Naya Benedict went on an emotional roller coaster last year on The Young and the Restless after meeting the daughter she gave up at birth. Her portrayer, Ptosha Storey, played every heartbeat of the tale and, as a result, earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series. Soap Hub chatted with Storey about her nomination and the primetime soap on which she appears.
Ptosha Storey Talks Daytime Emmy Nomination
Soap Hub: Congratulations on your nomination!
Ptosha Storey: Thank you! I’m excited. It’s nice to be recognized for the work that you do. When I heard about the nomination, I thought, ‘This is so fantastic. This is exciting.’
Soap Hub: How long have you been a Y&R viewer? Would you also watch the Daytime Emmys?
Ptosha Storey: I’ve been a fan of Y&R since I was little because of my mother. She was an avid watcher of The Young and the Restless. Everything stopped when it came on! I’ve watched the Daytime Emmys, and I’ve seen some of the actors from this show win. It’s a thrill when I see Eric Braeden [Victor Newman] at the studio because I’d watched him as a viewer!
Soap Hub: What scenes are on your reel?
Ptosha Storey: Naya had given up her daughters — Hilary [Curtis] and Amanda [Sinclair, both played by Mishael Morgan]. My story had Naya meeting Amanda who wanted to reconcile. While Naya was dealing with that, we find out that Richard [Nealon], Amanda and Hilary’s father, was killed by Naya’s father Sutton [Ames, Jack Landron]. The scenes on my reel deal with Naya processing all of that. Also, Naya confronts Amanda over her father’s role in Richard’s death. I also included a scene in which Naya deals with the fact that her father is a murderer.
She also processes the fact that her daughter whom she gave up turned out so much better than if she’d been raised by Naya because Naya allowed her father to control her. Naya tells Amanda that she’s helping her become a better woman. Then, Amanda calls Naya “Mom.” Amanda could see Naya for who she was and loves her for who she is. I tried to show that arc in my reel, present the different levels. Naya started off as being cold — she was trying to protect herself and then, she broke down, and later, she transformed as the storyline progressed.
Soap Hub: Do you know if your category will be presented at The Creative Arts & Lifestyle Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony on Saturday, June 18th or on Friday, June 24th at the live broadcast on CBS.
Ptosha Storey: I don’t know. I’m not sure.
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Soap Hub: But you’ll be there? No conflicts with taping anything else?
Ptosha Storey: Oh, absolutely! I’ll be there with bells on!
Soap Hub: So, now, I imagine, is the fun stuff — looking at gowns, possibly borrowing jewelry to wear?
Ptosha Storey: Yes. I’m just starting to do that and seeing what’s out there. I have an opportunity to talk to some designers about, as they say, ‘Who I’m wearing!’ That’s a whole new experience. I am just going to enjoy the ride. It’s a win to be nominated. I’ll always have that. I’m in great company and I have a seat at the table with actors I admire. Being considered and acknowledged for my work with this nomination has been wonderful!
Soap Hub: What’s going on with The Oval — the Tyler Perry series on BET set backstage on the White House on which you play Nancy Hallsen?
Ptosha Storey: Season 3 recently ended. Season 4, which we’ve completed, hasn’t aired yet. They haven’t announced when [Season 4] is airing but it’s shot and is in the can. It’s a crazy ride. The next season is going to be great!
The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Genoa City, check out all the latest that’s been posted on Y&R spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.
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