Sir David Attenborough made history by becoming the oldest Daytime Emmy winner, surpassing Dick Van Dyke. At 99 years old, Attenborough won the Outstanding Daytime Personality, Non-Daily award for hosting Netflix’s “Secret Lives of Orangutans.” Despite his absence at the ceremony, Attenborough’s illustrious career in writing, hosting, and narrating spans over eight decades.
In the past, Van Dyke, aged 98, set a record in 2024 as the oldest actor to win a Daytime Emmy for his guest appearance in the daytime drama “Days of Our Lives.”
During the 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Paul Telfer from “Days of Our Lives” and Nancy Lee Grahn from “General Hospital” clinched the lead acting awards. “General Hospital” from ABC emerged as the big winner of the night, securing six major accolades, including Best Drama Series.
Grahn, earning her third Daytime Emmy for her role as Alexis Davis on “General Hospital” since 1996, is known for using her platform to address political issues. Carrying a silver clutch with the message, “Democracy dies in silence,” Grahn urged the audience to stand up and speak up for democracy and human decency.
The supporting acting awards went to Jonathan Jackson from “General Hospital” and first-time nominee Susan Walters from “The Young and the Restless.”
“General Hospital” also swept awards for Alley Mills as Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama, as well as for its writing and directing teams. Mills, a 74-year-old actress renowned for her role as Heather Webber and known for her part in “The Wonder Years,” emphasized the importance of maintaining positivity during challenging times.
Walters, portraying Diane Jenkins on CBS’ “The Young and the Restless,” has appeared in the role across three separate periods.
Drew Barrymore secured her first Daytime Emmy as Host of a Daytime Talk Series for her New York-based show, surpassing nominees including Kelly Clarkson, Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa, Jenna Bush Hager, Hoda Kotb, and Jennifer Hudson. “Live With Kelly and Mark” won the Daytime Talk Series award.
Lisa Yamada from CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful” received the Emerging Talent award, replacing the previous younger actor and actress categories. The 23-year-old emotional star, acclaimed for her role as Luna Nozawa, expressed her overwhelming joy at fulfilling her acting dreams.
The most exuberant winner of the night was Kardea Brown, honored as the Culinary Host for Food Network’s “Delicious Miss Brown,” now in its tenth season. The show also clinched the Culinary Instructional Series award.
Tears of joy flowed as Brown, a young Black woman from Charleston, South Carolina, expressed her disbelief and gratitude, attributing her success to faith.
Journalist Deborah Norville received the Career Achievement Award for her remarkable 30-year tenure as anchor of “Inside Edition.” She recently transitioned to hosting the game show “The Perfect Line.”