4,351-plus episodes (1980–present)

Abandonment in childhood led to Victor’s powerful, uncompromising drive, ultimately building Newman Enterprises into a massive corporate empire. His personal life has been a cycle of passionate, turbulent relationships, primarily with his great love Nikki Reed, and fierce competition with Jack Abbott.

Daytime Emmy win: Lead Actor (1998)

3,952 episodes (1980–2023)

After beginning his tenure on Y&R as a young man who inadvertently infected his girlfriend with an STD, Paul transitioned into his career as a private investigator. Though he maintained a quiet, moral demeanor, his personal life was turbulent, marked by the murder of one love and a failed marriage to Christine Blair.

Daytime Emmy win: Lead Actor (2013)

3,946-plus episodes (1989–present)

The authoritative patriarch of the Abbott family, Jack began as a reckless playboy who used women like Jill Foster and Patty Williams to further his corporate ambitions at Jabot Cosmetics. His narrative is defined by his rivalry with Victor Newman, which frequently entwines their respective families.

Daytime Emmy wins: Lead Actor (1991, 1992, 2002)

3,870-plus episodes (1994–present)

As the privileged but rebellious son of Victor and Nikki Newman, Nicholas “Nick” has repeatedly endured personal tragedies — including the early rape of his wife Sharon Collins and the devastating death of their daughter Cassie. His central identity remains defined by his complicated love for her and his volatile, competitive relationship with his powerful father.

Daytime Emmy nominations: Younger Actor (1996-2000)

3,642-plus episodes (1979–present)

After an abusive childhood, Nikki arrived in Genoa City as a teenage stripper who quickly captured the attention of business tycoon Victor Newman. Her dramatic history is defined by multiple marriages to Victor and Jack Abbott, battles with alcoholism and addiction, and numerous near-death experiences.

Daytime Emmy win: Lifetime Achievement Award (2024)

3,441-plus episodes (1994–present)

Originally an outcast high school student, Sharon eventually married her high school sweetheart, billionaire Nicholas Newman, which began a decades-long cycle of dramatic affairs and personal crises. Despite her marriage ultimately collapsing after the tragic death of Cassie and Nick’s affair with Phyllis Summers, Sharon remains intrinsically tied to the Newman family.

Daytime Emmy win: Supporting Actress (1999)

2,650-plus episodes (2005–present)

The intensely driven daughter of Victor and Nikki Newman, Victoria spent her early years attempting to reunite her powerful parents. Despite finding career success in her father’s company, her relationships with men like Ryan McNeil, Cole Howard, and stalker Gary Dawson were consistently fraught with parental interference, secret marriages, and tragic losses.

Daytime Emmy wins: Supporting Actress (2014, 2015)

2,603-plus episodes (1982–present)

Originally serving as the ever-loyal maid to Katherine Chancellor, Esther’s life was defined by her devotion to her employer and her dramatic attempt to connect with her estranged daughter, Chloe Mitchell. Upon Katherine’s death, she was rewarded for her loyalty by inheriting a fortune and co-ownership of the Chancellor Estate.

Daytime Emmy nominations: None

2,480-plus episodes (1994–present)

Ruthless schemer Phyllis first arrived in Genoa City as the obsessed fan of rock star Danny Romalotti, using a lie about being pregnant to break up his marriage. Despite her volatile personal life, marked by divorces from Danny and Jack Abbott and numerous feuds, she is an incredibly devoted mother to her children and has found success as a savvy businesswoman.

Daytime Emmy wins: Lead Actress (2004, 2024), Supporting Actress (1997)

2,428 episodes (1991–present)

Beginning as a predatory lawyer, Michael was stripped of his license and eventually imprisoned after sexually harassing, attempting to rape, and shooting his colleague Christine Blair. Upon his return to Genoa City, he convinced Christine of his change of heart to regain his license, yet he never shed his manipulative tendencies, culminating in a bitter love triangle with Christine and Paul Williams.

Daytime Emmy wins: Lead Actor (2005, 2007, 2009)

2,143-plus episodes (1983–present)

Beginning as a chemist at her father’s company, Jabot Cosmetics, Ashley was secretly the biological daughter of Brent Davis, a reveal that caused a traumatic amnesia that thrust her into the path of Victor Newman. Though intelligent and successful in business, her personal life was fraught with tragedy, including a painful abortion, the murder of her husband Steven Lassiter, and being repeatedly entangled in dangerous relationships.

Daytime Emmy wins: Lead Actress for Days of Our Lives (2014); Lead Actress for The Young and the Restless (2018)

1,952 episodes (1991–2024)

Rising through the ranks at Jabot Cosmetics, Neil established himself as a dedicated family man in Genoa City, despite his recurrent struggles with alcoholism. A dramatic early love triangle resulted in his brother being the biological father of his daughter, Lily, a classic soap opera trope.

Daytime Emmy wins: Supporting Actor (2008), Younger Actor (1992)

1,944-plus episodes (1987–present)

Starting as a young manicurist with aspirations of a glamorous life, Jill’s complex relationship with the wealthy Katherine Chancellor and her husband, Phillip, made her a central figure on Y&R. Her affair with Phillip led to a marriage on his deathbed and cemented a legendary feud with Katherine, who saw Jill as the woman who destroyed her life.

Daytime Emmy wins: Lead Actress (1997), Supporting Actress (1991)

1,872-plus episodes (2002–present)

Raised in the prominent Winters family, Lily returned to Genoa City as a rebellious teen and endured a shocking period of trauma, including statutory rape by an older online predator and a tumultuous relationship with Daniel Romalotti that ended in a teenage marriage. Despite these early struggles, she matured into a determined woman, even finding career success as a model.