A Soap Icon Reflects on 40 Years in Genoa City

Tracey E. Bregman has been a household name for decades thanks to her role as Lauren Fenmore on The Young and the Restless. The Emmy-winning actress first appeared in Genoa City in the early 1980s, and in that time, Lauren has transformed from a rebellious troublemaker into a respected fashion mogul. Today, she’s a devoted wife to Michael Baldwin (Christian LeBlanc) and a close friend of Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott).

But as Bregman recently revealed, her early years on the show came with a dark side — one that followed her far beyond the set.

Tracey Opens Up About the Backlash

During an appearance on Soapy with Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart, Bregman candidly discussed the fallout from playing Genoa City’s original “mean girl.” Fans will remember that Lauren relentlessly bullied Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) during her teenage years. While it made for compelling daytime drama, it also sparked strong emotions from viewers — emotions that went way too far.

“I will tell you, it was a double-edged sword playing the mean girl,” Bregman admitted. “I would get death threats, and people tried to run me off the freeway.”

Her confession stunned the hosts, who were shocked to hear just how dangerous fan reactions became. Bregman added that there were “some bad parts that I never really talked about,” showing just how deeply the experience affected her.

Friendship Behind the Feud

Ironically, behind the scenes, Bregman and Maitland developed a genuine friendship that has lasted over 42 years. Playing cruel and cutting scenes against someone she cared about deeply wasn’t easy.

“Having to be mean to Beth Maitland, I mean, come on,” Bregman explained. “We were so close, and I knew how she was really feeling about a lot of things. And it was a story that was kind of based on her being a little overweight and being conscious about that. I had to say the worst things to her, and Beth will tell you that I cried more than she did over it.”

The emotional toll of the storyline weighed heavily on both women, but their bond off-screen softened the blows and created a support system that carried them through those challenging years.

From Villain to Fan Favorite

Thankfully, Lauren eventually evolved beyond her early days as a manipulative bully. Over the years, the writers transformed her into a strong, stylish, and layered character. While she can still channel her inner mean girl when the storyline calls for it, Lauren has become a respected fixture in Genoa City — not just a foil for Traci or anyone else.

Even Lauren and Traci’s on-screen rivalry was eventually resolved, with the two characters moving from enemies to unlikely friends, reflecting the growth both women experienced over time.

The Love Story Fans Fought For

One of the most defining aspects of Lauren’s modern storylines has been her marriage to Michael Baldwin. Bregman and LeBlanc, who also appeared on Soapy, shared that they had to push hard to bring their characters together. Their persistence paid off, as Michael and Lauren have become one of the most beloved couples in the history of The Young and the Restless.

Despite a rocky beginning for Lauren, Bregman looks back on her journey with gratitude. While fan backlash once felt overwhelming, the role has ultimately given her a career filled with lasting friendships, unforgettable moments, and storylines that continue to captivate audiences.