The Young and the Restless

The Young and the Restless News: Amelia Heinle Celebrates 15 Years as Victoria

Published by

Michael Maloney

4 years ago

Amelia Heinle The Young and the Restless

Time flies when you’re having fun and playing out on-screen angst on The Young and the Restless. It may be hard to believe but Amelia Heinle is celebrating 15 years as Victoria Newman!

Congratulations, Amelia Heinle

Soaps In Depth reports that the actress almost walked out on the audition for Victor (Eric Braeden) and Nikki’s (Melody Thomas Scott) firstborn. “I was a little overwhelmed when I came in to test for the role,” Heinle told Soaps In Depth. “There were about seven other girls who were there auditioning, and I would have to test with a lot of actors.

“I was the last person to test, and I had all these people coming in and telling me, ‘I really want you to get it. This is how you should play it.’ So I was waiting around, getting nervous, and finally, I was like, ‘Aaah, get me out of here! I can’t do this!'”

The show’s then-casting director, Marnie Saitta, may have anticipated Heinle’s jitters as she showed up to her dressing room with a basket of goodies. “[Marnie] was like, ‘Snack?’” Heinle laughs. “I was like, ‘Oh, my God, she knew I was going to leave!’ She could tell that I was a flight risk!”

Amelia Heinle decided to stay and ended up winning the role, as well as two Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work as Victoria. In addition to meeting Thad Luckinbill (ex-J.T.) whom she married and shares two children with, Heinle adores working with her YR castmates.

“I love playing the daughter to Eric and Melody,” Heinle says. “I love working with them, and I love the Newman family! There is a special connection that the Newmans have with each other. I can’t imagine being outside that. Some other characters are awesome and badass, like Phyllis (Michelle Stafford).

“But I really love our family. I knew this was going to be an important role — it’s always been an honor to have it and hold it for this long. I wouldn’t change it for the world!” The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.