The Young and the Restless viewers know that Diane Jenkins will do what it takes to convince Kyle Abbott and Jack Abbott that she’s totally on the up and up and deserves the multiple second chances they’ve given her. For her performance, Soap Hub Performer of the Week honors for Y&R is presented to Diane’s portrayer, Susan Walters.
Diane clearly felt concerned when Jeremy Stark (James Hyde) showed up in Genoa City. Walters truly conveyed Diane’s worry through her facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. The actress had Diane spend a lot of time wringing her hands, and the tears flowed freely as her on-screen alter ego spoke with Jack (Peter Bergman). Then, her body language opened up as she cozied up with Jack when he leaned in to hug Diane.
Interestingly, Diane was marginally less scared when she took a moment to crow to Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) about how the redhead’s machinations had ended with her growing closer to Jack, which was the exact opposite of what Phyllis hoped to achieve. Again, it was the subtle change in the tone of voice and more confident body language that really sold the dialogue Susan Walters delivered as Diane during this scene.
Of course, her demeanor changed rapidly when Diane and Phyllis encountered Jeremy at Jabot. Even without Diane saying it, Phyllis should’ve been keenly aware that her nemesis was scared, and Walters accomplished that by showing a timid Diane with downward-looking eyes and closed-off body language.
Bravo, Susan Walters, on an excellent performance as Diane this week. It certainly kept us guessing as to whether or not she was telling the truth about everything. We look forward to seeing many more and to how this storyline ultimately plays out. Congratulations!
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. For an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.
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