Y&R Star Melissa Claire Egan Talks Daytime Emmy Nomination

Chelsea’s life is the pits on The Young and the Restless but her portrayer, Melissa Claire Egan, is living her best life ever. The actress is expecting her first child, a son, in August and this Friday, she’ll be at the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, as a first-time nominee in the category of Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Melissa Claire Egan’s Daytime Emmy Reel

The rollercoaster ride that Chelsea’s currently on actually began in early 2020. “I wanted to tell the story of Chelsea’s [tumultuous] year,” Egan tells Soap Hub. “It starts off with the New Year’s Eve episode [in January] where Nick [Joshua Morrow] dumps her and then, getting back together with Adam [Mark Grossman].

“She confronts Adam after he professes his love for Sharon [Sharon Case],” Egan continues. “Also, my reel includes Chelsea being kidnapped and drugged and then, confronting Adam again over that. She says she misses the sounds of a happy household.”

When Soap Hub chatted with Egan, she had yet to attend the annual Outstanding Leading Actress luncheon, which was hosted this year by last year’s winner Heather Tom (Katie, The Bold and the Beautiful). “I’m so excited,” Egan shared. “I know Jacqui [MacInnes Wood, Steffy, B&B] and I’ve been nominated in the supporting category along with Nancy [Lee Grahn, Alexis, General Hospital]. I’ve never had long conversations with any of them. I’m looking forward to hanging out and talking.”

Egan was thrilled that this year’s awards broadcast was more interactive than last year’s more virtual ceremony. “It’s so special and so cool to be here in person,” Egan said. “It’s actually very intimate and personal.”

As Y&R viewers know, Chelsea’s drama is continuing this year as she’s incarcerated in a mental hospital for her role in poisoning Rey (Jordi Vilasuso) and trying to frame Adam for her crime. Would Egan like to see Catherine Bach reprise her role as Chelsea’s mom Anita? “I love Catherine,” Egan raves. “We just had dinner not too long ago. I’d love for her to come back onto the show. She’s such a great person. I think Chelsea needs her mama right now.”

Don’t miss The 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards set to air on Friday, June 25 at 8 p.m. on CBS. The ceremony will stream on both Paramount+ and CBS.com. The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.