‘The Young and the Restless’: Susan Walters Admits ‘I Ignored’ the First Call to Return to ‘Y&R’
The Young and the Restless pulled a huge twist with the return of Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters). Diane’s return from the dead generates a lot of attention from fans. Viewers are excited to see her again; however, her comeback almost didn’t happen.
‘The Young and the Restless’ star Susan Walters almost missed a phone call from the producer
Walters began playing Diane on The Young and the Restless in 2001, replacing Alex Donnelley, who originated the role. Walters’ rendition of Diane took the character in a new direction. She went from a heroine to a vixen as she created trouble for Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford).
Diane is again back and ready to cause drama for Jack and other Genoa City residents. But Walters return almost didn’t happen. In an interview with TVInsider, Walters reveals that a missed call from executive producer Anthony Morincould’veve prevented her comeback.”
“It came as a surprise. You know how voice texts can mispronounce words? I got one that said ‘Hey, this is Tony Morina from’ ‘Wine Art’ – No’ ‘Y&R.’ I didn’t pay much attention to it as Tony wasn’t there 20 years ago when I joined, but we had met since. At first, I ignored it, but then I listened to that message. I told Tony later’ ‘What if I hadn’t listened to that message’!’ He said’ ‘Well, we would have reached out to you again.”
Diane Jenkins was killed in 2011
Walters’ portrayal of Diane lasted from 2001 to 2004. In 2010, The Young and the Restless producers recast the role with Maura West. Diane continued to create havoc on Genoa City by reigniting her feuds with Phyllis and Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott). She also made new enemies in Adam Newman (Mark Grossman).
In 2011, Diane was the victim of a murder mystery. Detectives later discovered Nikki was the killer but acted in self-defense. Later, Deacon Sharpe (Sean Kanan) revealed he delivered the blow to the back of Diane’s head to cover up Nikki’s crime.
Although she wasn’t playing Diane at the time, Walters knew of the character’s fate. However, that didn’t prevent her from taking Morina’s offer. “I said, ‘Sounds good.’ He said, ‘You do know that she’s dead. ‘I said, ‘Yeah. Wasn’t me who died.’”
What’s next for Diane Jenkins?
Diane’s return is already off to an exciting start on The Young and the Restless. She’s revealed as the mystery texter whose been messaging Jack. Diane’s inserted herself into the situation involving Jack and his granddaughter Allie Nguyen (Kelsey Wang). Jack isn’t too thrilled to see Diane, and a few others won’t be happy with her return.
However, one person may be excited to have her back. Diane’s son Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) will be returning, and he’ll be in for a surprise to see his deceased mother. Diane will have a lot to explain as she tells how she survived and where she’s been for the past 11 years.
While Diane is reconnecting with Kyle, she’ll also be plotting to get revenge on her enemies. Odds are Phyllis will be number one on her list as the two clash over Jack.
