2006 Daytime Emmys: Leading Female

Nominees and episodes

Crystal Chappel, GL
Olivia tells Buzz about her rape
ITL: Olivia and Jeffrey confront their mutual past

Jeanne Cooper, YR
Katherine fires Jack; says goodbye to MacKenzie
Katherine says goodbye to John on his deathbed

Michelle Stafford, YR
Phyllis with Nick; later fighting with Jack, then Sharon
Phyllis and Jack in the elevator during ice storm

Maura West, ATWT
Jack and Carly breakup
Carly's hopes for a reunion are dashed

Kim Zimmer, GL
Reva rejects going to cancer support group
Jonathan donates bone marrow to Reva


Crystal Chappel's tape makes me realize why I love her character "Olivia" so much. These episodes are packed with emotions and make her a frontrunner.

Jeanne Cooper is a supporting actress and not a lead. She should not be in this category!!! (Though there is some buzz about how she is an "overdue veteran"—bah!)

Michelle Stafford is once again victim of bad tape selection. Her first episode is a bad pick. The elevator was not good story, but shows great acting by Stafford.

Maura West just WOWS 'em with this episode. Her only issue might be that the two tapes are very similar. However, one's heart breaks along with Carly when she is there in her wedding dress and her hoped for reunion does not come to fruition. And it is her anger after that heartbreak that make you applaud this tape.

Kim Zimmer had a great year with the Reva cancer storyline. However, her reel is not as good as Chappel's or West's reels, though she is awfully close. She also has her statement last year of taking herself out of the running (and obviously NOT doing that) which might work against her with voters.


This category is hard to pick a winner. I really think West is best, but wonder how much that is jaded by my love of "Carly" and her portrayer. Both West and Chappel play that "heartbreak" card which I think always works with Emmy voters. If they can start to feel your pain and empathize with your character, they think you have what it takes.
Another issue is the Inside the Light factor. These Guiding Light episodes give an actor the opportunity to really flesh out a character, their emotions as well as their story, in one episode. I initially thought their length would work against the nominees. However, ITL makes for better storyline and will probably pay off for one or two actors come Friday.




Who will win: Crystal Chappel

Who should win: West or Chappel

I would vote for: Maura West

Don't count out: Kim Zimmer