Juliet Mills was in attendance at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards, where she took the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the beloved soap opera, Passions. Celebrated for its innovative storytelling and eccentric characters, Passions holds a significant place in the history of daytime television. The awards ceremony, held at the Hollywood Palladium on 30 October, saw Mills embrace this moment with warmth and nostalgia.
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Mills, now 84, graced the stage to pay tribute not only to Passions but also to the vibrant community formed during its production. “We were a beautiful company, borderline crazy, but a real family of players,” the actress fondly recounted, highlighting the close-knit environment that characterised their time on the show.
Reflecting on her multifaceted character, Tabitha the Witch, Mills shared memories of the diverse roles she embraced during her time on Passions from 1999 to 2008. “I got to mourn from Tabitha the Witch, to Catherine the Great, to Colonel Sanders,” she recalled. This whimsical journey affirmed her belief that Passions was unlike any other show, blending the supernatural with comedy and drama in a way only possible within the daytime genre.
During her tribute, Mills not only celebrated her own journey but also paid homage to her late co-star, Josh Ryan Evans, who played Timmy. “My little Timmy, my Josh, you will always be in my heart,” she expressed, ensuring his memory remained intertwined with the show’s legacy. This heartfelt sentiment resonated throughout the audience, encapsulating the emotional bonds forged between cast members over the years.
Mills was accompanied on stage by fellow actor Joe Lando, who praised the opportunity to work with her and reminisce about their shared experiences within the world of daytime drama. Together, they presented the awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series and Outstanding Daytime Drama, highlighting the achievements of their peers in a genre that has captured the hearts of millions.
The ceremony also served as a reminder of the show’s unique approach to storytelling. Mills articulated her pride in being part of something that pushed the boundaries of traditional soap operas. “We could never have mixed the supernatural with the silly, the dramatic with the comedic, nearly as much as we did,” she noted, reinforcing the innovative spirit behind the show’s creation.
As she looked back on her time with the series, Mills described Passions as “pretty wild” yet ultimately rewarding. She recalled the challenges of her role, particularly performing long monologues directed at inanimate objects and fantastical creatures. “I had so much learning to do in that show,” she said, reflecting on the intricate narratives woven into the show’s fabric.
Mills first rose to fame in the ’70s with her role in the sitcom Nanny and the Professor, and her work in the miniseries QB VII earned her an Emmy Award. However, it was her portrayal of Tabitha in Passions that introduced her to a new generation of fans, expanding her legacy within the entertainment industry.
Passions initially aired on NBC from 1999 until 2007 before transitioning to DirecTV’s The 101 Network for its concluding year. Even years after its finale, the impact of Passions can still be felt within the world of daytime television, with Mills’ heartfelt tribute serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of the show and its beloved characters. As she concluded her speech, Mills raised a toast to the realm of daytime drama, declaring, “All in a nutshell, long live daytime!”
With this celebration, Mills reminded everyone in attendance—and viewers at home—of the vibrant, imaginative stories that continue to define the essence of daytime television.