ON
WITH Neil… would answer soooooo many questions… intrigue would be heightened… and yes… a supercouple unite
i’ll continue to say as such… The Neil Winters Clan… like the Newmans… are so BORING!
Neil is the lone standout
Victoria is the lone standout
I still say… Devon has a setback… loses his hearing… this time for good… he puts all his trust in Dru… she has HER … OWN motivations
she caches her sultriness and IS hot about town
give her a job Y&R… she’s the African American Brenda Dickson
CHARGE your wares Ms. Winters
may as well go all out and wreak havoc with Devon 2 billion dollars
I can see her and Sharon joining forces and take MR. BIG NewMAN for a RIDE
I liked Neil best with Drucilla. She made his life and everything she touched interesting. I loved her drama-queen personality. There is no one like her on Y&R. She was a natural; spontaneous and talented. I loved Drucilla. I love Victoria. I don’t care what circulates the air waves or the media. No one knows, and I am sure she has sound reasons.
All I know is after Dru /Vic left, Neil started going downhill….then, after the appearance of Devon, Neil was doomed.
It would be good and history if Kristoff wins………………His biggest competition is Tony Geary (GOD I HOPE HE DOESN’T WIN!!!!)
Congrats and hoping you win!
Too bad all we’ll be able to do is read about the results.. Oh well
I really like the actor and the character of Neil as well. I would be happy to see him win. I watched Michael Knight today and would like to see him win supporting next year. I have watched vigilantly for any sign of Thaddius Martin and can find none whatsoever and loved Tad the cad but have respect for the actor now too and I have the right to an opinion on here I think.
You certainly do, Bettina. And, it’s a very good opinion, at that.
I agree, I loved Tad, the cad….I love Michael Knight in everything he does.
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.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Marks Unprecedented 16,000th Episode Milestone with New Cast Photo
Today’s Monday, July 13 episode of General Hospital marks it 16,000 episode to air on the ABC television network. It is a remarkable milestone. The previous television record was held by Guiding Light which clocked in at 15,762 episodes before it went off the air on CBS in 2009.
To mark the occasion, the cast, crew and creative team of General Hospital celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony on the Prospect Studios lot in Los Angeles back on Monday, June 1, 2026.
In addition, GH has released a new cast photo taken the day of the on set celebration. Pictured in the photo are front row: Rory Gibson, Finn Carr, Kayden Brenna Tokarski, Asher Antonyzyn, Giovanni Mazza, Braedyn Bruner, Dean Geyer and Nathan Dean.
Featured in the back row are: Tabyana Ali, Eden McCoy, Josh Swickard, Kristen Vaganos, Rebecca Herbst, Dominic Zamprogna, Alexa Havins, Cameron Mathison, Brooke Kerr, Cynthia Watros, Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Jane Elliot, Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Maura West, Donnell Turner, Nancy Lee Grahn, Tanisha Harper, Kelly Thiebaud, Kristina Wagner, Lynn Herring, Chris McKenna, Katelyn MacMullen and Sawandi Wilson.
In addition, the official GH social media handles shared these sentiments along with some other photos from the cake cutting: “Today’s episode of General Hospital is the 16,000th produced since the show’s inception in 1963. It’s a milestone we couldn’t let pass by without taking some time to celebrate as a family (and, of course… eating some cake). 🍰 We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did making it.”
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE 16,000th Episode?
The 16,000th episode will feature Jason Morgan returning to the town of Port Charles, Anna and Valentin (James Patrick Stewart) reuniting, and a new surgeon, Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) joining the staff of ‘General Hospital.’
GENERAL HOSPITAL HOLDS SEVERAL RECORDS
Now in its 64th year, Emmy Award-winning daytime drama General Hospital is currently both the longest-running scripted American drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production.
General Hospital holds the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award a record 18 times. Will they do it again and make it 19 in 2026? Stay tuned for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations tomorrow on Tuesday, July 14 to find out if GH will be going for gold in the category, once again.
The ABC daytime drama series was created by Frank and Doris Hursley and premiered back on April 1, 1963. Frank Valentini is the current executive producer with Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten are the show’s co-head writers.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.
What do you think of the new cast photo marking General Hospital’s 16000th episode? What do you think of the accomplishment to have that many episodes of a television show and its still thriving and kicking? Share your thoughts and congrats for everyone in front of the camera and behind the scenes on this milestone airing.
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
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
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‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
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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
‘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
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
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