The Young and the Restless, Performer of the Week: Sharon Case as Sharon Newman

The Young and the Restless character Sharon Newman, played by Daytime Emmy winner Sharon Case, is the voice of reason in the Matt Clark storyline. Nick’s ex-wife has been supportive of her family throughout this ordeal, but she recently said that enough was enough! Soap Central is bestowing Performer of the Week honors on Case for playing Sharon as a woman who calls things as they are!

The Young and the Restless, Sharon Case, Performer of the Week

Sharon, Sienna, and Noah on The Young and the Restless | Image: CBS

“I’m not going to lie to you, Nick [Joshua Morrow],” Sharon began. “I’ve about had it…with being in hospital rooms waiting for people I love waiting to wake up!” Sharon added that she was over Nick and Noah (Lucas Adams) running off, putting their own lives at stake.

Just then, Noah appeared with Sienna. Sharon was irate that her son had risked his life once again by taking off. “Noah! Newman!” Sharon shouted using that tone in her voice that most parents use when they speak a child’s first, middle, and last name. “I swear to God!” Sharon added for emphasis.

Noah conceded that he was told not to go off on his own. “Everyone told you not to,” Sharon shouted. “Your grandparents, me, Victoria, thank God, Victor was able to confirm you’d gotten home safely.

“And then you decided to turn around and come back here? I thought you were smarter than that.”

“The two of you do not seem to realize that there is a maniacal man out on the loose -- Matt Clark,” Sharon reminded Noah and Sienna (Tamara Braun) as if they were toddlers who didn’t know the stove was hot. “He’s kidnapped you both already," Sharon marveled, "and you thought it would be a brilliant idea to give him another shot at it?”

Case’s performances have always been grounded in realism. At the same time, the actress infuses her scenes with nuances that make her work supremely unique.

A clear Case of perfection

Sharon and Nick on The Young and the Restless | Image: CBS

Not wanting to upset a still sleeping Nick, Sharon continued her conversation with Noah outside his room so he wouldn’t be disturbed. She laid into her son like she was Clair Huxtable chastising a teenage Vanessa for sneaking off to a concert without permission.

Unlike Vanessa was then, Noah’s an adult now, and he tried to point that out to his mom. Perhaps someday, he’ll learn that there’s no age limit on a parent worrying about their kids. “Noah, do not test me right now!” Sharon informed her son.

“You were in the hospital,” she reminded Noah. “Now, your father is in the hospital. You know, if I could just go 48 hours without someone in my family getting hurt or kidnapped, I’d be a lot better!”

Case dropped Sharon’s anger and let fear wash over her. “He hasn’t woken up. But he hasn’t woken up yet. But he’s breathing. I can see it. I will take it.”

Fortunately, Nick did wake up, giving Sharon some much-needed relief. After playing both frustration and fear, Case was able to show her character expressing joy! Sharon allowed herself to be playful with Nick – something they both needed.

Soap opera dilemmas are often larger than life as characters face back-from-the-dead villains, international intrigue, and Artificial Intelligence software that can decimate businesses (well, we certainly hope that last one is larger than life!).

Case, however, brought a sense of reality to this current tale involving the return of the presumed-dead Matt Clark. She’s always captivating. Sharon’s love for her family shines through in his story. Brava to Sharon Case!

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