David Attenborough becomes oldest Daytime Emmy winner

By Beth Harris

Sir David Attenborough has broken Dick Van Dyke’s record for oldest Daytime Emmy winner, taking the trophy for daytime personality, non-daily, as host of Netflix’s Secret Lives of Orangutans.

Attenborough, 99, wasn’t on hand. The Brit’s career as a writer, host and narrator spans eight decades.

Van Dyke was 98 when he won as guest performer in a daytime drama series for Days of Our Lives in 2024. He is the oldest actor to win a Daytime Emmy.

Jonathan Jackson of General Hospital and first-time nominee Susan Walters of The Young and the Restless won supporting acting honours.

Jackson accepted the trophy for playing Lucky Spencer, a role he originated in 1993 and has played on and off ever since.

The ABC show also claimed trophies for Alley Mills as guest performer in a daytime drama and its writing team.

It was Mills’ second career win for playing Heather Webber. The 74-year-old, who first won in 2023, is best known as the mum on The Wonder Years.

“We’re living in really dark times right now. Everything’s crazy,” Mills told the audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Friday night. “We just got to keep our spirits high.”

Walters plays Diane Jenkins on CBS’s Y&R, which she has appeared in during three different stints.

“I’m so happy that I won so I can thank my husband of 40 years,” she said, singling out Linden Ashby, who has appeared on the same show.

The Young and the Restless brought a leading 19 nominations into the 52nd annual show. It is just one of three shows nominated for best daytime drama, along with General Hospital and Days of Our Lives.

Drew Barrymore claimed her first win as daytime talk series host for her eponymous New York-based show.

She beat out Kelly Clarkson, Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa, Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb, and Jennifer Hudson. Live With Kelly and Mark won daytime talk series.

Lisa Yamada of The Bold and the Beautiful won the emerging talent category, which replaced the younger actor and actress awards. The 23-year-old plays murderous Luna Nozawa.

“Acting has been my dream since I gained consciousness, and my dreams are coming true right now,” Yamada said, her voice choked with emotion. “I’m ugly crying.”