The actress who portrays Nikki Newman honored Lucille Ball and met a devoted Y&R fan.
Melody Thomas Scott, beloved as Nikki on The Young and the Restless, recently traveled to Jamestown, New York, for a benefit for the Lucille Ball Little Theatre. While she was there, she paid a special visit to a longtime Y&R fan, and Scott also received a special honor herself.
Melody Thomas Loves Lucille Ball Little Theatre
It wasn’t just Lucy Ricardo who hailed from Jamestown, New York. Her portrayer, Lucille Ball, did, too. Fans of Scott know that the Y&R star is a devotee of both Lucy and the actress who played her. Fans traveled from all over the United States and Canada to take part in the festivities at the Lucille Ball Little Theatre, which included Scott sharing stories of Ball’s early years in Jamestown and how important the theatre that would later bear Ball’s name was to her.
Next, attendees were treated to stories of Scott’s career, which goes back to working with the great Alfred Hitchcock when she was eight years old in the film Marnie. The actress shared memories of her appearances in other films and TV shows, including The Car, The Shootist, The Fury, and Charlie’s Angels.
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Clips from Y&R episodes were played, including Nikki stripping at the Bayou, marrying (for the first time) Victor (Eric Braeden), and fighting with Sharon (Sharon Case). A Q&A with attendees followed.
Ball wasn’t the only star honored that night. Eddie Sundquist, Jamestown’s mayor, presented Scott with a bouquet of flowers and read an official proclamation declaring August 15, 2023, as “Melody Thomas Scott Day” in the city of Jamestown, New York. Following the Q&A, Scott held a more intimate gathering with 65 attendees, who met the actress and bid on some Y&R memorabilia. Proceeds benefitted the Lucille Ball Little Theatre.
When Melody Thomas Scott Met Mary
There was one more lucky fan who got to spend time with Scott before she left Jamestown. The actress went to Hultquist Place to visit Mary Lingenfelter, 96, who has been a devotee of Y&R since its debut in 1973. “When Scott learned of the Young and the Restless fan, she wanted to meet the woman and thank her for her decades of loyal support,” reported The Post-Journal. “Before departing, Scott took a bracelet off her wrist and gave it to Lingenfelter along with an appreciative hug.”
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“Thanks, Jamestown, for your friendship!” the actress posted on Instagram, along with a photo of her pal, Claudine Battisti, standing next to a statue of Lucille Ball in Jamestown. “Thought this photo sums up friendships quite nicely. Hope to see you again soon! Thank you for the great turnout in supporting the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown. Had such a wonderful time! #ILoveLucy #Jamestown #FunFriendshipFundraising.”
