The Young and the Restless actress Susan Walters has a soap opera career spanning over four decades. From her early days on Loving to her current role as Diane Jenkins Abbott on Y&R, she’s had quite the acting journey. Now all her hard work has paid off with a 2025 Daytime Emmy nomination.
Key Takeaways
- Susan Walters is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress at this year’s Emmys.
- This is Walters’ first nomination.
- The actress delivered a strong performance as Diane worried about Jack’s sobriety.
- Walters’ husband, Linden Ashby, is also nominated for a Daytime Emmy this year.
Diane Jenkins Abbott’s History
Walters joined Y&R in 2001 as the new Diane Jenkins, succeeding Alex Donnelley. The actress was no stranger to soap operas, previously playing Lorna Forbes on Loving from 1983 to 1986. Walters easily slid into her new role on Y&R and captured Diane’s famous vixen side.
Walters’ early years on the show consisted of Diane trying to break up Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford). However, Diane’s attempts proved futile, and the character was eventually written off in 2004.
Eighteen years after her departure, Walters reprised her role in 2022 when Diane made her shocking return from the dead. While most of Genoa City was unhappy to see her, Diane worked to redeem herself. Her journey to redemption led to a reunion with her son, Kyle (Michael Mealor), and marriage to her longtime love, Jack.
Although things have been going somewhat peacefully for Diane, her and Jack’s marriage was tested in 2024. Jack became Nikki’s (Melody Thomas Scott) sponsor when she fell off the wagon. When Nikki refused to seek help for her alcoholism, Jack resorted to drastic measures. One night, he and Nikki booked a room at the GCAC, where they drank and popped pills.
The moment was enough to prompt Nikki to seek help; however, Diane was upset by her husband’s actions. Upon learning of Jack’s actions, Diane confronted her husband. She unleashed her anger at him, risking his sobriety for Nikki, then expressed concern that this could cause him to relapse. Walters’ performance showed off Diane’s caring and protective side when it comes to her husband.
First Time Nominee
Walters has given many remarkable performances over the years, but has failed to receive any recognition. However, her work during Jack’s sobriety storyline finally earned the actress her first Daytime Emmy nomination.
The October 17th ceremony will be a big night for Walters and her husband, Linden Ashby. The actor scored another Guest Performer nomination for his role as Cameron Kirsten on Y&R. If the couple wins, then there will be plenty of celebrating in the Ashby house.
