Lead Actress Nominee Interviews
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Photo credit: ABC
Finola Hughes (Anna, GH)
What was your reaction to the nomination? "When Frank [Valentini, executive producer] called to say congratulations, I was just so surprised. It seemed such a long time ago that we had submitted, and we’ve had a lot of things to occupy our minds.”
What does this recognition mean to you? “It’s incredible to get that from your peers. I forget that people watch; I just kind of go to work and do my thing. I think it’s a form of denial so you can do your work in sort of a make-believe world and not think about the consequences!”
You know most if not all of the other ladies in your category, right? “Yes, it’s fantastic company to be in. I texted all of the ones I had [numbers] for. Ari Zucker [Nicole, DAYS], I actually just met online, but I know Kelly [Lang] and Heather [Tom] and Maura [West, Ava]. Maura is a good friend; I love her. I sort of think she’s going to have to come out of her dressing room now! She’s a recluse and I always tease her about that when we’re at work.”
You’ve said before that you find putting your reel together painful because you hate watching yourself. “It was a little less painful this year, I have to say, because there was only a certain amount I could pull from because I’d taken a lot of time off. I chose some twin stuff [between Anna and Alex] and I think there was something with Peter in there and something with Michael Easton [Finn]. But mostly it was twin stuff between myself and myself [laughs].”
Who was stronger, you or you? “The other one. Alex kind of had it in the bag this year!”
What do you think about the ceremony being virtual? “I have no idea how they’re going to do it! But I know I’m going to wear a dress, just to celebrate.”
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Photo credit: Gilles Toucas/Courtesy Of Bell-Phillip Television Inc
Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B) What does it mean to you to hear "Emmy nominee" in front of your name again? "It is really exciting to hear that!"
How did you get the news? "I was on my couch doing computer work, still in my robe, and I forgot it was being announced on the New York feed [of THE TALK]. I looked down at my phone and it was Brad [Bell, executive producer/head writer] and he said, 'Congratulations!' and I said, 'For what?' I was so confused, and then I realized and I started walking in circles. I didn't know what to do."
What did you submit? "Scenes from the Brooke and Ridge love story and all the challenges they faced between Thomas and Shauna and Quinn and all of that."
Thoughts on your fellow B&B nominees? "I love it! To be next to Heather in that category is amazing because she's such a powerhouse. I'm extremely excited for Thorsten [Kaye, Ridge] because he brings it every day. We had a lot of meaty material this year. And I was so happy to see Annika [Noelle, Hope] in there! I'm thrilled for our little group."
What will you miss about attending the ceremony? "The social aspect; seeing everyone from all the shows in one room. I won't miss walking around in those uncomfortable high heels. Maybe we'll change the dress code and just do pajamas. Why not?"
What would winning mean to you? "Getting an award is always wonderful, and you do feel appreciated that people notice the work you put in. But I am just happy to go to work and do what I love every single day. That's the reward. But to put a little gold statue up on the shelf would be nice, too."
3 of 5
Photo credit: Gilles Toucas/Courtesy Of Bell-Phillip Television Inc
Heather Tom (Katie, B&B) This is your 19th nomination. Does it ever get old? "It does not get old, and you asking me that question doesn't get old, either. I love that Emmys because it's a celebration of our whole daytime community and any time I can have a horse in the race, it's always fun and we always have a good time. I'm very grateful to be acknowledged."
When did you get the news? "Zane [her 7-year-old son; ex-Will, B&B] and I were in the middle of doing a biography of George Washington, so I was learning all kinds of interesting facts about George Washington that I did not know, and then my phone started blowing up."
What did you submit? "When Katie got her kidney transplant — her new parts [laughs]. I thought they wrote that story in a lovely way, and it acknowledged that she had been here before [with Katie's heart transplant in 2008]. I, personally, really like the way they write Bill and Katie's stuff. I think there is a maturity there that's enjoyable to explore and play with Donald [Diamont, Bill] because we have such a long history together."
You always rock the red carpet. What will you do this year since it's virtual?
"I don't know! We'll have to get our quarantine glam on. Maybe I'll drag out an oldie but goodie, something I wore, like, 10 years ago. I don't know if I'll fit into it, but we can try."
And what about the annual Lead Actress luncheon? "I've got to get Jacqui [MacInnes Wood, Steffy] on the phone because she's the one who's got to pay. That's the rule! We'll have to figure out what to do but certainly we cannot let the tradition die because it's my favorite part."
4 of 5
Photo credit: ABC
Maura West (Ava, GH) How did you get word of your nomination? "Somehow my mother knew the announcement was taking place that morning ... and that lady is fast! I saw her number on my Caller ID and knew she knew something I didn't yet know. It's super-nice to hear it from her as I wouldn't be an actress without her support and belief in me."
This is nomination No. 12 for you. What does that recognition by your peers mean to you? "I'm incredibly grateful. I've had the opportunity to play two of the best female characters on television, daytime or prime-time. I still miss Carly Tenney very much. The AS THE WORLD TURNS experience is something I carry in my pocket with me every day of my life."
Who were the first people to congratulate you? "Laura Wright [Carly] texted right away; she's an incredibly supportive woman and co-worker. Frank Valentini rang right away. My manager, Marnie Sparer, also called quickly. I heard from so many people that I admire and respect: Christian LeBlanc [Michael, Y&R], Don Diamont, Maurice [Benard, Sonny], Finola [Hughes], my dear friend Martha Byrne [ex-Lily, ATWT], Michael Park [ex-Jack, ATWT]! The list goes on and, believe me, I know how lucky I am to have such amazing and talented and caring people in my sphere."
Do you think you'll be more or less relaxed in the comfort of your own home on Emmy night? "Big social situations make my heart race, so I will certainly be more relaxed at home. I will miss seeing my peers and colleagues from all four shows. We are a very close-knit bunch, in general, and it's always a highlight of any year to share some laughs and some love with people I've known for so long. Plus: I do so love seeing my handsome husband in a tuxedo... that make my heart race, too!"
5 of 5
Photo credit: NBC
Arianne Zucker (Nicole, DAYS) How did you react when you found out? “I was definitely pleasantly surprised. This is my fourth nomination and it is always wonderful to be recognized by your peers for your work."
What does the nomination mean to you? "It makes me feel grateful. We all get so busy in life. We do our jobs, we go home and be a parent, chef, a dog walker, a spouse, and then you hear you get a nomination and you take a second in your schedule, take a deep breath and smile. It's a good feeling."
How do you feel about the ceremony being virtual this year? "It's definitely going to be different, but I am happy that our entertainment business in figuring a way to keep moving forward."
Will you prepare a speech? "I'll have something written down, but with no expectations, of course."
Who will be with you at home on the big night? "The usual suspects. My immediate family along with the dogs, bunnies, guinea pigs and the beta fish."
What would winning mean to you? "I don't know. I enjoy being nominated because it's always an honor. I guess I can compare it to when I used to compete, jumping horses, and every time I won a big final, you almost feel relieved because you worked so hard to win."
What will be you miss about the Emmys being in person? "Human interaction. It's way better to celebrate anything in person rather than virtually."
Finola Hughes (Anna, GH)
What was your reaction to the nomination? "When Frank [Valentini, executive producer] called to say congratulations, I was just so surprised. It seemed such a long time ago that we had submitted, and we’ve had a lot of things to occupy our minds.”
What does this recognition mean to you? “It’s incredible to get that from your peers. I forget that people watch; I just kind of go to work and do my thing. I think it’s a form of denial so you can do your work in sort of a make-believe world and not think about the consequences!”
You know most if not all of the other ladies in your category, right? “Yes, it’s fantastic company to be in. I texted all of the ones I had [numbers] for. Ari Zucker [Nicole, DAYS], I actually just met online, but I know Kelly [Lang] and Heather [Tom] and Maura [West, Ava]. Maura is a good friend; I love her. I sort of think she’s going to have to come out of her dressing room now! She’s a recluse and I always tease her about that when we’re at work.”
You’ve said before that you find putting your reel together painful because you hate watching yourself. “It was a little less painful this year, I have to say, because there was only a certain amount I could pull from because I’d taken a lot of time off. I chose some twin stuff [between Anna and Alex] and I think there was something with Peter in there and something with Michael Easton [Finn]. But mostly it was twin stuff between myself and myself [laughs].”
Who was stronger, you or you? “The other one. Alex kind of had it in the bag this year!”
What do you think about the ceremony being virtual? “I have no idea how they’re going to do it! But I know I’m going to wear a dress, just to celebrate.”
Photo credit: ABC
Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B) What does it mean to you to hear "Emmy nominee" in front of your name again? "It is really exciting to hear that!"
How did you get the news? "I was on my couch doing computer work, still in my robe, and I forgot it was being announced on the New York feed [of THE TALK]. I looked down at my phone and it was Brad [Bell, executive producer/head writer] and he said, 'Congratulations!' and I said, 'For what?' I was so confused, and then I realized and I started walking in circles. I didn't know what to do."
What did you submit? "Scenes from the Brooke and Ridge love story and all the challenges they faced between Thomas and Shauna and Quinn and all of that."
Thoughts on your fellow B&B nominees? "I love it! To be next to Heather in that category is amazing because she's such a powerhouse. I'm extremely excited for Thorsten [Kaye, Ridge] because he brings it every day. We had a lot of meaty material this year. And I was so happy to see Annika [Noelle, Hope] in there! I'm thrilled for our little group."
What will you miss about attending the ceremony? "The social aspect; seeing everyone from all the shows in one room. I won't miss walking around in those uncomfortable high heels. Maybe we'll change the dress code and just do pajamas. Why not?"
What would winning mean to you? "Getting an award is always wonderful, and you do feel appreciated that people notice the work you put in. But I am just happy to go to work and do what I love every single day. That's the reward. But to put a little gold statue up on the shelf would be nice, too."
Photo credit: Gilles Toucas/Courtesy Of Bell-Phillip Television Inc
Heather Tom (Katie, B&B) This is your 19th nomination. Does it ever get old? "It does not get old, and you asking me that question doesn't get old, either. I love that Emmys because it's a celebration of our whole daytime community and any time I can have a horse in the race, it's always fun and we always have a good time. I'm very grateful to be acknowledged."
When did you get the news? "Zane [her 7-year-old son; ex-Will, B&B] and I were in the middle of doing a biography of George Washington, so I was learning all kinds of interesting facts about George Washington that I did not know, and then my phone started blowing up."
What did you submit? "When Katie got her kidney transplant — her new parts [laughs]. I thought they wrote that story in a lovely way, and it acknowledged that she had been here before [with Katie's heart transplant in 2008]. I, personally, really like the way they write Bill and Katie's stuff. I think there is a maturity there that's enjoyable to explore and play with Donald [Diamont, Bill] because we have such a long history together."
You always rock the red carpet. What will you do this year since it's virtual?
"I don't know! We'll have to get our quarantine glam on. Maybe I'll drag out an oldie but goodie, something I wore, like, 10 years ago. I don't know if I'll fit into it, but we can try."
And what about the annual Lead Actress luncheon? "I've got to get Jacqui [MacInnes Wood, Steffy] on the phone because she's the one who's got to pay. That's the rule! We'll have to figure out what to do but certainly we cannot let the tradition die because it's my favorite part."
Photo credit: Gilles Toucas/Courtesy Of Bell-Phillip Television Inc
Maura West (Ava, GH) How did you get word of your nomination? "Somehow my mother knew the announcement was taking place that morning ... and that lady is fast! I saw her number on my Caller ID and knew she knew something I didn't yet know. It's super-nice to hear it from her as I wouldn't be an actress without her support and belief in me."
This is nomination No. 12 for you. What does that recognition by your peers mean to you? "I'm incredibly grateful. I've had the opportunity to play two of the best female characters on television, daytime or prime-time. I still miss Carly Tenney very much. The AS THE WORLD TURNS experience is something I carry in my pocket with me every day of my life."
Who were the first people to congratulate you? "Laura Wright [Carly] texted right away; she's an incredibly supportive woman and co-worker. Frank Valentini rang right away. My manager, Marnie Sparer, also called quickly. I heard from so many people that I admire and respect: Christian LeBlanc [Michael, Y&R], Don Diamont, Maurice [Benard, Sonny], Finola [Hughes], my dear friend Martha Byrne [ex-Lily, ATWT], Michael Park [ex-Jack, ATWT]! The list goes on and, believe me, I know how lucky I am to have such amazing and talented and caring people in my sphere."
Do you think you'll be more or less relaxed in the comfort of your own home on Emmy night? "Big social situations make my heart race, so I will certainly be more relaxed at home. I will miss seeing my peers and colleagues from all four shows. We are a very close-knit bunch, in general, and it's always a highlight of any year to share some laughs and some love with people I've known for so long. Plus: I do so love seeing my handsome husband in a tuxedo... that make my heart race, too!"
Photo credit: ABC
Arianne Zucker (Nicole, DAYS) How did you react when you found out? “I was definitely pleasantly surprised. This is my fourth nomination and it is always wonderful to be recognized by your peers for your work."
What does the nomination mean to you? "It makes me feel grateful. We all get so busy in life. We do our jobs, we go home and be a parent, chef, a dog walker, a spouse, and then you hear you get a nomination and you take a second in your schedule, take a deep breath and smile. It's a good feeling."
How do you feel about the ceremony being virtual this year? "It's definitely going to be different, but I am happy that our entertainment business in figuring a way to keep moving forward."
Will you prepare a speech? "I'll have something written down, but with no expectations, of course."
Who will be with you at home on the big night? "The usual suspects. My immediate family along with the dogs, bunnies, guinea pigs and the beta fish."
What would winning mean to you? "I don't know. I enjoy being nominated because it's always an honor. I guess I can compare it to when I used to compete, jumping horses, and every time I won a big final, you almost feel relieved because you worked so hard to win."
What will be you miss about the Emmys being in person? "Human interaction. It's way better to celebrate anything in person rather than virtually."
Photo credit: NBC
