The Young and the Restless star Michelle Stafford and ATWT star Martha Byrne wish Lauralee Bell a happy birthday

The Young and the Restless character Cricket Blair Williams is celebrating her honeymoon as Mrs. Danny Romalotti while her portrayer, Lauralee Bell, is having a party of her own! The fan favorite is celebrating her birthday today!

The Young and the Restless, Lauralee Bell, Birthday girl!

Lauralee was born in Chicago on December 22. The actress's parents, the late William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, created The Young and the Restless, which debuted in 1973. Lauralee first appeared on the show as a young girl, playing an airline passenger in a scene with David Hasselhoff (Snapper). A few years later, William Bell wrote the character of Cricket Blair, and the rest, as they say, is soap opera history!

Lauralee's pals are giving her shoutouts on her special day. "Happy Birthday to this STELLAR woman!!" posted Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) on Instagram. "Who thinks of everyone before herself. The ultimate team player. The Quarterback in the game. I am so blessed to have you in my life❤️❤️❤️❤️ @lauralee_bell."

"I feel so lucky & blessed to have you in my life and that we’ve shared so much together, and I love that we still get so excited to battle it out on camera too!" Lauralee replied to Stafford, her on-screen nemesis. "Thank you, girlfriend ❤️❤️😘."

Tracey Bregman (Lauren), who, at one point, was Lauralee's on-screen sister-in-law when Lauren was wed to Cricket's half-brother, Scott (Peter Barton), responded, "Truer words were never spoken. That describes @lauralee_bell to a T ❤️."

Pals since their teen years in Oakdale and in Genoa City

In the 1980s, it was difficult to decipher who had a more tortured teenage experience. Was it Y&R's Cricket Blair, living in Genoa City, or was it Lily Walsh, played by Martha Byrne, on As The World Turns. In real life, Lauralee and Martha became great pals.

"When times of trouble come…and it is inevitable…You find out who your real friends are," Martha posted along with a photo herself and Lauralee. "This one right here was always there in my most difficult times. Always willing to listen and see the positive, which fortified me to never give up!! A fighter herself with a heart of GOLD!!! Happy Birthday @lauralee_bell Everyone should be so blessed to have such a friend. ❤️❤️."