Paul Telfer from “Days of Our Lives” and Nancy Lee Grahn of “General Hospital” both earned prestigious lead acting honors at the Daytime Emmy Awards, held on Friday. This year’s ceremony highlighted “General Hospital,” which won a total of six awards, including the highly coveted title of outstanding drama series.
In a noteworthy achievement, Sir David Attenborough, at the remarkable age of 99, set a new record as the oldest recipient of a Daytime Emmy, a title previously held by Dick Van Dyke. Attenborough received the award for his role as the host of Netflix’s “Secret Lives of Orangutans.” Although he was unable to attend the ceremony, his career as a writer, host, and narrator, spanning eight decades, demonstrates the lasting impact he has had on television.
During his acceptance speech, Telfer, who plays Xander Kiriakis on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives,” expressed deep gratitude, dedicating his win to his late mother, a lifelong fan of soap operas and villains. “To win this on a soap opera playing the villain is really amazing. Thanks, Mom,” he said.
Grahn, earning her third Daytime Emmy for her long-standing role as Alexis Davis on “General Hospital,” has been part of the show since 1996. Known for her vocal stance on political issues, she made an impactful statement during the ceremony by displaying a silver clutch inscribed with the phrase, “Democracy dies in silence.” Grahn urged attendees to advocate for democracy and human decency, resonating deeply with the audience.
Supporting acting awards went to Jonathan Jackson for his role as Lucky Spencer on “General Hospital” and first-time nominee Susan Walters from “The Young and the Restless.” Jackson’s return to the award scene is significant, considering he first originated his role back in 1993. Moreover, Alley Mills was honored as a guest performer in a daytime drama, further enhancing “General Hospital”’s recognition at the awards.
The Daytime Emmys showcased not only the exceptional talents of these actors but also emphasized the evolving narrative landscape of daytime television. With a blend of new and established voices, the industry is well-positioned for a bright future, ensuring continued engagement and excitement for audiences as they embrace diverse storytelling.