Young & Restless Exclusive: Melissa Claire Egan Shares a Pregnancy Update — and Breaks Down the Pivotal Chelsea Episode That Left Her Hoping ‘Not to Let Anybody Down and Get Fired’
Friday, June 25th, 2021
If the Emmy nominee was glowing as she walked the red carpet — and she was — it was because “I have a lot of makeup on,” joked the mom-to-be.
There was something different about Melissa Claire Egan as she made her way down the Daytime Emmys red carpet ahead of Friday’s broadcast (airing on CBS at 8/7c). Was it how lovely she looked? No, she’s always a knockout. Was it the stylish sheath that the Young & Restless nominee wore? Nah, she tends to be as fashionable as Chelsea. Ah, yes, we know what it was!
“It’s a new accessory,” she told Soaps.com’s Kristyn Burtt, patting her tummy. “In 15 years of [going to the] Emmys, I’ve never had to find a dress to cover my bump!”
More: All-time most memorable Daytime Emmy acceptance speeches [PHOTOS]
As challenges go, that was about as delightful as they come. And, as she and husband Matt Katrosar were counting down to their baby boy’s arrival at the end of August, Egan couldn’t help but recall that “the road to get here was really rough, but once I was [pregnant], it’s been a breeze, knock on wood.
“I really had a very easy pregnancy,” she added. No weird cravings, no morning sickness — nothing.
Trickier was the epic scene in which Chelsea confessed to poisoning Rey in so maniacal a fashion that she deliberately got herself committed to a mental institution. (If it doesn’t earn Egan another Emmy nomination in 2022, we’ll eat our hat!) “It was probably the most dialogue I ever had in one day in 15 years of doing soaps,” she admitted. To be sure that she gave the kind of performance that wowed even Eric Braeden (Victor), “I just studied a lot sooner [than I normally would], and then you just kinda go for it.
“We get one take on soaps, so it was all one take,” she continued. “I think one scene was like a five-page monologue. [In the end,] you just hope not not let anybody down and get fired.”
As you while away the hours until the Emmys get underway this evening, stop off at the below photo gallery to review some of the most memorable outfits ever worn to the ceremony — including a few showstoppers from 2021.
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Image: John Paschal/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Vanessa Marcil. <strong>When:</strong> In 2004, just a year after she was named Outstanding Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Brenda on <em>General Hospital</em>. <strong>Why:</strong> C’mon, are your eyes open — <em>and</em> functioning? That barely-there dress — and the confidence with which it was worn — ushered in VMar’s JLo moment. </p>
Image: Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images (3)
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Kim Zimmer. <strong>When:</strong> In 1985, as the soap-hopper made her first trip to the winner’s circle for her work as <em>Guiding Light</em> firebrand Reva. <strong>Why:</strong> Zimmer knew that with a ’do that awesomely wild — eat your heart out, Cyndi Lauper! — she could get away with an understated dress. She wouldn’t even need shoes, for that matter.</p>
Image: CBS
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Brytni Sarpy. <strong>When:</strong> In 2021, the year that Elena’s feelings for Devon and Nate on <em>The Young and the Restless</em> left her feeling like the rope in a tug-of-war. <strong>Why:</strong> The actress was so gorgeous in that shimmering, structural gown, it was a wonder anyone even looked at those shiny statuettes being handed out.</p>
Image: Jennifer Graylock/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Deidre Hall. <strong>When:</strong> In 2005, the year that she and <em>Days of Our Lives</em> leading man Drake Hogestyn (John to her Marlena) won… well, not an Emmy but at least a <em>Soap Opera Digest Award</em> for Favorite Couple. <strong>Why:</strong> If ever we needed a reminder that inside of every Marlena, there’s a little bit of Hattie, this is it!</p>
Image: John Paschal/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Susan Lucci and Liza Huber. <strong>When:</strong> In 2004, during Mom’s legendary run as Erica on <em>All My Children</em> and her older child’s stint as Gwen on <em>Passions</em>. <strong>Why:</strong> The duo don’t just look gorgeous in their gowns, they look like they’re having a great time heading out on stage together as presenters.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Stacy Haiduk. <strong>When:</strong> In 2009, the year that she should’ve been a nominee for her stunning work as <em>The Young and the Restless</em>’ poor, loco Patty and her lookalike shrink, Emily. <strong>Why:</strong> Only the actress who went on to play Kristen and Susan on <em>Days of Our Lives</em> could bring as her date Patty’s fluffy confidant, Mr. Kitty, and make it work purr-fectly.</p>
Image: Aaron Montgomery/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Sharon Case. <strong>When:</strong> In 2003, four years after the soap vet (who’d already appeared on <em>General Hospital</em> and <em>As the World Turns</em>) earned an Outstanding Supporting Actress statuette for her star turn as Sharon on <em>The Young and the Restless</em>. <strong>Why:</strong> For rocking a variation on the little black dress in a dazzling way.</p>
Image: CBS
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Kelly Thiebaud. <strong>When:</strong> The year that <em>General Hospital</em> swapped JaSam for Britton — in other words, 2021. <strong>Why:</strong> Green means go — or in this case, “You go, girl — that dress is nine kindsa slammin’!”</p>
Image: Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes. <strong>When:</strong> In 1975, a year after the <em>Days of Our Lives</em> supercouple, who play Doug and Julie, tied the knot off screen. <strong>Why: </strong>Since the awards were handed out that year on the <em>SS Dayliner</em>, the marrieds — old pros at making a splash — went full-on <em>Gilligan’s Island</em> with their attire.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Jacqueline MacInnes Wood. <strong>When:</strong> In 2011, eight years before her Emmy party favor would be a golden girl for the way she utterly <em>owns</em> the role of Steffy on <em>The Bold and the Beautiful</em>. <strong>Why:</strong> Oh, please. How many dresses look as badass going as they do coming the way that this one does?</p>
Image: Getty Images
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Mishael Morgan. <strong>When:</strong> In 2022, just before she exited her <em>Young & Restless</em> role of Amanda after making history as the Daytime Emmys’ first Black Lead Actress winner. <strong>Why:</strong> Although the MVP was on <em>Young & Restless</em>, that amazing dress was strictly bold and beautiful!</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Maura West, back when she was playing Carly on <em>As the World Turns</em>. <strong>When:</strong> In 2008, a year after she began collecting Outstanding Lead Actress Emmys like they were Pokémon cards. <strong>Why:</strong> In this emerald sheeth, the actress — now Ava on <em>General Hospital</em> — could turn any other fashion plate green with envy.</p>
Image: CBS
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Diamond White. <strong>When:</strong> In 2021, the year that the soap newbie made her <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> debut as Paris. <strong>Why:</strong> The outré outfit is like a dare — one that the actress not only <em>took</em> but <em>rocked</em>. “Pretty in pink” isn’t even the half of it! </p>
Image: John Paschal/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Melody Thomas Scott. <strong>When:</strong> In 2002, three years after the <em>Young & Restless</em> icon received her (wait, <em>what</em>?!?) only Emmy nod to date. <strong>Why:</strong> Nikki’s portrayer provided all the star power that the outfit could’ve possibly needed. But to ensure a win in this round of patriot games, the blonde bombshell added stripes for good measure.</p>
Image: John Paschal/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Susan Flannery and Jennifer Finnigan. <strong>When:</strong> In 2003, the year that the <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> legend completed her collection of three Daytime Emmys for playing Stephanie and her castmate scored the second of her three Younger Actress statuettes for her work as Bridget. <strong>Why:</strong> Their colorful fashion choices gloriously reflect their individuality.</p>
Image: Lisa Rose/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Laura Wright. <strong>When:</strong> In 2003, back when the soap-hopper who now plays Carly on <em>General Hospital</em> was still Cassie on <em>Guiding Light</em>. <strong>Why:</strong> Not only did the form-fitting number shimmer like the stars at midnight, that rear-view ensured that anytime the future Emmy winner walked away, she’d get a glance “back.”</p>
Image: CBS
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> The inimitable Jackée Harry. <strong>When:</strong> In 2021, only a few months after <em>Days of Our Lives</em>’ Hurricane Paulina blew into Salem. <strong>Why:</strong> In that gown, the <em>Another World</em> vet — the only African-American ever to win an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series — gives us the best kind of blues.</p>
Image: Jennifer Graylock/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Gina Tognoni. <strong>When:</strong> In 2005, a year prior to the daytime vet’s first Emmy win, for making the role of <em>Guiding Light</em> pot-stirrer Dinah her own. <strong>Why:</strong> The look, complete with henna-tattooed hands, is as unique as the actress who’d go on to win two trophies for <em>Guiding Light</em> and a third for playing Phyllis on <em>The Young and the Restless</em>.</p>
Image: Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Andrea Evans. <strong>When:</strong> During the 1986 storyline that paired her incorrigible Tina with Roscoe Born’s wicked Mitch on <em>One Life to Live</em> to create double trouble. <strong>Why:</strong> Evans has the fab figure to take a “less is more” approach to fabric as well as the fashion sense to know that a handsome co-star is always an ideal accessory.</p>
Image: John Paschal/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Victoria Rowell. <strong>When:</strong> In 2004, midway through her comeback stint as Drucilla on <em>The Young and the Restless</em>. <strong>Why:</strong> We barely notice Radio City Music Hall in the background. Such a natutal born attention-getter is Rowell that the only thing that could <em>possibly</em> upstage her is her own magnificent headpiece.</p>
Image: John Paschal/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Rebecca Herbst. <strong>When:</strong> In 1998, the year that she attended her first Daytime Emmys after joining the <em>General Hospital</em> cast as Elizabeth. <strong>Why:</strong> The fan favorite didn’t just wear the heck out of her beautiful dress, she is said to have designed it herself. Eat your heart out, Ridge Forrester!</p>
Image: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Suzanne Rogers. <strong>When:</strong> Way back in 1979, when her portrayal of beleaguered Maggie on <em>Days of Our Lives</em> earned her a statuette for Outstanding Supporting Actress. <strong>Why:</strong> The only thing lovelier than Rogers’ silky gown is Rogers herself.</p>
Image: Aaron Montgomery/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Shemar Moore. <strong>When:</strong> In 2005, half a decade after the former model was named Outstanding Supporting Actor for his work as Malcolm on <em>The Young and the Restless</em>. <strong>Why:</strong> The future <em>Criminal Minds</em> and <em>S.W.A.T.</em> star was as at-home in his modern-day zoot suit as he was on the carpet that matched it. Also, he’s Shemar Moore. That never hurts.</p>
Image: Ron Galella/Getty Images (3)
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Lisa Peluso. <strong>When:</strong> In 1985, the year that she left her <em>Search for Tomorrow</em> role of Wendy and (coincidentally?) a year before the show was cancelled. <strong>Why:</strong> The future <em>Loving</em>, <em>One Life to Live</em> and <em>Another World</em> star clearly knew that priority No. 1 when choosing a dress should always be, “Can I have fun in this?” (And she did!)</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Annika Noelle. <strong>When:</strong> In 2018, when she was still establishing herself as the Rookie of the Year for the way that she’d stepped in and taken over the role of Hope on <em>The Bold and the Beautiful.</em> <strong>Why:</strong> We consider this look a preview of what could be in store if Noelle’s halo-clad character ever unleashes her inner supervixen.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Victoria Konefal and Olivia Rose Keegan. <strong>When:</strong> In 2019, the year that the <em>Days of Our Lives</em> castmates (who played Ciara and Claire, respectively) were both nominated for the last-ever Outstanding Younger Actress award.<strong> Why:</strong> Isn’t it obvious? If we had to pick which of them was more stylishly outfitted, we freakin’ couldn’t do it. Tens across the board!</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Bryton James. <strong>When:</strong> In 2009, just a couple of years after adding to his trophy case his first Daytime Emmy, for Outstanding Younger Actor. <strong>Why:</strong> Though we never would’ve even made it to the ceremony without coffee and wine stains all over that stunning suit, the <em>Young & Restless</em>’ Devon managed to. And dang, were his efforts ever worth it!</p>
Image: Lisa Rose/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Debbi Morgan. <strong>When:</strong> In 2003, 14 years after her bravura work as <em>All My Children</em>’s Angie made her the Daytime Emmys’ first African-American Outstanding Supporting Actress. <strong>Why:</strong> Just when you thought you knew what this outfit had in store, aha! She revealed that its color palette was broader than we’d imagined!</p>
Image: Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Melody Thomas Scott. <strong>When:</strong> In 1985, when the ceremony was held at the schmancy Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan. <strong>Why:</strong> Not only does the <em>Young & Restless</em> leading lady’s garb say that she’s ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple, it elevates the hockey jersey into fabulous formalwear.</p>
Image: CBS
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Melissa Claire Egan. <strong>When:</strong> In 2021, as the <em>Young & Restless</em> leading lady and Outstanding Lead Actress nominee was counting down to the arrival of her firstborn. <strong>Why:</strong> So sleek is Egan’s silhouette in this maroon stunner, all we can say — and <em>enthusiastically</em> so — is, “Mamma mia!”</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Jeanne Cooper. <strong>When:</strong> In 2010, two years after <em>The Young and the Restless</em>’ regal Katherine was crowned Outstanding Lead Actress for the first time in her enviable showbiz career. <strong>Why:</strong> The kaftan wasn’t just tie-dye, it was to-die-for.</p>
Image: George De Sota/JPI
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<p><strong>Who:</strong> Justin and Lindsay Hartley. <strong>When:</strong> In 2005, when the <em>Passions</em> castmates (who played Fox and Theresa) were still newlyweds. <strong>Why:</strong> In this photo, they pretty much epitomize “the perfect couple.” He went on to play Adam on <em>Young & Restless</em>, take primetime by storm on <em>This Is Us</em> and marry two more soap co-stars, and she appeared on <em>All My Children</em>, <em>Days of Our Lives</em> and <em>General Hospital.</em></p>
Image: Colin Knight/JPI
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