Tributes have poured in for Lee Phillip Bell, the co-creator of Y&R and B&B, who passed away on February 25 at the age of 91.
Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki, Y&R) “We are all devastated by the passing of Lee Phillip Bell. A television pioneer and powerhouse in her own right, she elevated daytime television in co-creating ‘The Young and the Restless’ with her equally iconic husband, Bill Bell. We sadly mourn our true matriarch.”
Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B) “Lee Philip Bell was such a class act! She was such an inspiration and forged the way for women in entertainment starting her own talk show in 1953! And she truly was the title of one of her shows The Bold And The Beautiful! She was an incredible mother and business women. And had a knack for balancing her life. She was smart, funny, always smiling or laughing, determined and strong. She always made me feel good when I was around her. She was so warm and caring. Working with her on @boldandbeautifulcbs for 33 years was such an honor and just hanging out and laughing with her was so much fun too! We will miss you Lee! You had an incredible life. My thoughts are with Brad, Bill, and Lauralee and the rest of the Bell family. Much love to all?? #leephillipbell #boldandbeautiful.”
John McCook (Eric, B&B) “There will forever be a portrait of Lee Phillip Bell over the mantle here at The Bold and the Beautiful….How she has enriched our lives! RIP.”
Kate Linder (Esther, Y&R) “Lee Phillip Bell was one of the most loved and admired people I’ve ever known. Deepest condolences to her amazing family, I will always love and miss my friend, Lee. Thank you for everything you have given to me and to everyone you touched with your kindness & love @YandR_CBS#yr.”
Jess Walton (Jill, Y&R) “RIP to the great Lee Bell. One of the finest women I have ever known. A kind, gentle and very smart lady. to her children and grandchildren and to all who knew her.”
Scott Clifton (Liam, B&B) “On a day like this, and for a woman like her, there is an emotional symmetry we all feel—between the deep sadness of loss, and the piercing gratitude for what she’s bequeathed to us: hope, love, and a thousand adventures that can never be taken away. Lee Bell made us all rich.”
Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea, Y&R) “Lee Bell was an icon and a pioneer and a sweet wonderful woman. Sending love to @LauraleeB4real and the whole Bell family. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Greg Rikaart (Kevin, Y&R) “#LeePhillipBellwas an extraordinary, extraordinary woman. She was smart, trailblazing, dignified and lovely as could be. #RIP.”
Don Diamont (Bill, B&B; ex-Brad, Y&R) “We lost our beloved and beautiful Lee Phillip Bell. The first picture is one that I hold dear from an impromptu lunch we had together. I value the second one as well because it’s the last picture of us. It was taken at the 2019 holiday party. I had and have so much respect, admiration and affection for this woman. She was a special part of my entire adult life beginning in 1985 with Y&R, all the way through @boldandbeautifulcbs One moment in particular that I will never forget was receiving a call from @bradleybell a few weeks after I had been airing as $Bill Spencer. Brad said, ‘ Your biggest fan wants to talk to you.’ I didn’t know what was going on, but the next thing I knew Lee was on the phone saying, ‘ I AM your biggest fan! I love what you’re doing with Bill , and just keep doing it!’ We spoke a bit, and Brad got back on the phone. He said, ‘ Well there you have it from the co-creator! ‘ Indeed! I was so moved by Lee’s kind words and genuine enthusiasm that it brought tears to my eyes. She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother and professional! To say Lee was a trailblazer for women in broadcast journalism is not an understatement. Lee Phillip Bell was a shining example of womanhood, and leaves behind an incredible personal and professional legacy! RIP dearest Lee. You most certainly deserve it!”
Jennifer Gareis (Donna, B&B; ex-Grace, Y&R) “I am so saddened to hear that Lee Bell has passed. My sincere condolences to the entire family. After casting me on Y&R in 1997 and their sister show, B&B, in 2006 it is fair to say that the Bell Family has shaped my life and my career. Lee had so many accomplishments as a producer, journalist & co-creator of both Y&R and B&B but for those who knew her personally she was even bigger than any award or Emmy. She was the most beautiful & kind mom, wife and friend. She always made me feel good with her genuine smile and laugh. She always remembered the smallest details about my kids & asked about them. She really made me feel at home at CBS. It has truly been my home away from home these past 23 years because of her, her late husband & children. I can’t thank Bill Sr, Brad, Lee & the entire Bell family enough for having faith in me again & again. I love you my beautiful Lee Bell, you will be missed dearly!”
Bryton James (Devon, Y&R) “Thank you Mrs. Bell for the life you led and everything you put into it. My life wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Darin Brooks (Wyatt, B&B) “#RIP Mrs. Bell – Thank you for creating such a beautiful family and letting me be apart of it…”
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R) “Lee Bell was a pioneer in television & the strength behind Bill Bell & his creative vision. All of this while raising 3 amazing, giving, brilliant children. What a rich, full life she created. This is the end of an era… I owe my entire life to Bill and Lee. God Speed #YR“
Courtney Hope (Sally, B&B) “What a beautiful human being we lost today. I am so honored to have known her. My heart goes out to the whole Bell family.”
Ashley Jones (Bridget, B&B) “Oh, Mrs.Bell. I can hear the angels welcoming you now…. WHAT A LIFE! You were a true modern woman, a pioneer. You exemplified grace and class. From being a beloved wife and mother, to interviewing The Beatles and Presidents, to co-creating the most successful serial dramas in television history, you were a woman we all looked up to. You seemed “to do it all” effortlessly -while impeccably dressed. I loved hearing your stories. You made so many people feel important. I am honored I got to be one of them. ❤️❤️ My thoughts are with Bell family??.”
Jessica Collins (ex-Avery, Y&R) “Very sad to hear this news. Lee Phillip Bell was an icon and the sweetest woman you could imagine. Sending love and condolences to her children and grandchildren and all who loved her. RIP“
Daniel Goddard (ex-Cane, Y&R) “You walked with grace. You carried yourself with poise. You blazed a trail that bettered the lives of millions. And now you are at rest with your one true love. #RIPLeePhillipBell
words can not express the respect I have for you. Condolences & for the Bell family. #yr.”
Winsor Harmon (ex-Thorne, B&B) “RIP Lee. It was an honor to know you as a person and a privilege to work for and with you for 20 plus years. God Bless you mam.”
Joanna Johnson (ex-Caroline/Karen, B&B) “So sad to hear of the passing of Lee Phillip Bell, a class act in every way &always so kind2me as was William Bell. I’m 4ever grateful for the amazing opportunity they gave me to play Caroline & Karen on @BandB_CBS Love to their kids,also class acts,@LauraleeB4real,Bill Jr & Brad.”
Martha Byrne (ex-Lily, AS THE WORLD TURNS) “A tremendous loss to her wonderful family. My heart is with @LauraleeB4real Brad, Bill and all her grandchildren who brought her so much joy. Thank you Lee for your smile and open arms every time I had the pleasure of spending time with you. RIP.”
Linsey Godfrey (Sarah, DAYS, ex-Caroline, B&B) “Lee Bell was an incredible woman who achieved such incredible things. I am so happy that I had the great honor to work for the Bell family and got to know Mrs. Bell and her sweet pup Joy. Sending love to the Bell family and everyone over at @BandB_CBS and @CBSDaytime.”
Ian Buchanan (ex-James, B&B et al) “I am very sad to hear of the passing of Lee Phillip Bell. I will always remember her grace and generosity over many years. R.I.P.”
Crystal Chappell (ex-Danielle, B&B et al) “Lee Phillip Bell was a Pioneer! Strong, smart and kind and one heck of a business woman! RIP Condolences to her family.”
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