Eileen Davidson Interview - The Young and the Restless Farewell

The Young and the Restless' Eileen Davidson sits down with Michael Fairman for a candid interview as she wraps up her run as Ashley Abbott, a role she began playing in 1982. The two-time Daytime Emmy-winning star opens up about her decision to leave the top-rated daytime drama series, how she will miss her co-stars, names her favorite all-time Ashley moments, as she reflects on her soap opera career, life, and more.
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[@AldamaAdventures]

Eileen is 59 years old, there is no way! She hasn't aged since 35!! You will be missed on Y & R.

[@kimlewis6125]

There will never be another Ashley like Eileen Davidson! I hope she comes back some day....truly!

[@kimberlydunn4471]

Why does Ashley have to leave..😭😭😭my daughter was named after her

[@benitagarnett]

I agree!

[@bonniedavis2407]

So true😘

[@ticowayne6691]

Kim Lewis i agree with you! Eileen Davidson is ashley Abbott! No one can act like her that Role! I will miss her tremendously! That Role of Ashley abbott will never be the same without incomparable & great Actriz Eileen Davidson! Omg just imagine when it's Victor & Nikki time Character be replaced im going to lose it! Thats been The Couple for years on Y&R! Love all 3 of them!

[@stuartmcnair2724]

@@kimberlydunn4471 She left to spend more time with her real life family.No one can blame her for that

[@mildredwebster2822]

We love you. You are so amazing! You will always be in our hearts. You have been a huge part of our family for all these years. Life is to short. Enjoy your family

[@elizabethmiles7733]

Wishing you joy and happiness you deserve may God bless you

[@-Munditimum-]

What a wonderful, talented, brilliant and straight forward human being. She truly is in many ways "Ashley". Thanks Michael for this. All the blessings.

[@joyr36]

Eileen Davidson is such a fantastic actress. She is going to be missed. No one can play the role of Ashley the way she does. She puts so much raw emotion in the part.

[@cher1128]

I have been watching Y&R faithfully since 1984. I'm so happy I came across this interview. It has given me hope that maybe one day Ashley will return to Genoa City. I love Eileen's portrayal of Ashley. No replacement could fill her shoes. Her acting is phenomenal!!! I am very sad she is leaving, but I understand and respect her decision. I really hope she returns one day though!!!

[@ljinbs]

I loved that Ashley was such an intelligent and real character. I always felt she was relatable and I respected her. I think most of that is due to Eileen because she comes off the same way IRL. She will be missed.

[@bellarae9439]

So very true

[@suebuchert7797]

She was nasty. Disliked her since I saw the true pot stirring witch she was on HOBH. Very passice aggressive on that show and after she started on that show I could never watch her on YR. Im glad she's gone and hope she doesnt come back.

[@georgiapascoe1625]

Eileen we will miss you so much! ❤

[@pinkpoodle3484]

So sad to see her go! I always loved her character and storylines, Y&R will never be the same!

[@usarmybama]

Great interview with Eileen, Michael. 👏🙌 Very pleased we still get to see her 👍👌👏

[@trudyclose2242]

Eillen davidson will be missed watched with my mother for years. and with my daughter in law who both passed away .In honor of them both will still watch. but Ashley character will be missed. all the best.

[@Shayshaymylove]

Sorry about your losses

[@tinamcbride7948]

I started day 1 watching with my dad. He always worked 2nd shift and we watched Y&R and AMC. He died last year and was still watching at 83. I miss him so and I will miss her too.

[@bobbiemontgomery6584]

She's ok not really going to miss her....Her character was so stuffy. The other characters can carry the soap...

[@ericaphillips2601]

First of all, sorry for your lost and secondly she will be missed yet is coming for a few episodes in March. I will also miss her as a regular and as Neil Winters love interest R.I.P. Kristoff St John they made a nice couple

[@lisahancock1863]

Thank you for coming in to our living rooms daily and helping us forget our problems. You will be missed tremendously!

[@ninafuhr1165]

No one can fill you shoes. Thank you for these years. God Bless.

[@cheshiregrin7892]

Never recast her character so Eileen can returned when she and her family life will allow. So sorry to see her go again. Been watching Y&R all these many years. My only soap opera❣

[@pauwelasurfer]

I hope the character of Ashley isnt killed off. Theres never been any actress that has ever played the role of Ashley better than Eileen Davidson. She will be missed. Best wishes to her.

[@1thetvzone]

Brenda Epperson a close second....

[@tinamcbride7948]

@@1thetvzone Brenda Epperson played Jill Foster

[@1thetvzone]

@@tinamcbride7948 That was Brenda Dickson she was the original Jill Foster....Brenda Epperson was the second Ashley when Eileen Davidson left the 1st time...

[@jak30341]

thetvzone correct

[@lisalatimer2288]

She won't be. She is leaving on a jet plane.

[@susandwyer9366]

Eileen, you will be missed on Y&R. Thank you for the many years you’ve been in my family.

[@ramblingrose6604]

No body lasts that long in the business without being the best! Good Luck for the future, Eileen!

[@joannefore5023]

Rambling Rose zzz

[@abbyluv126]

I will always adore Ashley Abbott with Eileen Davidson amazing actress. Thank you Eileen Davidson!

[@derricklowe2823]

WOW, Ashley Abbott. I first watched this soap opera back in 1984 and she was one of the characters that caught my attention. I had such a crush on her then. I'm not a soap opera guy and I didn't watch this series for long, but when I did watch it , it was basically to look at her. 😊

[@alvingilchrist7782]

I remember the first episode Eileen appeared in on Y&R. Ashley had returned home from college. I was a junior in college at the time and when I saw Ashley for the first time I thought she was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen before in my life. I will miss Eileen on "The Young and the Restless".

[@maureenshea4268]

Alvin Gilchrist I have the same recollection. Loved that Ashley,

[@rickypresley1593]

Same here, Alvin. I was in high school in 1982 when Eileen first appeared on the show in her sorority sweatshirt. I thought she was one of the prettiest girls I'd ever seen. She looked like one of those girls who'd be NICE to you, but would never in a million years condescend to actually DATE you, lol.

[@thenewctc]

Love Eileen on Y&R so shes the reason I started watchin' Housewives I watched all 3 of her seasons now I just peak in from time to time its not the same without LVP & Eileen Davidson she was the oldest, classiest AND Prettiest!! Love U Eileen you should make more "friend" appearances @ least plz!!

[@doreendaykin6693]

This is one amazing, intelligent, grounded, talented and emotionally healthy woman! Best of luck and happiness to her!!!

[@rhondadement]

Thank you so much for this interview! Your presence will most definitely be missed! It would be great if you could come back as a guest star from time to time! Take care and enjoy your time with your family.

[@ginagraziano6914]

So bittersweet I am happy for you moving forward and sad to say no more Ashley. Your awesome in the soap world and may your life outside of it be even better! I have watched since the 70's

[@anna-laurahocker5570]

Eileen Davidson will be missed! She truly created and inhabited the character of Ashley. I hope she'll return one day.

[@moinaturally6583]

She's such a beauty and a class act!

[@1thetvzone]

I'm going to miss Eileen, but I do hope she comes back

[@darkskinnedchic6267]

2/27/19. Watching Eileen and Kristoff together, breaks my heart!! Wonder how she feels about his passing.

[@donnamelendez1369]

Ashley great actress watched the young and restless for years you will be missed

[@cynthiaharris9035]

Donna Melendez I'm going to miss her and Neil together!

[@warnettamcafee5281]

Donna Melendez bnb vhf

[@shirleynetteville9712]

Thank you for the many years of being Ashley, I have watched from the beginning. Your face as Ashley can never be replaced. Much love in your life going forward.

[@margaretreynolds1267]

What a beautiful lady. Wish her all the best and I will miss her terrible. Amazing actress 😊

[@terricanada7005]

So sweet we will be praying for you .you are a great Actress . I hope someday you will come back.God Bless you and your Family.

[@douglaswilkinson1780]

I Will miss Ashley Eileen THANK you for wounderful performance on the young and the restless fan from Canada Douglas

[@lindarobinson7075]

I started watching this show when I was 4 years old with my Aunt. I will be 58 years old this February (be it God's will), and The Young and the Restless is my all time favorite soap opera. I remember when Eileen Davidson came on the show to play Ashley Abbott. I knew then that she would be a long running character - she is a class act, and clearly one of my favorite actresses. However, all good things must end, and I really wish you the best Eileen (Ashley) Davidson in all your endeavors.

[@carollisowski7341]

Right on. Eileen has a good husband and son. She will be ok. Carol

[@GogoDC]

Thank you for this! I’m literally in tears.

[@rodeliedamille5120]

Will be missed. Love her on Y&R and days

[@balagan79985]

I think she is a real class act

[@karenleonard8679]

Thank you Michael!

[@Tunishamu]

I'm going to miss her .

[@zorro1955]

Tunisha Muse - I miss her already🤧

[@cherylwashington4994]

Will miss you dear! I named my daughter after you because of your beauty and intelligence ❤️ I’ve been watching since I was a little girl, I am 61 now 😍😘❤️

[@kimberlydunn4471]

Wow..I did the same with my daughter for the same reasons

[@55EileenDaniel]

I hated my name until I started watching Young and the Restless and I loved Ashley, found out her name was Eileen and didn't mind anymore, LOL

[@peggyredman6774]

Ashley. You are the best ever wish. You the very best of life and your family you will be miss love Tracy she has so much to give on this show she was great taking down jack and Kyle love her. I pray Tracy stays.

[@lbroderick783]

Yes, I love Tracy, too! She is really a great actress and so glad they brought her back. I hope she stays, too!

[@mercedescorretjer2933]

I hope Tracy stays.

[@Mzdiana82]

Eileen is such an amazing, beautiful woman who definitely will be missed! Hopefully they'll keep her character in case she wants to make guest appearances. The show won't be the same without her. Good luck Eileen and enjoy your time with your family.

[@Ddrhl]

I respect her decision (and glad it's HER decision) but I love Ashley...always have.

[@shyrlrobtison5518]

She's so beautiful talented and sooo much intelligence . She's got it all in spades !

[@AshleyNewman201]

Paul was on Y&R for 40 years...First appearance: May 23, 1978 - Where is his interview?

[@Christopher-Yabadabado]

Eileen is not only one of the best actors on Daytime, but also my favorite Housewife! Y & R will not be the same.

[@lynnvaught5717]

You will be missed! Your great actress beautiful woman. Look amazing for your age.

[@deborahakers5548]

This is so heartbreaking as I know she has had many broken things happen in her real life and I thought she'd leave then but how this has happened it really hurts my heart. She has always been my favorite actress and the way she's leaving I'm not so sure Y & R will get through this. She took the patterns so now what?? I want to wish Eileen the very BEST in anything she might get into after this! You will truly be missed by all!!

[@jamiekirkland7918]

I will miss you Eileen Davidson, Ashley Abbott. You are one of a kind. Good luck with your future endeavors. ❤❤

[@cynthiajones8950]

I love Ashley! One of my favorite characters😤❤❤

[@deniseherud]

She's been there since b4 I was born and I've always loved her💗 She's so unbelievably gorgeous but i most love that they made her smart too...she's a chemist, executive...all these powerful jobs that said to little girls you can be this or whatever you want to be. While other women were stripping and scheming, she was running stuff in a mans world. Will miss her terribly and remember this as her career achievement, not that Housewives crap👿

[@3BuckHead]

Ashley, Eileen Davidson-Brenda Epperson, has always been my favorite character on the show and Victoria, Heather Tom, is very, very close.

[@1thetvzone]

Love Heather Tom, Brenda Epperson & Eileen Davidson both did a good job in the role.

[@joannequagliara7128]

I’m truly going to miss you Ashley,you are an amazing actress.Best of luck in your new endeavours.

[@tinamcbride7948]

thetvzone I am sorry, I accidentally posted before I finished, I was trying to ask you if brenda epperson played Ashley and who played jill. Sorry, it didnt get finished. I couldnt find the post but I didnt want you to think I was being rude:)

[@1thetvzone]

@@tinamcbride7948 no worries....your good.. Eileen originated the role 82--88 and she even went to YR producers and urge them to hire Brenda Epperson to play Ashley...Eileen ran into Brenda Epperson at a restaurant and Brenda, played Ashley 88-95...Then they hired Shari Shuttuck she wasn't a good Ashley she was the 1st wife in real life of the 1st Ridge on Bold and The Beautiful....Eileen came back to YR in 1999 after being on Days of Our Lives....

[@annmary964]

@@1thetvzone you are amazing, a true encyclopedia! I watched Y&R in Italy for many years until it was on tv. Didn't know all the things i read here, thanks and all the best to everybody.🍀🌷🌸🥀💕💕💕🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@MaryBlanche]

Double Thank you Michael!!

[@rickstheone]

Eileen Davidson is a talented actress and a real class act. She has played the part of Ashley Abbott beautifully off and on since 1982 with style, grace and depth. I know I will miss seeing Ashley on screen, especially in scenes with Peter Bergman(Jack) and Beth Maitland(Traci) which were always top notch. I expect for Eileen to pick up another Emmy nomination next year (and possible win). I wished Eileen would continue to stay but if the role needed to be recast, Brenda Epperson would be a wise choice.

[@mjj1434]

@rickstheone - I liked Brenda Epperson as Ashley!! I hated to see her leave .

[@bmevderman3290]

Won't be the same without you I wish you the best in your new endeavors!! Ashley Abbott!! Goodluck Eileen Davidson!! You'll be sorely missed!!💖

[@anitadawson7766]

Thank You Ashley Abbott!!!!!

[@craftlover9702]

OMG I'm heartbroken..... She is an amazing actress with a lot of depth!!! She will be sooooooo missed. I have been watching for over 40 years..... I hope her departure is open ended so she could return should she want to .... I totally get wanting to have more family time but no one will ever replace her!

[@yg-lc4ll]

You are totally a very STRONG person, you went out on the TOP! God Bless u.!

[@anetterichard2389]

Eileen Davidson was my favorite actress on Y&R. I always thought she was so beautiful and elegant.

[@estherhaberman1840]

Thank you so much for all the years! The award was well deserved. Moving performances and maybe you will come back again. Love you 😘

[@ReigningWomban]

Great acting!!! It’s good to hear her reasons for leaving and how she feels about the writing of her exit. 🙂. Wish you well Eileen!!

[@bsa2506]

Love love love HER!!! She'll be BACK!!! After sitting home after kids are gone she will want to get out!!!!

[@shannonaiava1171]

She is amazing!!! I love her as Kristin, Susan, and Ashley!!! She is amazing!!!!

[@tinam2696]

I miss her on DOOL. Dabble in the Young & The Restless. She is great & missed already.

[@sheilagrooms5317]

I am already missing you

[@lbroderick783]

I have watched Y&R since Day One! Will miss Eileen Davidson and the character of Ashley a lot. I wish Eileen Davidson the best of luck!

[@deborahbledsoe7456]

Really going to miss you Eileen,best of luck and God Bless.

[@MrTopsoil911]

Going to miss u dearly!!

[@AprilMartinChartrandMS]

I will miss her exceptional acting. She is a class act in Soaps.

[@liselavigne7631]

i am going to miss your character on Y&R!!! I've been watching it since I was a little girl. I wish you all the best Eileen. xxx

[@zenseed75]

I just started watching Y&R again, after an over 20 year break. Loved that my old faves were still there. Will miss her.

[@nickilecuyer7584]

A talk show would be great because she has such a beautiful and relaxing voice.

[@loisreichert4354]

I am so sad to see you leave Y & R but wish you continued success in whatever you decide for the future!!!😘

[@lisajones2430]

You are a very talented actress and we your fans will miss seeing you. Glad you are going out on top!

[@jenniferhaywood134]

You will be truly missed!!! Hope to see you back from time to time. It's never the same when you leave Y&R! 😔

[@hunterj458]

The best to you and your family Eileen. You will be truly missed.

[@terrywilliams6125]

I'm going to miss you, your a great actress, there's no other person that can take your place, thank you for what you brought to us everyday,❤️

[@tinalavender4862]

oh I adore her so much. and I think she`s a real down-to-earth person. I would love to meet her and just meet the person eileen....without cameras and everything. I think she`s a true one...very honest, real, loving, caring and full of passion for her work but also for her family. I think she is a rare one. and geee so so beautiful. I think she has a heart of gold and I always feel sorry for her when people talk shit about her. some people can be really really mean and they forget that she has a heart and feeling too. I adore and respect her deeply. hope she knows how amazing she is and how loved by some people. I love you eileen. never forget how fabulous you are. the world needs people like you with such a big and beautiful heart. I don't know why but when she speaks to us fans I really have tears in my eyes. what a wonderful lady

[@tommaramitchell2219]

Congratulations on your emmy you were one of the most talented actors GOD BLESS you on your new journey in life.

[@bethhoskins9629]

Can't count how many times she's left show an came back

[@stephenanthony3094]

Eileen Davidson is such a classy lady! I've always known about her but became a big fan when she joined #RHOBH I was sad to see her exit the show, and now leaving Y&R... she knows what she's doing. She's got a great career. I hope she comes back to Real Housewives though!

[@terminatorx2545]

She is the best! Loved watching Eileen for the last 30 years!

[@reginakilgore5338]

Thank you Michael and Eileen for this interview. MF does the best! Well, that's my opinion anyway.

[@elizabethvallely4044]

She will be sooo miss not going to be the same ☹️ I do hope they don’t kill her off and maybe one day come back pleaseeeee 💖💖💖

[@stephaneouellette7943]

A class act actress.Gonna miss you Eileen.

[@janetkrueger8430]

Just wish that you would come back. I love your character. You are a great actress. Going to to really miss you. Best of luck to you. God bless you!

[@donnastratton8397]

Been watching Y&R for years, since before the Abbotts. Always liked Eileen as Ashley.

[@maree5089]

Good luck for the future Eileen ... we have loved watching you in Australia for many many years ... feel like you are part of the family here too :) ... xxx

[@glinda58]

THANK YOU!! She is amazing. This is going to sound so strange but I've been a fan since day 1 when it first began (I was 15) and now I'm 60 and STILL watching! My children are named after this soap! Ryan Bradley and Ashley Lauren!! I always loved the Ashley character. You are going to be missed! Wishing you a life of happiness and more success. Hope you drop by Jabot once in a while. Beth

[@barbarabright2743]

Good luck to you Eileen! You will be greatly missed!

[@yolandaoliver5176]

will miss u

[@audreymiller4006]

Y & R. Won’t be the same without Ashley! But obviously she has a life outside work.

[@francescatlett4897]

Audrey Miller "

[@patriciaclifton51]

Love you Ashley!!!

[@jarlymorgan]

I don't think her character has that effect on the show

[@kimberlydunn4471]

I agree

[@bobbiemontgomery6584]

She left before and the soap survived...And she probably gone for good this time....The character of Paul has been on the soap for decades from day one he should have received an awesome exit.

[@pamelamcculley145]

She will be missed !!!! I've been watching this soap since 2963!!!!

[@pamelamcculley145]

Sorry 1963 !!!!!

[@barbaraolson600]

Thank you Eileen.

[@rayali9854]

The interviewer did a great job relaxed and very engaging. Eileen is a beautiful charming conversationalist and great actress.

[@marilynwelther5823]

Thanks for doing this interview. I hope she does come back occasionally for a YR social function.

[@shamrockgirl6595]

With 30+ yrs, Doug Davidson * PAUL * DESERVED the SAME farewell. Very disappointed Y&R

[@LoveOnTheInsidex3]

Shamrock Girl I agree!

[@kaseyblack6763]

Shamrock Girl I agree! I was so sad over Paul

[@priscillasutton4898]

Exactly!!

[@lbroderick783]

Yes, he certainly did! I can't believe how Doug Davidson was treated. Doug and the character of Paul were always one of my favorites!

[@deborahakers5548]

I'm sorry, to ask this but I've been sick and in the hospital. When did he leave! Did they like just take him off or did they kill him off? What happened??

[@lisas.4604]

Will miss Ashley. 😭 Everyone always comes back.

[@tiffanyhardy3981]

She is glamorous! I’m truly going to miss her😢.

[@scizekwood]

I wish she wouldn't leave!

[@ursulamullikin4723]

Yeah me neither but let's not be selfish she has a family and she wants to spend time with them

[@lynnepierce3676]

Never be a better Ashley than Eileen Davidson. Will miss her😢

[@barryrosen405]

some day you may come back

[@pattypollard4070]

I love you I feel sad you’re leaving you’ve been part of a family and part of my family for many many years. I wish you nothing but happiness with you and your family and your husband. They are good things come your way . Thank you for the years and the young and the restless you have been a joy to watch your ups your downs. PATTY

[@TUSSCANNY]

I can't believe your leaving but you have to make life yours. Your amazing. I for one will miss you.i've been watching since day one. Granny fan