BEVERLY HILLS —Before there was an Oprah Winfrey in the Chicago television market, there was Lee Phillip. Lee, now Lee Phillip Bell, is half of the amazing Bell Phillip Television Productions creation team, which included her late husband William J. “Bill” Bell, Sr. There is absolutely no one of my generation who is currently in the entertainment industry that Lee and Bill didn’t touch in some positive fashion. Perhaps the greatest gifts the two have given to the entertainment industry are their beautiful children Lauralee, Bradley and Billy. Not to mention their spouses, Scott, Colleen and Maria, who are equally talented. Maria helms Bill and Lee’s number one daytime drama “The Young and the Restless,” which celebrates 37 years on the air this week and also celebrates almost two full decades as the number one daytime drama in the U.S.
“The Bold and the Beautiful” was perhaps the biggest challenge for the Bells, but it was a very smart creative decision to put the show on air. CBS took its chances, cancelled “Capitol” and they proved what a great decision that has been. “B&B” is the most successful American soap opera in television history. It is known the world around as one of the best dramas on the air. Bradley P. Bell, Lee’s second child is the executive producer and head writer of the most watched show on the planet. Lauralee who played the role of Christine Blair Williams for decades on “Y&R” has created an Internet sensation called “Family Dinner,” starring the beautiful actress herself with Aaron Lustig, Phyllis Diller and Cloris Leachman, while eldest brother Billy runs the family empire from CBS TV City in Hollywood.
How could such immense talent be so bountiful in one family? Lee has obviously had a great influence on her children and thankfully on the planet. The maverick was behind such groundbreaking storylines in daytime TV such as abortion, rape, adoptions and interracial relationships, and many other social issues that we have become acquainted with today. Lee always lived a life of dignity and grace, but she knew early on in her career that she could use her position to help others and to educate. Before Aaron Spelling had a business woman in Alexis Colby, Lee realized Katherine Chancellor could helm a billion dollar empire and in the ’70s we were given that wonderful feminine character in veteran Emmy-winning Hollywood star Jeanne Cooper. Lee never followed anyone’s lead, she paved her own highway and thankfully she remembered not just her children, but many young people, myself included, who she mentored for many years to reach our goals. The Lee Phillip Bell Show in Chicago boasted guests from Cary Grant, Lucille Ball to World leaders and U.S. Presidents. On June 11, the city of Chicago will honor Mrs. Bell, whose talk show ran from 1952 to 1986 in the Windy City.
Lee however doesn’t sing her own praises. Known as the classiest woman in Beverly Hills or even the world, she has friends, neighbors and actors who have worked for her who speak volumes about a woman who quietly has contributed just as much to our nation as a dozen First Ladies. Lesli Kay, my “ATWT” costar who is also on “B&B” tells Canyon News, “She’s the most marvelous woman to spend a day with. Lee is the epitome of class and she’s so talented. She’s given the industry and the world three talented people and I think that’s the most important part of her legacy, thanks Lee for Bradley, Lauralee and Bill, Jr. and for all you have done for so many of us.”
Beverly Hills neighbor and friend, acclaimed actress Constance Towers, tells Canyon News, “Lee Bell is truly one of the loveliest ladies I know. Lee’s contribution to TV and soaps cannot be measured in words. You only have to look at the constant qualities of class, and dignity she has brought to everything she touches to understand the enormous impact she has had on Daytime TV. She worked in concert with her wonderful husband, Bill Bell and instilled the finest talents and taste in her children, which are all reflected in the lasting success of ”˜Y&R’ and ”˜B&B.’ Lee is fabulous and I’m proud to have her as a friend.”
Kate Linder, who portrays Esther Valentine on “Y&R” said, “Over the past 28 years, I have known Lee Phillip Bell as the matriarch of the Bell family and as co-creator of two of the most successful soap operas in daytime television in addition to being a winner of more Emmys than anyone I have ever heard of for her work as the host of the Lee Phillip Show. In addition to her outstanding accomplishments, she truly represents women’s impact in the fields of both entertainment and journalism. Her role as wife, mother, grandmother and friend is second to none. Congratulations Lee for your well deserved recognition as a pioneer of Chicago television.”
Thom Bierdz, who portrays Phillip Chancellor, III on “Y&R” is the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay character in soaps, thanks to Lee’s talented daughter-in-law Maria Arena Bell. Bierdz laments on Lee’s success and legacy. “Lee Bell has been the perfect first lady of television and worked so in tandem with her husband, Bill, who, to me, was the president of all TV. Lee was and is extraordinarily beautiful and kind, and I am sure running the world’s biggest soap operas could not have been easy. Lee excelled in front of the cameras in Chicago and in Hollywood, she excelled behind the camera. I remain in awe of her success,” said Thom.
One of TV’s most popular actors worldwide is Joshua Morrow, who plays Nick Newman on “The Young and the Restless.” The handsome star tells Canyon News, “Before Oprah, there was Lee Phillip Bell. She hosted the biggest talk show in Chicago, she was a pioneer in discussing social issues there and bringing them to “Y&R” and she is certainly deserving of being honored for her many achievements. Also, she’s a nice and classy woman that we all respect and admire.”
“Lee Phillip Bell made talk shows important and relevant, and there’s not a self-empowerment guru on TV these days who doesn’t owe her a massive debt of gratitude. Well before Phil Donahue and Oprah Winfrey took Chicago by storm, ”˜The Lee Phillip Show’ was all the rage in that town, thanks to Lee’s bold vision and belief that daytime chat could be about much more than bubbly celebs and kitschy home-making tips. She brought daring political, social and medical issues to the forefront ”“ including the first on-air breast self-examination. She also did the same on her soaps, ceaselessly pushing for storylines (AIDS, the homeless, crack babies, date rape, obesity) that really mattered and maybe even saved a few lives. In a world where the word ”˜hero’ is so easily and generously applied, Lee Phillip Bell is the real deal,” said Michael Logan/TV Guide.
With such a legacy standing on it’s own merits, Lee’s beautiful and talented daughter Lauralee concludes, “No one could be more proud of their mother than me. When I was a kid and her show was opposite ‘Bozo the Clown,’ I’ll admit it was a close tie in terms of respect (I say now with a smile because boy did I love Bozo), but now that I’m an adult, mom and actress/businesswoman, I understand all she did so effortlessly and to perfection. Having to do a live show with an enormous amount of daily and nightly prep work and yet still was still there 100 percent as a mom and wife. Every interview was done with confidence, elegance and substance. She was the leader of talk and I’ll never try to compete with that in terms of personal achievement. I’m just so very happy knowing that such an incredible woman is my mom, friend and mentor.”
Lee Phillip Bell obviously has touched all of our lives and we all love and respect one of the greatest women who has lived.
Photograph Courtesy: CBS Television
