Every job comes with its fair share of stress, but working on a soap opera can be particularly nerve-wracking. Imagine knowing that at any moment, your character could be killed off, disappear, or even be replaced by someone else. If you’re part of a long-running show like The Young and the Restless, it’s a constant worry that your time might be running out. Since Melissa Ordway began playing Abby Newman in 2013, she’s probably had to think a lot about her future on the show.
Soap operas create a unique bond with viewers because they run for so many seasons and episodes, making you really attached to both the characters and the actors. This connection is often stronger than with other TV shows like sitcoms or dramas. Considering the fates of characters like Cassie Newman (played by Camryn Grimes), fans are understandably concerned about whether we’ll continue to see Ordway on The Young and the Restless.
Did Melissa Ordway leave The Young and the Restless?
Melissa Ordway isn’t leaving The Young and the Restless anytime soon, which is a huge relief for fans of her character, Abby Newman. However, in the world of soap operas, where cast changes happen frequently, it’s not uncommon for viewers to worry about their favorite actors’ status on the show.
Ordway did take a break from the show in 2017, but it wasn’t because she wanted to leave or change her career. Instead, she stepped away for a bit to welcome her daughter, Sophia Jolie Gaston.
Being a fan of The Young and the Restless can be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. For instance, in 2020, some fans feared Ordway might have left the show when she posted on social media about living in Nashville. However, she clarified that she and her family still live in Los Angeles but also have a second home in Nashville. She assured fans that she was still working on Y&R, saying, “I’m still on Y&R. Thank God! I love the show and all the amazing, talented people I get to work with!”
While Abby’s fate on the show could change depending on the storyline, she’s a key character on The Young and the Restless and seems pretty secure. Ordway has appeared in other TV shows and movies, like the charming CW drama Privileged and A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, but her role as Abby has been a significant part of her career for over a decade.
Soap opera careers can be short-lived, so Ordway’s long tenure is a testament to her talent and how much fans enjoy Abby’s dramatic storylines. It would be fantastic if Ordway stayed on the show for another decade. She seems to be enjoying her career, and her passion for her role is evident. In an Instagram post, she shared a video from the Y&R set with the caption, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”