August 2004

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

ASHLEY BASHIOUM
(Mackenzie Browning in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Ashley Bashioum joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in February 1999, left in 2002 and returned in 2004. Her other credits include the feature film "Little Big League" and, on television, "The Shield." She also appeared in the Stereofuse music video for the song "Everything." Born in Chicago, Bashioum moved to Eau Claire, Wis. before relocating to Minnesota. She lives in Los Angeles. Her birth date is Dec. 30.

• * *

LAURALEE BELL
(Christine Blair Williams in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Lauralee Bell won a Soap Opera Award from Soap Opera Digest in 1999 as Best Supporting Actress. She was born in Chicago to a show-business family. Her father, William J. Bell, is senior executive producer, head writer and co-creator of two CBS daytime dramas, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and "The Bold and the Beautiful." Her mother, Lee Phillip Bell, also a co-creator of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and "The Bold and the Beautiful," was a prominent Chicago talk-show host. Bell began her show-business career at the age of 9 when she appeared in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS as an extra during her summer school breaks. She became a full-time cast member while completing her senior year of high school in 1986. Bell has guest-starred in the primetime series "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Diagnosis Murder," both on the Network, and was the subject of a "CBS Soap Break" special. She and her husband, Scott Martin, live in Malibu, Calif., with their two children, Christian and Samantha. Her birth date is Dec. 22.

• * *

PETER BERGMAN
(Jack Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Peter Bergman joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in October 1989. He received 12 consecutive Daytime Emmy Award nominations as Outstanding Lead Actor (1990-2002) for his work in the series, winning the award in 1991, 1992 and 2002. He also won the Soap Opera Digest Award as Outstanding Lead Actor in 1992 and 1993 and the MVP Award from Soap Opera Update in 1991, 1992 and 1994. Bergman was born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. His father was in the U.S. Navy, and the family moved nine times before Bergman entered the eighth grade. Upon graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, he appeared in numerous regional theatrical productions and in several television commercials before joining the daytime drama "All My Children" in 1979, where he remained until 1989, receiving a 1983 Emmy Award nomination as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Series. Bergman guest-starred in the series "Kojak," "The Five Mrs. Buchanans" and "The Nanny," all on CBS. He starred in the PBS presentation of "Pity the Poor Soldier" and in the television movie "Woman on the Ledge." His television credits also include guest-starring roles in the films "Fantasies," "Palomino" and, on the Network, "Money, Power, Murder." Bergman's theater credits include "Love Letters" at the Canon Theater in Beverly Hills, Calif. He and his wife, Mariellen, live in Los Angeles and have two children, Connor and Clare. His birth date is June 11. LAURA BRYAN BIRN
(Lynne Bassett in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Laura Bryan Birn joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in February 1988. Her father, Jerry Birn, was a writer on the series from 1987 until his retirement in 2004. Birn attended the University of Southern California's Acting Conservatory Program, from which she received a B.F.A. degree in drama. She made her television debut in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS shortly after graduation. She has appeared in the feature film "Risky Business" and the made-for-television movies "Single Women, Married Men," "Cries Unheard" and "Shattered Dreams," all on CBS. Her theater credits include regional productions of "A Chorus Line," "Evita," "Vanities," "Crimes of the Heart" and "ER." Birn is married to business executive Mitch Sebolsky and has a son, Matthew. She was born in Chicago. Her birth date is April 3.

• * *

ERIC BRAEDEN
(Victor Newman in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Eric Braeden joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in 1980. He received Daytime Emmy nominations as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1990, 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2004. He won the award in 1998. He won the Soap Opera Update Award in 1997 as Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series and was honored as Most Popular Daytime Actor at the People's Choice Awards in 1998. He was also nominated for a Soap Opera Award as Best Lead Actor in 1999. Born Hans Gudegast in Kiel, Germany, a port city near the Baltic Sea, Braeden emigrated to the United States in 1959 and attended Santa Monica College. He was a regular in "The Rat Patrol" and has appeared in a number of other series, as well as several television movies, including "The Judge and Mrs. Wyler" and "Happily Ever After," and the Jackie Collins mini-series "Lucky." He has appeared in the feature films "Operation Eichmann," "The Ultimate Chase," "Escape from the Planet of the Apes," "Morituri" and (as John Jacob Astor) "Titanic." Braeden's theater credits include "Kean," which marked the premiere production of the Santa Monica Playhouse, and the Broadway production of "The Great Indoors." In 1989, he was chosen as the only actor on the newly formed German American Advisory Board. Braeden and his wife, Dale, live in Los Angeles. They have a son, Christian. Braeden's birth date is April 3.

• * *

TRACEY E. BREGMAN
(Lauren Fenmore in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Tracey E. Bregman portrayed Lauren Fenmore in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS from 1983 to 1995 and returned to the role in 2001. She played the same character in "The Bold and the Beautiful" from 1995 to 1998 and again in 2004. In 1985, Bregman received a Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Younger Leading Actress for her performance in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. She studied acting with Francis Lederer at American National Academy of Theater Arts and at the Lee Strasberg Institute, and began her acting career in the daytime drama "Days of Our Lives." Her other television credits include the Afterschool Special "The Girl with E.S.P." and the movies "Three on a Date" and "Sex and Mrs. X." She was a regular in "Second Family Tree" and guest-starred in the series "The Fall Guy," "Gavilan," "Fame" and "The Love Boat," as well as the Canadian series "The Littlest Hobo." Her feature film credits include "Happy Birthday to Me," "The Concrete Jungle," "The Funny Farm" and "Blue Devil," and she will soon begin work on the film "Chat Room." Bregman was born in Munich, Germany, and lived in London until the age of 10 before settling in Southern California. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Ron Recht, and two sons, Austin and Landon. Her birth date is May 29. SHARON CASE
(Sharon Collins Newman in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Sharon Case won a Daytime Emmy Award as Best Supporting Actress in 1999 for her portrayal of Sharon Collins Newman in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. She was nominated for the same award in 2000 and 2004, after being nominated as Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series in 1996 and 1997. Prior to joining the series in 1994, Case appeared in "As the World Turns," on CBS, "General Hospital," "Cheers," "Beverly Hills, 90210," "Doogie Howser, M.D" and the television movies "Valley of the Dolls" and "Breast Men." She also starred in the feature film "Diplomatic Immunities." Her regional theater credits include roles in "Grease," "The Wizard" and "The Nutcracker." Case was born in Detroit and raised in Chatsworth, Calif. She lives in Los Angeles. Her birth date is Feb. 8.

• * *

KEITH HAMILTON COBB
(Damon Porter in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Keith Hamilton Cobb joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in April 2003. He received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1995 as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work on "All My Children." He was the recipient of two Soap Opera Digest Awards and in 1995, 1996 and 2004 received NAACP Image Award nominations as Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series. Born and raised in Tarrytown, N.Y., Cobb attended the New York University Theatre School of the Arts. He also attended the Circle in the Square and the Playwrights Horizon Theatre School. He starred in the series "Andromeda." His additional television credits include appearances in "The Twilight Zone," "One on One," "Beastmaster," "Suddenly Susan," "Boston Common" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." He also starred in the feature films "Eyes Beyond Seeing" and "Astonished." Cobb's birth date is Jan. 28.

• * *

JEANNE COOPER
(Katherine Chancellor in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Emmy-nominated actress Jeanne Cooper celebrated a record 30 years in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in January 2004. As senior cast member of the show, she has garnered five Daytime Emmy nominations as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. In 1989, she received a Soap Opera Digest Award and the Soap Opera Digest Editor's Award for her portrayal of Katherine Chancellor. She was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2004 Daytime Emmy Awards. Cooper, who earned her first Emmy nomination in 1961 for an episode of "Ben Casey," received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993. Her recurring role in "L.A. Law" as the mother of Arnold Becker (her real-life son, Corbin Bernsen) won her an Emmy nomination as Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series in 1987. Cooper was born and raised in Taft, Calif. She attended the College of the Pacific and performed in the Civic Light Opera Company and Revue Theatre in Stockton before graduation from the famed Pasadena Playhouse School. Her professional career began with the film "The Redhead from Wyoming," followed by "The Man from Alamo," "There Was a Crooked Man," "The Boston Strangler," "Tony Rome," "The All-American Boy," "The Glory Guys," "Kansas City Bomber" and "Let No Man Write My Epitaph." She has starred on television in "Playhouse 90," "The Twilight Zone" and "Perry Mason," all on CBS, "The Untouchables," "Maverick" and "Bracken's World." Cooper is the mother of three children, Caren, Collin and Corbin, and the grandmother of eight. Her birth date is Oct. 25.

• * * MICHAEL DAMIAN (Danny Romalotti in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Michael Damian portrayed Danny Romalotti in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS from 1981 to 1998 and returned to the role in 2003. His other television credits include the series "The Facts of Life" and the movies "Cold Heart of a Killer," on CBS, and "Death's Handwriting." By the age of 11, he played the organ, clarinet, trombone and vibes and formed the band the Weirz with his brothers and sisters. They appeared extensively in Los Angeles clubs and released three independent albums before Damian went solo. In 1981, his recording of "She Did It" made the Billboard Top 100, leading to his appearance on "American Bandstand," where he was spotted by the producers of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, who created the role of Danny Romalotti for him. His 1989 album Where Do We Go From Here? spawned three Top 30 singles, including the Number One hit "Rock On," which went gold in the US, Canada and Japan, and "Was It Nothing At All" which earned him a BMI Songwriting Award. In addition to singing on Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Best of Broadway Collection, Damian has released eight albums and has had eight top 40 hits. In 1993, he starred in the Los Angeles production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." He later played the role on Broadway. Damian has directed music videos for groups such as Louie Aqua Verde, Jade's Release and MCT. Born and raised in San Diego, Calif., Damian lives with his wife, Janeen, in Los Angeles. His birth date is April 26.

• * *

DOUG DAVIDSON
(Paul Williams in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Doug Davidson joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in May 1978. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2003 as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He was awarded the 1997 Soap Opera Award as Best Supporting Actor and received Soap Opera Awards as Outstanding Hero in 1991 and 1992. From 1998 to 2003, Davidson hosted the Tournament of Roses Parade on CBS. He was also the host of the syndicated version of the game show "The Price Is Right." He co-starred in the Judith Krantz mini-series "I'll Take Manhattan" and the movie "The Initiation of Sarah," and guest-starred in the series "Diagnosis Murder," all on the Network. He co-starred in the feature film "Mr. Write" and appeared in "Don't Stop Now" and "Fraternity Row." He and his wife, actress Cindy Fisher, have two children, Calyssa and Caden. His birth date is Oct. 24.

• * *

EILEEN DAVIDSON
(Ashley Abbott Carlton in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Eileen Davidson originated the role of Ashley Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in 1982. She left the show in 1989 and returned in 1999. Davidson was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2003, and was nominated for a Soap Opera Award for Favorite Return in 1999. In 1998, she made daytime television history by portraying five characters at one time in "Days of Our Lives," and was honored with a Daytime Emmy nomination as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performances. She had previously appeared in the daytime drama "Santa Barbara," and has also starred in the primetime series "Broken Badges," on CBS, and the television movie "Sharing Richard," also on the network. Her feature film credits include "Eternity," "Easy Wheels" and "The House on Sorority Row." Born in Arkesia, Calif., she lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Vincent Van Patten, their son, Jesse, and her two stepsons, Duke and Vinny. Her birth date is June 15.

DON DIAMONT
(Brad Carlton in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Don Diamont rejoined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in June of 1998 in the role of Brad Carlton. He previously portrayed the character from 1984 to 1995, during which time he was the first daytime actor to be chosen by People magazine for its "50 Most Beautiful" Issue. He previously appeared in "Days of Our Lives," for which he was voted Best Newcomer by Daytime TV. In 1984, he joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Diamont had the starring role in the feature film "Marco Polo" and also appeared in "A Low Down Dirty Shame" and "Anger Management." He has guest-starred in numerous primetime series and co-starred in the television movies "Country Justice," on CBS, and "Loyal Opposition." A native New Yorker, Diamont grew up in Los Angeles. He has six sons. His birth date is Dec. 31.

• * *

JERRY DOUGLAS
(John Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Jerry Douglas joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in March 1982. Born and raised in Chelsea, Mass., he won a football scholarship to Brandeis University, from which he graduated with a B.S. degree in economics. He then studied with coach, Uta Hagen, in New York and Jeff Corey in Los Angeles. Douglas has appeared in numerous television series, including "The Rockford Files," "Police Story," "The Streets of San Francisco," "Hill Street Blues," "Hunter," "Night Watch," "Melrose Place" and, on CBS, "House Calls." He has appeared in many television commercials and has been the national spokesperson for Cadillac and Whirlpool. His feature film credits include "Avalanche," "Looker," "Mommie Dearest" and "JFK." He is also a screenwriter and develops projects through his production company, Jovra Films. Douglas, his wife, Kym, and their son, Hunter, live in Encino, Calif. He has two grown children, Jod and Avra, from a previous marriage. His birth date is Nov. 12.

• * *

JOHN ENOS
(Bobby Marsino in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

John Enos joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in April 2003. Born and raised in Boston, Enos attended Bentley and Salem State universities. He has appeared in numerous feature films, including "Phone Booth," "The Kings of Brooklyn," "Love Thy Neighbor," "Redemption of the Ghost," "Dead Sexy," "Point Doom," "Stealth Fighter," "Flawless," "Me and Will," "A Place Called Truth," "Blade," "Nowhere," "Bullet," "Dead of Night," "Raven Hawk," "Miami Hustle," "The Rock," "F.T.W.," "Till the End of the Night," "Unveiled," "Demolition Man," "Out Of Control" and "Death Becomes Her." He starred in the series "Melrose Place" and also appeared in "NYPD Blue," "Sex and the City," "Rude Awakening," "The Red Shoe Diaries," and, on CBS, "Murder, She Wrote." His birth date is June 12.

• * *

MICHAEL GRAZIADEI
(Daniel Romalotti in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Michael Graziadei joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in May 2004. He made his stage debut at the age of 5 in a production of "The King and I," and has also appeared in productions of "The Servant of Two Masters" and "History of the Devil." Graziadei's television credits include guest-starring roles in "Grounded for Life" and, on CBS, "NCIS." He has appeared in numerous national commercials, including spots for Chevrolet and Jeep, and also did voice-over work for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Graziadei was born in Germany and lives in Los Angeles. His birth date is Sept. 22.

• * *

CAMRYN GRIMES
(Cassidy "Cassie" Turner Newman in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Camryn Grimes joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in March 1997. She was nominated for a Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series in 1998 and 1999 and won the award in 2000. In 1998, she was nominated for a Young Artist Award as Outstanding Younger Artist in a Daytime Drama. Her television credits include the film "Sharing the Secret" and the series "JAG," both on CBS, and the documentary "Letters to the President." Her feature film roles include a leading role in "Swordfish." Grimes was born in Studio City, Calif., and lives in Los Angeles, where she is starting high school. Her birth date is Jan. 7.

• * *

CHRISTEL KHALIL
(Lily Winters in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Christel Khalil joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in July 2002. She was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series in 2004. In 2003 and 2004, she was nominated for a Young Artists Award for Best Performance in a TV Series. Her feature film credits include a starring role in "White Like the Moon" and supporting roles in "Interview with the Assassin," "Milo the Kid," "Matilda" and "Dragon Fury." Khalil was born and raised in Los Angeles. Her birth date is Nov. 30.

• * *

DAVID LAGO
(Raul Guittierez in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

David Lago joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in July 1999. He received Daytime Emmy nominations as Outstanding Younger Actor in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004. He starred in the series "Hollywood Safari" and appeared on the series "7th Heaven," "Pacific Blue," "Chicken Soup for the Soul," "Dangerous Minds," "Step by Step" and "Kiddazzle" and in the television movie "Past Perfect." Lago starred in the feature film "Young Hollywood" and had supporting roles in "Hollywood Horror" and "A Couple of Days' Nights." Lago was born and raised in Downey, Calif. His birth date is Jan. 18.

• * *

CHRISTIAN JULES LeBLANC
(Michael Baldwin in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Christian Jules LeBlanc resumed the part of Michael Baldwin in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in April 1997. He had previously played the role from 1991 to 1993. LeBlanc was nominated for a Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Supporting Actor in 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2004. Born in Fayetteville, N.C., he graduated with honors from Tulane University, where he majored in Roman history and pre-med, but opted to pursue an acting career after he was offered a role in the PBS television series "Edit Point," He has appeared in "Cheers," "Gabriel's Fire" and "Perry Mason," and was a regular in "In the Heat of the Night" and "As The World Turns," both on CBS. Onstage, LeBlanc has appeared in "Ladies in Retirement" and "No Orchids for Miss Blandish." His first short film "Puppy Love," was named Best Short American Film at the Los Angeles International Short Film Awards in April 2001. His birth date is Aug. 25.

• * *

KATE LINDER
(Esther Valentine in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Kate Linder joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in April 1982. A native of Pasadena, Calif., she attended San Francisco State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in theater arts. She appeared in numerous theatrical productions in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, including "Promises, Promises," "The Threepenny Opera," "Li'l Abner" and "Jesus Christ Superstar." Her other credits include the television series "Archie Bunker's Place," on CBS, "Bay City Blues" and "Dream Girl" and the feature film "Rocky III." Linder is active with the Make-a-Wish foundation and LA Shanti, among other charities, and has visited troops on USO tours to Afghanistan, Pakistan and South Korea, in addition to military bases in the United States. She is a founding member of TV Cares, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences AIDS awareness and fundraising arm. She also works as a United Airlines flight attendant, flying mostly on weekends. Linder lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Richard. Her birth date is Nov. 2.

• * *

THAD LUCKINBILL
(J. T. Hellstrom in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Thad Luckinbill joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in November 2000. Born and raised in Enid, Okla., he attended the University of Oklahoma, where he majored in business finance. He has guest-starred in several primetime series, including "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Providence," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "Nash Bridges," on CBS, and a five-episode arc in "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter." Luckinbill also starred in the MTV documentary "True Life" and appeared in Madonna's video for "Don't Tell Me." He currently appears in the feature film "Sleepover." His birth date is April 24.

• * *

JOHN MARTIN
(Frederick Hodges in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

John Martin joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in 2002. Born in Turlock, Calif., he earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Florida. His television credits include guest-starring roles in "Pacific Palisades," "7th Heaven," "F.B.I.: The Untold Stories," "Three's Company," "T. J. Hooker," "Lottery," "Columbo," "American Playhouse," "The Love Boat" and, on CBS "Archie Bunker's Place" and "Emerald Point N.A.S." Martin previously starred in the daytime drama series "One Life to Live," "Sunset Beach," "Days of Our Lives" and "General Hospital." He has starred in numerous television movies including "Stalking Back: The Anello Family" and "Praying Mantis." His feature film credits include "El Norte," "Black Roses" and "Fire in the Night." In addition to acting, Martin operates his own investment consulting firm. His birth date is July 21.

• * *

JOSHUA MORROW
(Nicholas Newman in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Joshua Morrow joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in 1994. In 1996, he won a Soap Opera Digest Award as Outstanding Younger Lead Actor and he has also been nominated for five consecutive Emmy Awards. His theater credits include local productions of "Ordinary People" and "Picnic" and lead roles in college productions of "The Rainmaker," "Road to Ruin" and "Staring into the Abyss." In April 1994, Morrow auditioned for "The Bold and the Beautiful" and was later cast in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. He also starred in the movie "My Stepson, My Lover." Born in Juneau, Alaska, and raised in Oklahoma and New Mexico, Morrow lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Tobe, and their son, Cooper. His birth date is Feb. 8.

• * *

GREG RIKAART
(Kevin Fisher in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Greg Rikaart joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in 2003. His other television credits include, "As If," "Grounded for Life," "That's Life," "Gilmore Girls," "Strong Medicine" and "Dawson's Creek." He has also appeared in the feature films "X-Men 2" and "Prey for Rock And Roll." Rikaart grew up in Staten Island, N.Y. He graduated with honors from Villanova University. While in college, he spent a semester in Washington, D.C. as a congressional intern. His birth date is Feb. 26.

• * *

VICTORIA ROWELL
(Drucilla Winters in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Victoria Rowell returned to the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in July 2002 in the role of Drucilla Winters, a role she previously played from March 1990 to August 2000. Nominated for several Daytime Emmys, she has been honored with nine NAACP Image Awards she has also received the first National Arts Award from the National Association of Counties and the United Nations Association Award in recognition of her contributions in educating and supporting foster children and her work for human rights and world peace. Under the auspices of the Ford Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, Rowell received a full scholarship at the age of 8 to the Cambridge School of Ballet in Massachusetts. At 16, she won scholarships to both the School of American Ballet and the American Ballet Theater. After dancing professionally with the American Ballet Theater II Company, Ballet Hispanico of New York, Twyla Tharp Workshop and the Juilliard School of Music Dance Extension Program, Rowell pursued a modeling career before auditioning for her first television role. She has made guest appearances in numerous television programs and feature films and co-starred in "Diagnosis Murder," on CBS. In 1990, Rowell founded the Rowell Foster Children's Positive Plan, which sponsors foster children to study fine arts and attend sports camps. Born in Portland, Maine, Rowell was raised in foster care for 18 years. She lives in Los Angeles and has two children, Maya and Jasper. Her birth date is May 10.

• * *

KRISTOFF ST. JOHN
(Neil Winters in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

For his role in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Kristoff St. John won a 1992 Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 1993, 1999 and 2000. He also received a Daytime Emmy nomination as Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role in "Generations" in 1990 and 1991. St. John won the NAACP Image Award as Best Actor in a Daytime Drama in 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003 and 2004. He has been nominated for the Image award 10 times. St. John's first television appearance came at the age of 7 in "That's My Mama," and he has been a regular in three primetime series, "The Bad News Bears" and "Charlie & Company," both on CBS, and "The San Pedro Beach Bums." His other television credits include "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper," "Suddenly Susan," "Arliss," "The Jamie Foxx Show," "Get Real," "Pensacola: Wings of Gold," "Martin," "Living Single," "For Your Love," "The Cosby Show" and, on the Network, "Diagnosis Murder." His feature film credits include "The Champ," "Top of the Heap," "Avatarmania" and "Pandora's Box." He produced and hosted a "CBS Soap Break" special, and has also written, produced, directed and hosted two installments of a behind-the-scenes video series titled "Backstage Pass to the Daytime Emmys." St. John was born in New York and lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Allana, and his three children, Julian, Paris and Lola. His birth date is July 15.

• * *

MELODY THOMAS SCOTT
(Nikki Newman in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Melody Thomas Scott recently celebrated 25 years in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS as Nikki Newman, having joined the cast in February 1979. She received a Daytime Emmy nomination as Outstanding Lead Actress in 1999, and she won a Soap Opera Digest Award in the same category in 2001. She has also won four Soap Opera Update Awards as Outstanding Lead Actress (1992, 1993,1995 and 1996). Scott appeared in her first film, Alfred Hitchcock's "Marnie," when she was?8. Her other feature film credits include "Dirty Harry," "The Beguiled," "Posse," "The Fury" and "The Shootist." Her television credits include the series "Charlie's Angels," "Hotel" and "The Rockford Files," "Wagon Train," "Ironside" and, on CBS, "The Waltons" and "My Three Sons;" the miniseries "Studs Lonigan" and "Moviola: The Scarlett O'Hara War;" and the movie "Secrets." She has appeared as herself in "The Nanny," "Diagnosis: Murder" and "The King of Queens," all on the Network. She was the subject of Lifetime Television's "Intimate Portrait." On stage, Scott starred in Los Angeles productions of "The Vagina Monologues," "Talking With..." and "Love Letters." A Los Angeles native, she attended the University of Southern California as a piano major. She has been married since 1985 to Edward Scott, supervising producer of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. They have three daughters, Jennifer, Alexandra and Elizabeth. Scott's birth date is April?18.

• * *

ASIA RAY SMITH
(Sierra in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Asia Ray Smith was born in Kaimuki, Hawaii. Her father, Jack Smith, is Co-Executive Producer and Co-Head Writer of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, in which she debuted in 2003. While growing up in Hawaii, she modeled for numerous catalogues. At the age of 13, she relocated to the mainland with her family. She has appeared in stage productions of "Fiddler on the Roof, "Guys and Dolls," "Hunk," "There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom," and "Falling Up." Smith attends high school in Los Angeles and plans to study drama in college. Her birth date is Dec. 2.

• * *

MICHELLE STAFFORD
(Phyllis Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Michelle Stafford played Phyllis Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS from 1994 through 1997, returning to the role in 2000. She won a Daytime Emmy Award as Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1997. In 2003 she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy as Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and won the award in 2004. She also won three consecutive Soap Opera Digest Awards. Stafford's feature film credits include "Double Jeopardy" and "Vampires Anonymous." Her numerous television credits include a starring role in "Pacific Palisades" and appearances in "Strong Medicine," "Frasier" and, on CBS, "JAG," "Diagnosis Murder" and "Judging Amy." Her theater credits include a Los Angeles production of "The Heartbeats in Waltz Time" and "Savage in Limbo." She is a hockey correspondent on "The Best Damn Sports Show Period." Stafford was born in Chicago and raised in Montrose, Calif. She lives in Los Angeles. Her birth date is Sept. 14.

• * *

JOAN VAN ARK
(Gloria Fisher in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Joan Van Ark joined THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in April 2004. Best known for her role as Valene Ewing in "Dallas" and its spin-off, "Knots Landing," both on CBS, Van Ark played the role for 15 years, earning six nominations and two Soap Opera Digest Awards for Best Actress. Her other television credits include lead roles in "Temperatures Rising" and, on CBS, "We've Got Each Other" and appearances in "The Nanny," "Touched by an Angel" and "Cybill," all on the Network. Her extensive theater background includes the Broadway production of "Barefoot in the Park," directed by Mike Nichols; a Tony nomination for her performance in "The School of Wives," and a Theater World Award for "The Rules of the Game." She starred in New York productions of "The Exonerated" and "Three Tall Women," in the West Coast production of the "Vagina Monologues," and in the world premiere of Tennessee Williams' "Five by Tenn" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Van Ark has also appeared in Williams' "Camino Real" at The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C. Her feature film credits include "Net Games," "Icemaker," "Held for Ransom" and "Up Michigan." She has directed a short documentary on homelessness and domestic violence which was nominated for an Emmy. She was nominated for a Humanitas Award for her direction of an Afterschool Special, "Boys Will Be Boys." Lifetime Television recently honored her with a one-hour "Intimate Portrait." Her birth date is June 16.

• * *

SUSAN WALTERS
(Diane Jenkins in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Susan Walters joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in November 2001. She began her career in the daytime drama series "Loving," where she met her husband, actor Linden Ashby (Cameron Kirsten in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS). She starred in the series "Hotel" and "The Big Easy" and as Priscilla Presley in the mini-series "Elvis and Me." Her other series credits include "Dear John," "Melrose Place," "Seinfeld," "Spy Games," "Carnivàle," "Summerland" and, on CBS, "Family Law," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and "JAG." Walters starred in the television movies "I Married a Monster," "Texas Justice," "The Brooklyn Contessa," "In the Line of Duty: A Cop for the Killing," "Two Came Back," "Horse Sense," "Jumping Ship," "Where the Truth Lies" and "The War Next Door." She also appeared in the feature film "Defending Your Life." Walters was born in Maryland and raised in Atlanta. She and Ashby have two daughters, Grace and Savannah. Her birth date is Sept. 28. JESS WALTON
(Jill Foster Abbott in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Jess Walton joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in June 1987. She won a Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1997 and was nominated for Emmys in that category in 1996 and 2000. She received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1990 as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and won the award in 1991. Her additional honors include a 1993 Soap Opera Award as Outstanding Lead Actress and a nomination for the same award in 1999. Her television credits include the primetime series "The Rockford Files," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "The Six Million Dollar Man," "The Streets of San Francisco," "Ironside," "Starsky and Hutch" and, on CBS "Cannon," "Barnaby Jones" and "Kojak"; the daytime drama "Capitol," on the Network; and the movies "Montserrat," "You'll Never See Me Again," "The Storm," "Diary of a Madman" and "Mod Squad II." Her theater credits include "Uncle Vanya" and "The Right Honorable Gentleman." Walton was born in Grand Rapids, Mich. and grew up in Toronto. She and her husband, John W. James, live in Los Angeles with a son, Cole, and a daughter, Allison. Walton's birth date is Feb. 18.

• * *

PATTY WEAVER
(Gina Roma in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Patty Weaver joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in 1982. Her television career began with appearances in the series "Maude" and "All in the Family," both on CBS. She also appeared in "Days of Our Lives" for nine years. Before launching her acting career, Weaver formed the rock 'n' roll band the Loved Ones. She continues her singing career and has recorded several albums. On the nightclub circuit, she has opened for Bob Newhart, Don Rickles, Jerry Lewis and George Burns in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Born in Clarksburg, W. Va., and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Weaver lives in Southern California. She is married to former THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS writer Jerry Birn. Her birth date is Sept. 23.

• * *

TONYA LEE WILLIAMS
(Dr. Olivia Winters in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Tonya Lee Williams joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in May 1990. She received Daytime Emmy nominations as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama in 1996 and 2000 and won an NAACP Image Award as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama in 2000 and 2002. Williams graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto, a school specializing in theater arts. Her television credits include "Generations," "Hill Street Blues," "Matlock," "Gimme a Break," "Silk Stalkings," "The Liberators" and, on CBS, "Falcon Crest" and "A Very Brady Christmas." She has appeared in the feature films "Spaced Invaders" and "Hearts of Fire." In 2002, Williams founded the non-profit organizations ReelWorld Film Festival and ReelWorld Foundation, which help create more opportunity for artists of color in the Canadian entertainment industry. She is also president of Wilbo Entertainment, a Toronto-based production company, and operates the Publicity Group in Toronto. Williams was born in London and has lived in Jamaica. She currently lives in Los Angeles. Her birth date is July 17.

• * *

LAUREN WOODLAND
(Brittany Hodges in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS)

Lauren Woodland joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS in March 2000. She was nominated for a Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series in 2004. After studying musical theater at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, she transferred to the University of Southern California, where she majored in history and minored in religion. She has also completed a summer program in Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Woodland was a series regular in "The Dom Deluise Show" and "Alien Nation," for which she received a Youth in Film nomination as Best Young Actress in a Supporting Role in a Television Series. Her other television credits include the primetime series "L.A. Law," "Quantum Leap," "Brotherly Love," "Encore! Encore!," and, on CBS, "Brooklyn Bridge"; the daytime dramas "Port Charles" and "Sunset Beach"; and the movies "Teenage Confidential," "Willing to Kill," "The Last to Go," "When You Remember Me," "Family of Spies" and "An Enemy Among Us." Woodland was born in Carson City, Nev. and raised in Los Angeles, where she lives. Her birth date is Oct. 28. * * *