The character of Victoria in The Young and the Restless was once played by Heather Tom. But in 2005, Amelia Heinle joined the show and took on the role of Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) and Victor’s (Eric Braden) daughter.
Almost twenty years after his arrival and to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the soap opera broadcast by TF1 (Monday to Friday at 11am), AlloCiné spoke to the actor. It shared its memories with us…
AlloCiné: Did you feel pressure to play Victoria almost twenty years ago?
Amelia Heinle: Yes, a lot. I have played in other series and heard about Heather Tom in our medium. Everyone said she was a great actress, she had won awards… I wanted people to like my version of Victoria. We both have different styles, but I did mine!
Do you remember your first day on set?
I was very nervous but I used to work in soaps. I knew what to expect…that being said, I got to work with Eric Braden, Melody Thomas Scott and Peter Bergman one day! I started with the latter and he was very professional, kind and welcoming. He put me at ease, as did the whole team in this matter. Then Eric and Melody came and they were… awesome. This first day went very well and I told myself that it would work very well.
Do you have a favorite plot?
I liked the initial plot around Delia’s death. How he was killed, and then the repercussions and dealing with those emotions… it was really intense. Also satisfying because we were praised for this plot. We could play deeper.
But I like the funnier stories, like when Victoria came back from Italy and was an art expert… We had a lot of laughs with Joshua Morrow and Don Diamont because the story was going great at times (laughs)
Thad LuckinbillYour husband resumed the role of JT a few years ago. His character became abusive towards Victoria. Wasn’t the game weird for you?
It was difficult and strange… (laughs) The story went in one direction, and I imagined something else. Sometimes screenwriters tell us the main lines, but we don’t know how it will end. I really didn’t know what they were doing…
Finally, working with Tad was great because I miss playing with him. He did everything to make the result great. I also did my best to imagine how Victoria felt. It was still a bit funny though when we buried his body in Chancellor’s Park (laughs) it might seem realistic at first and then it really isn’t… but it was fun! I loved working with other girls.
I believe the show was in transition when they said JT had cancer. I think the writers wanted to save the character and get him to come back! that he wanted this opportunity. And since this is a soap opera, the idea of a brain tumor seemed like an obvious way to justify JT’s behavior (laughs).
Who is Victoria’s best companion?
Probably JT. Also, they have a son together. And I don’t even remember why they broke up! William is too unpredictable for Victoria, and JT would be the perfect partner… well, if they stayed together (laughs)
Do you think William and Victoria are more likely to be together?
(laughs) I have no idea. The fans want them back together even though I also feel they are tired of seeing this! They have two children, so it would work in their favor to give themselves another chance… but did William have every woman in Genoa City? I don’t think so… (laughs) Maybe he’ll come back to Victoria!
Victor and Victoria have a difficult relationship, even though he is her favorite child… why do they always argue?
Of course, because they are the same! That said, they fight a lot over Adam…can’t stand Victor still having a soft spot for his son. Victoria may feel that Adam is the favorite because their father always gives him a second chance… Victor is still the best father because he manages to keep his people together no matter what.
How do you prefer to play Victoria: as the ruthless CEO of Newman Enterprise or as the devoted and cheerful mother?
I love when I get to be funny! Otherwise, I appreciate that he is a great businessman who shows his vulnerability. I hope people see his soft side through his tough side. I want people to see that he’s not so stuck up (laughs) it helps the audience identify with him. And finally, I love playing mom, but it hasn’t happened in a while. I don’t even know where his children went! (laughs)
Who is Victoria’s biggest enemy?
He always finds a way to make the dumbest choices in relationships! He knows what he wants, but sometimes it leads him to a dead end. But he has to make mistakes… so he’s probably his own worst enemy.
Can you be friends with him?
No (laughs) I think I’m the actor who is the furthest from his character! I’m not like him at all: I’m not interested in a job, I’m not interested in dirt… People think I’m some kind of hippie! I couldn’t be more different from him.
The soap opera “The Young and the Restless” will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023. What does this mean for you?
It’s amazing. I can’t believe the show has been around this long, I’ve been a part of it this long….time flies. The Young and the Restless series means so much to so many people around the world. It’s crazy to know that people in France are watching us!
When I’m asked what I do for a living and told I’m “The Young and the Restless”, everyone knows! This is a generation and that makes this series unique. And the fact that Eric and Melody are still here is inspiring.
Planning to stay a little longer in Genoa City?
as long as they want me (laughs)
Source: Allocine

Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.