PASADENA, California — British broadcasting icon Sir David Attenborough has made television history by becoming the oldest-ever Daytime Emmy winner. The 99-year-old naturalist earned the award for Daytime Personality, Non-Daily for hosting Netflix’s documentary series “Secret Lives of Orangutans.”
Attenborough, who did not attend the ceremony, has spent more than eight decades as a writer, narrator, and presenter, shaping nature programming across the globe.
He surpasses Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke, who was 98 when he won a Daytime Emmy in 2024 as guest performer for his role on “Days of Our Lives.” Van Dyke still holds the title of oldest actor to win in a performance category.
Acting Honors for Susan Walters and Jonathan Jackson
The ceremony also brought major wins for longtime daytime favorites:
Jonathan Jackson, of “General Hospital,” won Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lucky Spencer — a character he first played in 1993 and has returned to repeatedly over the years.
Susan Walters, a first-time nominee from “The Young and the Restless,” earned Supporting Actress honors for playing Diane Jenkins. In her acceptance speech, Walters thanked her husband of 40 years, actor Linden Ashby, who has also appeared on the same CBS series.
Alley Mills Wins Again for ‘General Hospital’
Alley Mills collected her second career Daytime Emmy for her work as Heather Webber on “General Hospital.” The 74-year-old actress first won in 2023 but remains widely remembered by viewers as the mother on the classic sitcom “The Wonder Years.”
Speaking from the stage of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Mills reflected on the mood of the moment:
“We’re living in really dark times right now. Everything’s crazy. We just got to keep our spirits high.”
‘The Young and the Restless’ Leads Nominations
With 19 nominations, “The Young and the Restless” entered the 52nd annual awards as the frontrunner. Only three programs were recognized in the Outstanding Daytime Drama category:
The Young and the Restless
General Hospital
Days of Our Lives