Y&R Question: Who Was The Better Jill?

[TVLegend]

Jill Foster Fenmore Abbott Atkinson is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and The Restless. The character of Jill goes down in history as the longest running and only remaining original character, having first appeared in the second episode of the show. Jill was created and introduced by William J. Bell. When she debuted, Jill was an 18 year old manicurist working to support her struggling family. The character is known for her feud with matriarch and heroine, Katherine Chancellor, who was portrayed by the late Jeanne Cooper, as it is the longest running feud in the history of American soap operas. Their rivalry began when Jill fell in love and slept with Katherine’s late husband, Phillip Chancellor II and became pregnant. Following Phillip’s accidental death, the women fought over custody of Jill’s son with Phillip II, Phillip Chancellor III, who of course, was named after his father, as well as Katherine’s numerous other husbands. The character has been through trials, tribulations, triumphs dilemmas, and encounters, including a shooting, catfights, a mid life crisis, and a 2003 plot twist that shockingly revealed that Jill was Katherine’s long lost biological daughter, causing a more softer, peaceful, compassionate side to their long running rivalry, although in 2009, a DNA test proved otherwise. In 2010, Jill discovers that she in fact is the daughter of the late Neil Fenmore, making Jill and fellow character Lauren Fenmore half sisters.

The character of Jill has been played by several actresses over the years, including Bond Gideon, Deborah Adair, Melinda O. Fee, and Judith Chapman, but let’s focus on the two main core actresses. Brenda Dickson originated the role of Jill back in 1973. On January 9, 1980, Dickson vacated the role, despite returning on September 8, 1983. In 1987, Dickson once again vacated the role, later being replaced by Jess Walton: who first served as a temporary replacement on June 19, 1987; then as a permanent recast airing on June 25, 1987. Some Y&R viewers may note that Brenda Dickson’s Jill is more campy, authentic, and conniving while Jess Walton’s Jill is more cynical and feisty and has been around the block.

So, with that being said, which Jill did you like better?

[80sTrivia]

I never saw Brenda's portrayal of Jill, only in clips on YouTube. Jess Walton's portrayal has always been perfectly over-the-top but she never goes too far into the realm of camp. Her chemistry with her co-stars has always been incredible, especially with the late Jeannie Cooper, who played Katherine. The fireworks those two produced is the stuff of legend!

[HuntingtonM15]

There is simply no other like Jess Walton. Jess is Jill. When Jill is off the canvas, the show loses some spark. It's been said that during rehearsals Jess only gives it about 50%, but when the cameras start rolling, she turns it on. Peter Bergman had to warn Michael Mealor about this when he first had a scene with Jess. Even with the warning he was shocked how hard she brought it when the cameras were rolling, and he was a bit intimidated. Jess is a consummate professional through and through.

[TVLegend]

Originally Posted by 80sTrivia

I never saw Brenda's portrayal of Jill, only in clips on YouTube. Jess Walton's portrayal has always been perfectly over-the-top but she never goes too far into the realm of camp. Her chemistry with her co-stars has always been incredible, especially with the late Jeannie Cooper, who played Katherine. The fireworks those two produced is the stuff of legend!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTrkCrf3jeg

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8pR44LjvPo4

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-_vDRD_-U14

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bs0T_WoHTA

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IpZweuc9PoQ

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PRSAsDqFGvU

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rJObA9X9JT4

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fAuoxYT0CYQ

[TVLegend]

Originally Posted by HuntingtonM15

There is simply no other like Jess Walton. Jess is Jill. When Jill is off the canvas, the show loses some spark. It's been said that during rehearsals Jess only gives it about 50%, but when the cameras start rolling, she turns it on. Peter Bergman had to warn Michael Mealor about this when he first had a scene with Jess. Even with the warning he was shocked how hard she brought it when the cameras were rolling, and he was a bit intimidated. Jess is a consummate professional through and through.

I wish Jill would appear more. Love me some Jess Walton. The show is so boring now with the whole Faith kidney transplant storyline, the Cyaxeres storyline, the Jack and Sally storyline, the paralyzed Chelsea storyline, the Ashland Locke/Tara/Kyle/Summer/Jack storyline, and the Sharon/Rey/Adam storyline.

[adamchandler]

I enjoy both actresses. Brenda and Jess are fabulous. Jill is one of my favorite characters, I will have to give the edge to Brenda. She was Y&R to me, one of the main reasons to watch and what made the show popular.

[TVLegend]

Originally Posted by adamchandler

I enjoy both actresses. Brenda and Jess are fabulous. Jill is one of my favorite characters, I will have to give the edge to Brenda. She was Y&R to me, one of the main reasons to watch and what made the show popular.

While I love me some Jess Walton and she was definitely the better actress, Brenda was the better version and persona of the character. She had the devilish, evil, conniving, over the top, vindictive, campy essence that while was often overacted and timed terribly, was just what the show needed.

[adamchandler]

Originally Posted by TVLegend

While I love me some Jess Walton and she was definitely the better actress, Brenda was the better version and persona of the character. She had the devilish, evil, conniving, over the top, vindictive, campy essence that while was often overacted and timed terribly, was just what the show needed.

Agreed. Just pure fun to watch. She made work seem cool too. Always painting her fingernails and drinking tea lol.