Daytime Emmy Week Kicks Off With Nominated Actresses Gathering for a ‘Beautiful’ Luncheon
A Daytime Emmy Awards tradition began back in 2005 when the eight nominees in the Lead Actress category came together for lunch. “It was really fun, and this was in New York, and Susan Flannery [ex-Stephanie, Bold and Beautiful] went and paid the bill without us knowing it,” Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Young and Restless) recently recalled to TV Insider. “She said, ‘It’s taken care of. I did it. It’s taken care of.’ And we’re like, ‘No, no. Susan, no, no, there was so much alcohol, there’s so much,’ and she said, ‘You know what? Whoever wins tomorrow, you’re paying next year.’ And that’s how it started. And then Erika Slezak [Ronnie, General Hospital] won [for her role of Viki on One Life to Live], and she got up on stage and says, ‘’All right, I guess I’m paying next year.’ And it just continued on, which is really cool.”
Ladies Who Lunch
After winning the Lead Actress trophy at the 2024 ceremony, it was Stafford’s turn to host this year’s luncheon. Her guests at Cecconi’s in West Hollywood were fellow Lead Actress nominees Eileen Davidson (Ashley, Y&R) and Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea, Y&R), as well as Supporting Actress nominees Courtney Hope (Sally, Y&R) and Susan Walters (Diane, Y&R). Unfortunately, the other invitees were unable to attend.
“Carrying on this tradition that was started by the great Susan Flannery,” Stafford shared on Instagram. “This year, we celebrated the Lead and Supporting Actresses… before some of you start yelling at me. The gals who you don’t see in this picture — Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis, GH), Laura Wright (Carly, GH), Kate Mansi (Kristina, GH), Sharon Case (Sharon, Y&R), Emily O’Brien (Gwen, Days of Our Lives), and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah, DAYS) — were not able to come. We missed you gorgeous ladies! This was a beautiful time! I love these women. Such great conversation! Pinky swears were made! Thank you, Cecconi’s, thank you. Anyone Can Bake It. Next… the Emmys! It’s gonna be a fun night!”
Supporting actress nominee Walters posted on her own Instagram about the afternoon, writing, “Thank you, Michelle, for hosting such a special lunch, celebrating the best actress and Supporting Actress nominees. Sorry to miss those that couldn’t be there… but excited to see you Friday!” Walters also shared a photo of the custom cookies from Anyone Can Bake It, which were shaped like Emmy envelopes that displayed the names of the luncheon guests as winners.
“Another wonderful ‘Ladies who lunch’ Emmy tradition in the books!” enthused Hope on Instagram. “Celebrating the Lead and Supporting Actress nominees. Pinky swears and memories were made. Love these women and honored to be standing alongside them! And to those who couldn’t make it, you were so missed!”
Some of the guests who were unable to join the fun shared their regrets in the comments of Stafford’s post. “Ohhh, pinky swear luncheons are the best!” declared Wright. “I’m so sorry I missed it, but I’m so glad you ladies had a great time. Can’t wait to hug you all on Friday.” Her GH castmate Mansi added, “So sad I missed you gorgeous women! Love you all.”
O’Brien declared, “Aw, I wish I could’ve been in town to join you wonderful ladies! Looking forward to celebrating Friday with you all!” Her DAYS co-star Godfrey was not in California, but on the East Coast that weekend — specifically, her native Massachusetts. “Sad to have missed it!” she shared. “Love to you all from Salem (not the one from DAYS, haha). See you Friday! You’re all spectacular!”
Conversation
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