Roger Howarth has been recognised for his impressive acting skills, winning the Outstanding Supporting Actor award at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards. The ceremony, which took place on Friday, 30 October, celebrated Howarth’s role as Matt Clark in the popular soap opera, *The Young and the Restless*. This victory is especially significant, as it marks the first time in 32 years that Howarth has won a Daytime Emmy, with his previous accolade awarded in 1994 for his performance in *One Life to Live*.
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At 58 years old, Howarth expressed immense joy during his acceptance speech. He conveyed his gratitude, saying, “I’m really, really happy. I love being an actor. I’m so happy that I get to do this thing that we all get to do together, that we cooperate.” He went on to acknowledge his collaborators, thanking Josh Griffith, Joe Shelby Griffith, CBS, and Sony for their support throughout his career. Howarth’s heartfelt words also extended to the cast and crew of *The Young and the Restless*, emphasising their warm welcome and support.
Howarth joined *The Young and the Restless* in 2025, transitioning from his earlier notable role as Todd Manning, which he portrayed on *One Life to Live*. His Emmy nomination this year was particularly meaningful, as it was his first nomination in two decades. Reflecting on this recognition, Howarth shared with *Soap Opera Digest*, “I’m just happy to be still in consideration and above ground. Both of those things are pretty great. I mean, I was barely old enough to drive when I won the first one!”
The competition was fierce, with other talented actors nominated for the same category. This included Lawrence Saint-Victor for *The Bold and the Beautiful*, as well as Timon Kyle Durrett and Mike Manning for *Beyond the Gates*, alongside fellow *Young and the Restless* actors Sean Dominic and Michael Graziadei. Saint-Victor made history as he became the first Black actor to be nominated in both the Outstanding Supporting Actor and Outstanding Writing Team categories in the same year, highlighting the importance of representation in the industry.
Reflecting on his nominations, Saint-Victor remarked, “So many Black men and women, both in front of and behind the camera, pushed the door open and kept pushing so that I could walk through.” His sentiments emphasise the necessity of diversity in media and the opportunities it affords to underrepresented communities. He continued, “I get to create opportunities for representation. I get to help show the world that Black people are wonderfully and beautifully complex. That means everything to me.”
Another nominee, Timon Kyle Durrett, celebrated his first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination for his role as a criminal defence attorney in *Beyond the Gates*. He expressed pride in being part of a historic project featuring a primarily Black cast, emphasising the significance it holds for the community. “It feels good because I’m tapping into something that is historic among our people,” he stated.
In addition, Mike Manning received his sixth Emmy nomination for his performance as Bradley “Smitty” Smith in *Beyond the Gates*. Manning emphasised the blessings of being part of a show that has garnered attention with a total of 15 nominations. He shared his excitement on social media, expressing gratitude to his cast and the show’s supporters.
Sean Dominic has also made his mark as Dr. Nate Hastings in *The Young and the Restless*. His first Emmy nomination has been a moment of reflection for him, as he acknowledged the pivotal role of former executive producer Josh Griffith in his career. Dominic commented, “I’m grateful that I was able to bring [the story] to life and be recognised by my peers.”
Lastly, Michael Graziadei, another nominee from *The Young and the Restless*, has received four nominations throughout his career for his ongoing portrayal of Daniel Romalotti Jr. He commented on the camaraderie among the cast during the Emmys, appreciating how they unite to celebrate each other’s achievements.
As the 2026 Daytime Emmys unfold, the recognition of these actors not only highlights individual talent but also calls attention to the growing diversity and representation in daytime television. With stories that resonate with a broader audience, the future of soap operas looks promising, driven by the passion and dedication of these artists.