Making her television acting debut in a 2001 episode of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” veteran soap star Elizabeth Hendrickson (“The Young and the Restless,” “All My Children”) has recently taken on a different kind of role, this time working behind the scenes as a director.
Hendrickson, who currently appears in the recurring role of Chloe Mitchell on “The Young and the Restless,” announced the news in an Instagram post, saying, “After 24 years in front of the camera, I’m thrilled to be able to tell you all that I’ve stepped behind it.” She added, “I’ve spent the past 18 months up in the booth, shadowing, observing & absorbing — not knowing if it would ever turn into something more. There were hurdles but I kept showing up, paying attention, and fell in love with the process.”
“On Tuesday the 5th my first episode will air,” Hendrickson continued. “I hope you enjoy it as much as I did directing it. The privilege (and pressure 🙂 of working with two giants of our genre, Eric Braeden [Victor Newman] and Melody Thomas Scott [Nikki Newman], on my first day was not lost on me. I have been supported every step of the way by my ‘Y&R’ family…the amazing cast and crew. I have deep gratitude for so many people from Y&R, Sony and CBS.
e.c.hendrickson/Instagram
“Huge thanks to Josh Griffith, our Executive Producer and Head Writer, who greenlit my goals from the start. Danielle Unger [Director in Current Programming, CBS], Renée Villafan [VP, Production & Soaps, Sony Pictures Television], Matt Olsen [Associate Producer], Jonathan Fishman [Producer], Vivianne Gundaker [Producer], Robbin Phyllips [Associate Director], Matt Kane [Director, Media and Talent], Jill Farren Phelps [Producer]…..It took support and determination from so many.. and I got it. And to Owen Renfroe [Director] — the best teacher and mentor I could’ve asked for — thank you for your time, wisdom and belief in me.”
In response to Hendrickson’s news, several of her current and former colleagues across daytime shared words of congratulations and enthusiasm for the next chapter in her journey, including Finola Hughes, Tracey E. Bregman, Courtney Hope, Greg Rikaart, Rory Gibson, Melissa Claire Egan, Eildeen Davidson, Lauralee Bell, Jonathan Bennett, Jordi Vilasuso, Melissa Ordway, Kate Linder, Nathan Owens, Kate Mansi, Ryan Carnes, Laura Wright, Andrea Bogart, Billy Flynn, Julia Pace, Alicia Minshew, William deVry, Redding Munsell, Brian Gaskill, and a whole host of others.
“Lizzy!!! This is soooo fantastic! I am sure you were amazing! Huge congrats!” said Minshew, who played Kendall Hart on “All My Children” during Hendrickson’s run on the soap, where she played the role of twins Maggie Stone and Frankie Stone, although not at the same time.
“It’s here!!! Can’t wait to see!! Infinitely proud of your hard work,” commented Mansi, who currently appears as Kristina Corinthos-Davis on “General Hospital.”
“Right on, congrats! Keep up the great work my friend,” cheered Owens, who appears as Holden Novak on “The Young and the Restless.”
“Brilliant!!! Congratulations, that is an amazing amazing accomplishment! So damn proud of you!! No mean feat xxx,” exclaimed Hughes, who portrays Anna Devane on “General Hospital,” where she worked with Hendrickson, who previously played Margaux Dawson on the ABC daytime soap.
“So very proud of you ! Yay” echoed Linder, who has starred as Esther Valentine on “The Young and the Restless” for more than 43 years, and portrays Hendrickson’s character’s mother.
“You’re amazing! Such a natural. So excited and so PROUD OF YOU!!” enthused Egan, who plays Chelsea Lawson, a dear friend of Hendrickson’s character on “The Young and the Restless.”
“And your so good at it! Can’t wait for more,” proclaimed Hope, who plays Sally Spectra on “The Young and the Restless.”
Look for Hendrickson’s episode of “The Young and the Restless” to air on Tuesday, August 5, which is episode #13181, and will see Victor and Nikki arguing about family matters, while Jill (Jess Walton) and Billy (Jason Thompson) share a heated exchange. Meanwhile, Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) seeks to protect her interests.
Hendrickson joins a growing list of female soap stars who challenged themselves to go beyond the front of the camera by becoming directors, including Kimberly McCullough (ex-Robin Scorpio, “General Hospital”), Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady, “Days of our Lives”) and Heather Tom (Katie Logan, “The Bold and the Beautiful”), among others.
