Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis, GH)
ABC
This is your first nomination in Lead since 2005.
“Here’s the thing: I wasn’t written for for 10 years. This character was not realized and while I went to work every day grateful to have a job, I didn’t submit myself for years and years because really, I had nothing that I would want to waste somebody’s time with. So, blessings to [Co-Head Writers] Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman, and Frank [Valentini, executive producer], who decided that I should be written for.”
What did you submit?
“A monologue where I hauled off on Julian, some scenes in the seedy motel room with Jax that had some flashbacks where you saw Alexis drunk, something in the bar with Julian where she was tipsy, and then the thing with the dagger, finding out what Julian had done [murdered Carlos]. I tried to pick the most honest work I could find.”
Who were the first people you shared the good news with?
“[Daughter] Kate and my mom were the first people I talked to. Kate said, ‘I get a new dress!’ ”
You must have been thrilled for Lexi Ainsworth (Kristina).
“My baby! I am so happy. She lost one year and I was so mad; she was fine and I was like, ‘What?!’ ”
What are your thoughts on your competition?
“This is a very good group of women. It’s a nice club to be in. Any one of us is capable of getting it.”
You were not present the last time you won. Will you be there this time?
“Yes. Apparently, I do better when I don’t show up, but I am going to show up and be a good cheerleader for everybody. It’s two days after my birthday. We’re going to have a good time.”
Gina Tognoni (Phyllis, Y&R)
JPI
Who did you tell first about your nomination?
“I spoke to my parents and then my husband. What’s always so much fun are the text messages that come in from people you haven’t talked to in a while. It’s so exciting to feel that love.”
You made a cute video after that for the fans. Why?
“I did my first ever self-video because I really wanted to tell the fans how appreciative I am of them. There are so many who are pro-Phyllis, and they’re really wonderful. One sent me six pounds of cupcakes, but they’ve sent me cookies and wine and books and other thoughtful gifts. They take the time to tell you how you’re affecting them and I think that’s so amazing to have that in an audience. So, I wanted to take the time to thank them — in my bathrobe, by the way.”
What was on your reel?
“I submitted some courtroom scenes where Phyllis is telling the court what Marco, the man who impersonated her husband, did to her. It was really an outlandish story but I think what was important was how she explained what it did to her emotionally. Also, the reveal to Jack that yes, indeed, his wife had been cheating on him with his brother.”
How are you deciding what you’ll wear that night?
“For me, I think of the color first and then I pray on it. Once I decide on a color, I’ll find something that speaks to me. Now, watch me wear black [laughs]!”
Will your husband, Joe, accompany you to the ceremony?
“Yes, he’s thrilled about getting a new tux. He’s my biggest fan and support. Without him I wouldn’t be able to do this with the peace of mind I’m able to do it with.”
Heather Tom (Katie, B&B)
Gilles Toucas/Courtesy of Bell-Phillip Television Inc
How nice was it finding out about your Emmy nomination live on THE TALK, where you’re frequently a guest co-host? “It was a bit nerve-wracking. I initially didn’t realize they were doing that. I generally don’t like to know when the nominations are coming out but there was just no getting away from it. But, I was happy to be there. I do love going over there. They’re a great group of women.”
What are your thoughts about the competition?
“I will say that I am part of a really awesome category. I’m just in awe of them. These are women I’ve watched for decades, and they’re also the women I think of when I think of the powerhouses in daytime, so I am thrilled to be invited to the party.”
Was there anyone you were hoping would get an Emmy nod this year but didn’t?
“I thought John [McCook, Eric] had really lovely work and he really commanded his scenes. I was very much hoping he would get in there.”
What do you think about your co-star Scott Clifton [Liam] possibly matching you in terms of winning an Emmy in each acting category?
“I am definitely wishing him well! I would love a little company. Just getting the nomination in all three categories is quite an achievement, and Scott always does such great work, so I think it would be great!”
Do you know what you’ll be wearing to the ceremony?
“No! I never know what I’m wearing ahead of time. I usually decide the day before in a crazed panic [laughs].”
Jess Walton (Jill, Y&R)
JPI
Who did you contact first about your nomination?
“I immediately went upstairs to my husband’s office to tell him the news and then I texted my kids.”
You also happened to be sick, right?
“I’m sick all of the time! My grandsons bring home all of the germs from nursery school. Parents and grandparents will understand this! Don’t get me wrong, I love every minute of being a grandmother!”
Who congratulated you first?
“I heard from Kate Linder [Esther] and Pete Bergman, as well as other folks on the show.”
What scenes did you submit for consideration?
“I submitted the scene when Jill tells off the Abbott family while Billy is in a coma. I also submitted the scene when Jill tells Phyllis to stop sleeping with Billy.”
You live in Oregon. Will you be attending the Emmy ceremony and if so, who will be your escort?
“Yes, probably with my husband.”
Do you have any idea what you’ll be wearing?
“Since I live up in the woods, I ordered several dresses online, so I will soon be trying them on.”
Where do you keep the two Emmys that you already have?
“I have a big glass case in my home and both of my Emmys are in there, along with photos and other special items.”
Laura Wright (Carly, GH)
ABC
Did you have any jitters on nomination day?
“I really was nervous, especially when I saw that Maurice [Benard, Sonny] wasn’t nominated. I thought, ‘Oh, God! Are people going to watch mine and think, “Does she do anything but cry?” ’ But that was my storyline — Carly’s son died!”
How did you get the good news?
“My parents were watching THE TALK on the East Coast and my mom goes, ‘They’re about to announce it!’ And then my Twitter notifications popped up, because I think THE TALK tweeted it, like, three seconds before they announced it. So, I basically found out from my parents and Twitter in the same moment.”
How did you feel?
“Really excited. Maurice was a full-on partner to me in this story, so him not being nominated took a little wind out of my sails. But I know he wouldn’t want that.”
Who was the first person you reached out to?
“Miss Chloe Lanier [Nelle]! I sent her a big picture of me hugging her that I had on my phone with a congratulations. I said, ‘I can’t wait to have this fun, month-long journey with you!’ ”
How did your reel selection go?
“It was hard! Getting to choose up to 20 minutes from four shows made it even harder. If they had said, ‘Pick one show,’ that would have been really easy; I had so much emotional stuff, I could have just closed my eyes and pointed. But to pick your best 20 minutes from four shows was really difficult. I ended up choosing some scenes that weren’t very emotional, but established who Morgan was, but to do that, I had to cut out the funeral scene, which I think is some of the best work I ever did.”
Who are you taking to the ceremony?
“I’m not dating anyone, so my daughter and my son are going to be my dates. It’s going to be so fun!”
