The 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards celebrated remarkable achievements in television on Friday in Pasadena, California, with Sir David Attenborough, at 99, breaking the record for the oldest winner and ABC’s “General Hospital” sweeping six major categories. Standout performers included Paul Telfer, Nancy Lee Grahn, Jonathan Jackson, Susan Walters, Drew Barrymore, and Kardea Brown.
Attenborough Breaks Record as Oldest Winner
Sir David Attenborough won the Daytime Emmy for daytime personality, non-daily, for hosting Netflix’s “Secret Lives of Orangutans.” At 99, he surpasses Dick Van Dyke, who claimed the previous record at 98 for his guest role on “Days of Our Lives” in 2024.
The celebrated British naturalist was unable to attend the ceremony. His career as a writer, narrator, and host has spanned eight decades, earning him worldwide recognition for documentary storytelling.
Leading Acting Honors
Paul Telfer, 45, won lead actor for his role as Xander Kiriakis on Peacock’s “Days of Our Lives,” which he joined in 2015. Telfer dedicated the win to his late mother, recalling her fondness for soap operas and villains.
Nancy Lee Grahn, a veteran of “General Hospital” since 1996, secured her third Emmy, carrying a silver clutch inscribed with “Democracy dies in silence.” She used her acceptance speech to emphasize civic engagement and human decency, encouraging the audience to “stand up” for democracy.
Supporting and Guest Acting Awards
Jonathan Jackson, portraying Lucky Spencer on “General Hospital,” won supporting actor honors, reprising a role he originated in 1993. First-time nominee Susan Walters received the supporting actress award for CBS’s “The Young and the Restless,” where she plays Diane Jenkins across three separate stints.
Alley Mills also won as guest performer for “General Hospital,” marking her second career Emmy for portraying Heather Webber. At 74, Mills reflected on resilience during challenging times and encouraged maintaining hope.
Daytime Talk and Emerging Talent Recognition
Drew Barrymore claimed her first Emmy as daytime talk series host for her New York-based show, triumphing over competitors including Kelly Clarkson, Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa, and Jennifer Hudson. “Live With Kelly and Mark” won in the daytime talk series category.
Emerging talent honors went to Lisa Yamada of CBS’s “The Bold and the Beautiful” for her portrayal of Luna Nozawa. The 23-year-old expressed overwhelming emotion at achieving her lifelong dream.
Culinary and Career Achievement Awards
Kardea Brown, host of Food Network’s “Delicious Miss Brown,” received the Emmy for culinary host, while the show also earned recognition as culinary instructional series. Brown, overcome with emotion, cited faith and determination in her acceptance.
Journalist Deborah Norville was awarded the career achievement honor, marking a career spanning three decades as anchor of “Inside Edition” before transitioning to host the game show “The Perfect Line.”
General Hospital’s Dominance
ABC’s long-running soap opera “General Hospital” led the night with six wins across major categories, highlighting the show’s enduring popularity and influence in daytime television.
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