HOLLYWOOD—This week’s Leading Ladies Gold Standard goes to Maria Bell, who is the executive producer and head writer of “The Young and the Restless” and two of her best actresses. Sharon Case, who portrays Sharon Newman on the soap, and Tracey Bregman, who portrays Lauren Baldwin, really poured their hearts and souls into their roles this week, with both actresses deserving of Emmy nominations. Ms. Case’s Sharon has been on an unstoppable journey of love and despair all year, and Ms. Bregman’s Lauren faced the sister, daughter and son of the most evil woman on the planet, whom she shot and killed just years earlier.
Maria Arena Bell’s had a year that has been fabled. Her writing and helming of CBS’s number one daytime drama is legendary. The beautiful Bel Air resident brings a very unique style of writing to a show that has become a staple in the homes of millions of viewers around the world. Maria truly understands how to write for her leading ladies. Sharon Case, who is both beautiful and talented, is the true American beauty on the show. The blonde haired, blue eyed heroine finds herself in one tragedy after another. This week Sharon traveled to New Orleans to get away from her problems back in Genoa City, Wisconsin only to find the man she’s trying to escape from at her door. Sharon’s been in love with Nick and his brother Adam far too long. Fans wanted to see where Sharon’s heart would take her this week, and what an exciting ride it was.
The heroine in this storyline made a decision that may cost her a lot more than she ever feared. Bell knows that “Y&R” viewers love seeing Sharon in jeopardy and at a cross roads.
When it comes to danger, Lauren Fenmore Baldwin has faced the devil on many occasions. For the past 25 years Lauren has lived in fear of Sheila Carter, the most dangerous woman in the western world. Lauren, played brilliantly by Tracey Bregman, hasn’t always been able to protect those she loves from the demented diva. However, when Lauren shot and killed Sheila a few years ago, she and viewers believed that her life would be normal again. Normal is relative in Genoa City, with Lauren now having killed Sheila’s sister Sarah and been kidnapped by Sheila’s twin children Daisy and Ryder.
Tracey plays a woman who has faced much more than any mere mortal, but this week she was amazing in the role. Lauren’s fears for her family and her own life are justified. Viewers know that the specter of Sheila still lingers over Lauren’s head. Tracey is amazing as a strong Lauren one minute, and then the next moment Lauren is falling apart. How she’s able to transition from one emotion into another so effortlessly is astonishing. Whatever her secret, viewers of “Y&R” are awestruck by her beauty and dramatic skills.
“The Young and the Restless” airs weekdays on CBS.
Photographs are Courtesy: CBS/Sony Studios
