The Young and the Restless star Judith Chapman celebrates her birthday

The Young and the Restless is just one of many soaps on which Judith Chapman has appeared. The revered actress has captivated soap fans for years with vulnerable, raw, and passionate performances of characters, including Y&R's Gloria, General Hospital's Ginny, and As the World Turns's Natalie. Today, Chapman is celebrating a special day -- her birthday!

The Young and the Restless, Judith Chapman, Happy Birthday!

Born Judith Shepard in Greenville, South Carolina, on November 15, Chapman landed her first soap opera role in 1975 as captivating Natalie Bannon, who wed Tom Hughes (David Colson). Next came her part as Charlotte Greer on Ryan's Hope. But her turn as calculating and neurotic Ginny Blake Webber on GH truly put her on the daytime map.

Chapman was cast as the biological mother of little Mike (David Mendenhall), who'd been adopted by Rick (Chris Robinson) and Lesley (Denise Alexander). As the threat of a custody battle loomed, Lesley was killed in an auto accident. (Spoiler alert: the Cassadines kidnapped her and she returned 12 years later!)

Rick and Ginny entered a marriage of convenience, giving Mike a stable home life, which settled the custody issue. Rick and Ginny fell in love for real and later left town. Next, Chapman popped up on Days of our Lives, taking over the role of Anjelica Deveraux, which Jane Elliot (Tracy, GH) had originated.

Chapman took a break from soaps, exploring roles in prime time and on stage. She returned to daytime in 2005, taking over the role of Gloria Bardwell Abbott from Joan Van Ark, best known as Valene Ewing on Knots Landing. (Speaking of the Ewings, Chapman tested for the part of Pamela Barnes Ewing on Dallas, which went to Victoria Principal.)

Many happy returns, many happy roles

At Y&R, Chapman beat out some name actresses, who wanted to land the coveted part of Michael (Christian LeBlanc) and Kevin's (Greg Rikaart) mother. Once cast in the role, the writers fleshed out Gloria's backstory and her horrific marriage to "Terrible Tom" Fisher (the late Roscoe Borne).

Gloria truly did love John Abbott (Jerry Douglas), but, after his passing, Jack (Peter Bergman) did his best to extricate his former stepmother from the Abbotts and Jabot Cosmetics.

Chapman returned to DAYS in 2019, but not as Anjelica. She took on the role of John Black's (Drake Hogestyn) former love, Diana, originally played by Genie Francis (Laura, GH). It was a Y&R reunion as Diana turned out to be Leo's (Greg Rikaart) mother!

Chapman popped up on a special Y&R episode honoring Tracey Bregman's Lauren in 2023, and briefly, as Diana on DAYS in 2024. We look forward to seeing what role Chapman takes on -- or reprises -- next!

Trending

Soap Central wishes Chapman a happy birthday and many happy returns!

Catch all-new episodes of The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS and Paramount Plus

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback