Jim O’Heir, who plays pesky plane mate Matt on B&B, won the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Performer. “This is beyond crazy,” he marveled. He then put down his award and said, “This is for all of you soap people,” and bowed down. “I knew nothing of your world. Your world is hard… I am so honored I am a little part of that world now.”
Bryan Craig (ex-Morgan, GH) won an Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actor for the second year in a row. After thanking Executive Producer Frank Valentini and his co-stars, he said, “I share this with anyone who suffers from mental illness…. the biggest reward was having people come up and say, ‘You helped me.'”
Lexi Ainsworth (Kristina, GH) won her first-ever Emmy. “I want to thank my parents for sacrificing everything,” she cried, then with a nod to her story, said, “Life is not black and white; there’s a lot of gray in the world … we have to show compassion.”
Steve Burton (ex-Dylan, Y&R) snagged his second-ever Emmy, winning for Supporting Actor. After thanking Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) and Doug Davidson (Paul, Y&R), he talked about his Genoa City experience. “It was an honor to be a part of your show,” he said, then thanked the crew, saying, “You pour your hearts into it … I utterly thank you.”
Kate Mansi (ex-Abigail, DAYS) won her first-ever Emmy for Supporting Actress. In an emotional speech, she thanked Casting Director Marnie Saitta for changing her life. “This is incredible,” she said. “Thank you so much.”
Scott Clifton (Liam, B&B) won the Emmy for Lead Actor, marking his third lifetime award and the first man to win in each of the three acting categories. “Thanks you for the faith in me … you are the best boss,” he said to Executive Producer/Head Writer Brad Bell. He also gave a shout out to the show’s publicist Eva Basler, enthusing, “Thank you for dragging me kicking and screaming into this category.”
Gina Tognoni (Phyllis, Y&R) nabbed the Lead Actress Emmy, marking her third lifetime win. “It has been such an honor,” she said of her Genoa City run. “I work with the most amazing and talented cast…. I am proud, I am humbled. This has meant so much to me.”
