Emmy 2005

Sixth Emmy

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama

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Erika's Acceptance Speech 2005:

"Oh my dear, I am so thrilled and humbled. I want to start by saying I salute the seven other ladies in this category. They are the greatest Dames on earth! (applause)

We all had lunch together yesterday. We spent four and a half hours laughing. I thought they were going to throw us out of the restaurant! We had such a grand time! I love you all so much, thank you!

Oh my goodness! Thank you to ABC, and Brian Frons, and all of the executives there – for letting me keep my job, it’s the best job in the world! Oh my goodness, thank you to everyone at One Life to Live. (applause) Thank you – to our Executive Producer, Frank Valentini, to our writers – our current writer, Dena Higley – a big thank you to Michael Malone and Josh Griffith who wrote the heart transplant story.

Thank you to our Directors, our Producers, everyone there – the crew and the cast. In particular, my Robin Strasser, and my lovely children on the show – Bree Williamson, Melissa Archer, and Dan Gauthier – I would not be up here without you.

And thanks to our hair and makeup – and everybody.

I want to say a special thank you to two people who have been important in my work over the last years – and they are Jill Farren Phelps and Gary Tomlin. I have such admiration for your talent and your intelligence. And I was so pleased and privileged to work for you.

And I thank my family – you are my heart. Brian, Michael and Amanda – I am nothing without you.

Thank you to the Academy and the Blue Ribbon Panel. Thank you!"