Did you enjoy the Daytime Emmy Awards last week? Were you happy to see grand soap stars like Anthony Geary and Jeanne Cooper honored? I have no complaints with the winners -- and as I mentioned in previous posts, I had predicted some of them correctly. But I do have qualms about so many actors and actresses who weren't even nominated.

A lot of great performances weren't recognized. Therefore, I've decided to recognize a few actors and actresses who should be on the ballot in 2009! That's right, this is a pre-emptive list of six who should be included in next year's Daytime Emmy nominations.



1) Mary Beth Evans as Kayla Johnson - Days of Our Lives
It's well-known in the soap world that the actors on Days of Our Lives are less likely to shine in the light of lady Emmy. There's no good reason for it because Days has had some amazing actors. Mary Beth Evans is one of the them. She returned to the show in 2006, picked up as Kayla after a long absence, and she never missed a beat. If anything, playing Kayla as an older and wiser woman, a doctor and the mother of an adult daughter, Mary Beth was even better. Her interaction with Stephen Nichols, also back after a decade-long sabbatical, is proof that on a soap, great romances are enduring. Mary Beth Evans is long overdue Emmy recognition.

2) Tuc Watkins as David Vickers - One Life to Live
You know the old line about acting, don't you? You know, "Death is easy, comedy is hard"? Well, that may be for many actors, but it sure is easy for Tuc Watkins. Or maybe he just makes it look easy. He recently returned to One Life to Live as the unctuous cad and ne-er do well (love those words!) David Vickers. He's self-centered and shallow and a shameless golddigger. His recent marriage to Addie, 20 years his senior, has been fodder for great good humor not because he's making fun of the other woman -- he's not. Rather, they seem like they're enjoying their fandango and it's driving Dorian crazy. Soaps are rarely this funny; Tuc Watkins, you rate an Emmy nom in my estimation.

3) Katherine Kelly Lang as Brooke Logan - The Bold and the Beautiful
On her very attractive shoulders, Katherine Kelly Lang has carried the storylines on The Bold and the Beautiful for over 20 years. In all that time, she's never received the credit she deserves for being both bold and beautiful, and I'll add believable and brave. Like other leading actresses on other shows, KKL is front and center in most every major storyline. She works constantly and never fails to keep Brooke an interesting and relevant character. She's aged, she's been through hell, she's had hard times -- like when she was date-raped last season and nearly lost custody of her young children. Why this actress has not been honored to date is a mystery to me; she's on my 2009 list for a nomination.

4) Michael Knight as Tad Martin - All My Children
Once upon a time, Michael Knight was a young turk and his character, Tad Martin was Pine Valley's most irrepressible character. Tad the cad. But Tad grew up and Michael Knight has shown him as much more than that cute guy he started out as. This past season he's really shown his acting chops, perhaps thanks to the return -- as outlandish as it was -- of Dixie. Michael Knight isn't young any more, but he is still very cute and, more than that, Tad is truly a tent pole character. Michael has won three Emmys for Tad. I see another nomination in his future.

5) Judith Chapman as Gloria Fisher Abbott - The Young and the Restless
A day without Gloria is a day that The Young and the Restless sparkles a little less than usual. Since coming on board as Kevin and Michael's Machiavellian mom, Judith Chapman has basically stole the show. She's an exasperating, exacting vixen with a heart of gold -- a walking contradiction. Somehow Chapman makes it work. It's was a stunner that she didn't get a nomination in '08. The Daytime Emmys won't make that mistake in '09.

6) Jon Hensley as Holden Snyder - As the World Turns
Is there a built-in prejudice among Emmy voters when it comes to gorgeous, hunky guys? Really, get over it. Jon Hensley has grown before our eyes on As the World Turns. He's not the cute stable boy anymore; it's time to appreciate what a great leading man he is. This year he lost his long-time partner when Martha Byrne exited as Lily. He's made the transition to a new actress in the role -- Noelle Beck -- and is now neck-deep in a new love story with Maura West's Carly. Hensley is earnest, honest and sincere, a reflection of his character's good nature. He should be recognized for the truth in his acting and the consistent high quality of his performance.