Y&R’s Mishael Morgan Talks Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination

The Young and the Restless star Mishael Morgan is nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role: Actress for her role has Amanda Sinclair. Soap Hub chatted with the actress about her nomination and the excitement she feels about being honored by her peers.

Mishael Morgan Talks Daytime Emmy

Soap Hub: You’ve been nominated before in the Outstanding Supporting Actress category. You certainly had lead story last year but what specifically went into your decision to enter the Lead category this year?
Mishael Morgan: I was always asked do you want to submit for the Emmys, and then, after I said yes, I was asked Supporting or Lead? I always said Supporting. This is the first year that I sat down and asked myself well, why not lead? They’re writing you a lead story. I had some amazing supporting cast members come in — Ptosha [Storey, Naya Benedict], Leigh-Ann [Rose, Imani Benedict], and Jack [Landron, Sutton Ames] — I felt like we were working together and they all pushed me [to be better].

This was such an amazing storyline. I think [any hesitation about going into lead] comes out of personal fear. I had to own the fact that the show trusted me with a front-burner storyline. Why not go into the category that it deserves? I told my ‘small self’ that might have been afraid of being too ‘big’ to do it. And I got the nomination! So, I’m glad I did that.

Soap Hub: What story did you tell on your reel?
Mishael Morgan: I played Hilary [Curtis] for so long so, it was an honor for Amanda to meet Hilary‘s family. Giving Amanda a family was giving Hilary a family. My reel has on it wanting to meet Imani, they meet, she tells her that she was a mistake. Amanda doesn’t take it well and she puts Naya in her place. Then, Naya wants to embrace Amanda — but it’s so she can get her to defend her father.

My reel also includes the scenes where Amanda confronts her grandfather, and she lets him know how she feels about the journey he put her on. It was all about him hiding what he felt was a dirty secret. Amanda did get the family she thought she always wanted but she realized she didn’t need them. Also, wrapping it up with the scene with Amanda and Michael [Baldwin; Christian Le Blanc] where we go through…putting Amanda’s grandfather on trial. She really hopes that her father is proud of her because she stood up for him. Also, there’s a scene with Bryton [James, Devon Hamilton] where Amanda talks having a family, but they might have played an integral role in getting her father killed.

Soap Hub: You must have been happy to see Ptosha nominated as well?
Mishael Morgan: I told her to submit in the Guest Performer category. I was so blown away with her work. We have to work so quickly in this medium. Even a guest actor coming in who has a long resumé [like Ptosha does] there’s something special about being on a soap. You have to sink or swim. Not everyone can do it. Ptosha came onto the set as if she’d been there a long time. She owns it…I was blown away.

Soap Hub: Now, the fun stuff. Are you looking into gowns, borrowing jewelry, and all that red carpet stuff?
Mishael Morgan: I don’t have a good answer for that [yet]. I went from getting the news to where I’ve been working at Y&R every day. I haven’t had a chance to invest in that. I envision myself in [a particular color]. It might be that color or a different one. I’m looking for that perfect dress. But I have no idea what I’m going to wear. [Laughs] It’ll be a big surprise for you and me!

Soap Hub: Are you familiar with your fellow nominees and their work?
Mishael Morgan: I am familiar with Marci Miller [Abby, Days of our Lives]. When I was nominated in the supporting category, we did a panel for SAG/AFTRA. I met her there and learned about her work. I’ve seen [her reel]. It’s phenomenal. I have seen the work of the other nominees over the years. I know their reputation and I’m honored to be nominated alongside them.

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.

For more about what’s happening on your favorite soaps, join the conversation over on our Facebook Page, check out our Twitter feed, or look for an update on our Instagram stories. See you over there!