David Attenborough Makes Emmy History at 99 as ‘General Hospital’ Dominates Daytime Awards

The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, held in Pasadena, California, was an unforgettable night celebrating legacy, passion, and perseverance. In a ceremony filled with laughter, tears, and historic wins, two standout moments defined the evening — Sir David Attenborough’s record-breaking victory and “General Hospital’s” continued dominance of the daytime drama landscape.

At 99, Sir David Attenborough made history by becoming the oldest recipient of a Daytime Emmy Award, winning the trophy for Daytime Personality, Non-Daily for his Netflix series “Secret Lives of Orangutans.” His win broke Dick Van Dyke’s previous record, who was 98 when he earned his Emmy for “Days of Our Lives” in 2024. Though Attenborough was not present, his eight-decade career as a storyteller, naturalist, and global educator was celebrated with a standing ovation.

“Secret Lives of Orangutans” showcases Attenborough’s signature blend of compassion and curiosity, capturing the intelligence and emotion of one of nature’s most fascinating species. His award not only honors a single project but also a lifetime of work inspiring generations to protect the planet.

Meanwhile, the drama world was set ablaze as “General Hospital” swept six of the night’s top categories, including Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actress, Supporting Actor, and Writing and Directing Teams.

Nancy Lee Grahn, who has portrayed Alexis Davis on the ABC soap since 1996, delivered one of the most impassioned speeches of the night as she claimed her third career Emmy. Holding a silver clutch with the words “Democracy dies in silence” painted on it, Grahn turned her moment into a rallying cry for civic responsibility. “Our democracy is worth fighting for,” she told the crowd. “Stand up!” Her words sparked a wave of applause and emotional resonance across the auditorium.

Another major win came from Paul Telfer, who took home Lead Actor for his role as Xander Kiriakis in “Days of Our Lives.” Telfer dedicated his award to his late mother, saying, “She’s been gone for over 20 years, and to win this on a soap opera playing the villain is really amazing. Thanks, Mom.”

Jonathan Jackson of “General Hospital” also returned to the winner’s circle, taking home Supporting Actor for reprising his iconic role as Lucky Spencer — a character he first portrayed as a teenager. Susan Walters, of “The Young and the Restless,” earned Supporting Actress honors for her role as Diane Jenkins, using her acceptance to thank her husband, actor Linden Ashby, for four decades of love and support.

The night was equally celebratory for Alley Mills, who won Guest Performer for her haunting portrayal of Heather Webber on “General Hospital.” Mills, best known for her role as the mom on “The Wonder Years,” acknowledged the turbulent times we live in, saying, “We’re living in really dark times right now. Everything’s crazy. We just got to keep our spirits high.”

Rising star Lisa Yamada of “The Bold and the Beautiful” captured the Emerging Talent award for her performance as Luna Nozawa, an emotionally complex young character whose storylines have captivated fans. Overcome with emotion, Yamada said through tears, “Acting has been my dream since I gained consciousness, and my dreams are coming true right now.”

Adding some flavor to the evening, Kardea Brown of the Food Network’s “Delicious Miss Brown” won Culinary Host and gave one of the most joyful acceptance speeches of the night. “These are tears of joy,” she said. “As a young Black woman from Charleston, South Carolina, nobody would have ever thought this would be possible — but I know one person that did. That’s God.” Her show also took home the award for Culinary Instructional Series.

In a final emotional tribute, veteran journalist Deborah Norville was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award after stepping down as host of “Inside Edition” earlier this year. Her career, spanning over three decades in broadcast journalism, was celebrated as an example of integrity and adaptability in a rapidly changing media world.

The 2025 Daytime Emmys weren’t just about trophies — they were about endurance, reinvention, and the human stories behind the performances. From the impassioned calls for civic engagement to joyous cries of disbelief, the ceremony reminded viewers why daytime television continues to hold a unique and enduring place in American culture.

With “General Hospital” reaffirming its legacy and Sir David Attenborough setting a new benchmark for achievement at nearly 100 years old, the night became an inspiring celebration of both past and present — proof that artistry, compassion, and storytelling know no age limit.

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