Already have an account?
Get back to the

Y&R: 8,000 Episodes Strong

Jeanne Cooper (Katherine, 1973): I feel like I’m 363 years old in prime-time years (laughs). My fave on this show? I think when she was Marge/Katherine. I got all of these personalities going. It was a release to some bad energy. Daytime is the best-paid therapy in the world and I get an audience response, rather than a lawsuit.


Kay Alden (head writer, 1974): It is an incredible day. There are times when it does indeed feel like 363 years, but most of the time it’s the most exciting, rewarding thing you can imagine. Having been here 30-plus years, I feel very honored to have shared the journey of the show. Probably my favorite storyline was the Leslie/Lorie/Lance storyline, from early on. My favorite relationship to ever have written is Victor and Nikki. That is so fun. I love writing them. They have a special place in my heart and always will.


Jess Walton (Jill, 1987): I have never been prouder of this show and our people than standing up there listening to [today’s] speeches. My favorite episode ever was the one where I was playing Rex Sterling against John Abbott and Katherine busted me at a party. Leanna Love was there and everyone was standing there listening. I had to lie and make up stories, but finally they exposed me. I was humiliated and left in tears.


Peter Bergman (Jack, 1989): I have two favorite storylines: Nikki spiraling into drunkenness while Jack can’t help her and falling in love with Phyllis.


Tonya Lee Williams (Olivia, 1990): I didn’t expect to feel as emotional. It was beautiful. It takes you back to the memories. There’s no one [favorite]. Definitely the HIV storyline with Keesha and Nathan, the custody battle with Malcolm and the storyline with Brad and Ashley and that complex triangle.


Veronica Redd (Mamie, 1990): It’s good to know that I’m a rock in the foundation, which is what happens when this kind of landmark comes (laughs). It’s also great to have such a family. A lot of what was said today sounds kind of sappy, but it really is true and it resonates with all of us. The storyline that I was really stoked by was when Jill moved back into the Abbotts’ and caused trouble. It was spicy and unique. It was great for my character, but at the same time, it was an exciting time and the fans loved it.


Victoria Rowell (Dru, 1990): I can’t say that I was in all 363 seasons, but I contributed and it’s been an honor. One of my absolute favorite storylines was when Bill Bell wrote about Dru and classical ballet, showing that there is no disparity in a child’s dream, no matter what the socio-economic environment. A kid that has nothing can aspire to be a ballerina — and it was true to life. And of course, the foster care storyline that’s running right now is special to me.


Sharon Case (Sharon, 1994): I don’t think this ever really sinks in — how many or that we did it! I’ve had so many favorites: the Cassie storyline, the Noah storyline. They were all good, but the Cameron storyline is my favorite. Maybe that’s because it’s so recent, so it’s fresh in my mind. It was really my story and it was very different.


Lauren Woodland (Brittany, 2000): It’s exciting to be a part of something that’s continually proved itself over and over again. I feel really lucky to be a part of it. My favorite was singing and dancing [at the strip club].


Greg Rikaart (Kevin, 2003): It was nice to hear everybody’s speeches, because it’s nice to hear vocalized how much care and passion they have for this show. I can speak for the whole cast when I say it reiterates how we all feel.


Michael Graziadei (Daniel, 2004): Pretty cool to know it’s been around for this long and hopefully it will be around for much longer. It’s all new to me. It’s time I start trying to secure my relationship with Mackenzie or maybe it’s time to move on.


Bryton (Devon, 2004): It’s an incredible mark to achieve. I’m just so happy to be apart of it. I hope to be around for 8,000 more.

Filed Under:
Comments