Drucilla Winters

Last updated
Drucilla Winters
The Young and the Restless character
Victoria Rowell as Drucilla Winters.jpg
Victoria Rowell as Drucilla Winters
Portrayed by
Duration
  • 1990–1998
  • 2000
  • 2002–2007
First appearanceMay 7, 1990
Last appearanceApril 6, 2007
Classification Former; regular
Created by William J. Bell
Introduced by
In-universe information
Other namesDrucilla Barber
Occupation
  • Cosmetics spokeswoman
  • Executive Director of Cosmetics (Newman Enterprises)
  • Businesswoman
  • Fashion model
  • Ballerina
  • Photographer's assistant
Family Barber
Father Walter Barber
Mother Lillie Belle Barber
Sisters Olivia Winters
Husband Neil Winters (1993–1998, 2003–2007)
Daughters Lily Winters
Adoptive sons Devon Hamilton
Grandsons Charlie Ashby
Dominic Newman-Abbott-Chancellor (adoptive)
Granddaughters Mattie Ashby
UnclesWesley Barber
Aunts Mamie Johnson
Nephews Nathan Hastings, Jr.
First cousins Justin Barber

Drucilla Winters is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless . Created by William J. Bell as an effort to add more African American characters to the cast, the role was portrayed by Victoria Rowell. Rowell left the role in 2000 to pursue other projects and Alexia Robinson was introduced as Alex Perez, a replacement character, shortly after. Rowell later returned in August 2002.

Contents

In 2007, Rowell became unhappy with the soap opera behind the scenes, labeling daytime television and The Young and the Restless as racist for not having enough African-American cast and crew. [1] [2] She also argued the directions of her storylines which weren't heard, prompting her to leave. Within the storyline, Drucilla fell off a cliff and was presumed dead as her body was never found. Rowell has openly expressed pleasure and willingness to return, [3] [4] and as a result of the character's strong appeal and popularity, viewers have campaigned for the series to rehire her. However, CBS has stated that having Drucilla return is not the creative decision they are looking for, which has disappointed fans of the actress. [5] In 2015, Rowell filed a lawsuit against the soap opera and Sony Pictures Entertainment for retaliation, claiming that she had been blacklisted by the network for speaking out against what she believed was racial discrimination during her time portraying Drucilla.

The character is a ballerina-turned-model, with a forward personality and feisty persona. Introduced in 1990 as a runaway teen and street urchin whose aunt is Mamie Johnson (Veronica Redd), the housekeeper for the Abbott family. Drucilla's storyline revolves around normal soap style rags to riches story beginning as a rough around the edges illiterate young woman, to becoming a glamorous model and later a major business executive and one of the elite citizens of Genoa City. Most of her history also revolves long-term relationship with cosmetics executive later CEO Neil Winters (Kristoff St. John) with Dru and Neil becoming one of the main super couples on the show, being raped by Neil's brother, Malcolm (Shemar Moore), which resulted in the birth of a daughter, Lily (Christel Khalil), and on-again/off-again relationship with her sister, Olivia (Tonya Lee Williams). Drucilla's rivalries with Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) (the latter often providing the series' comic relief), and friendships with Victor Newman, Jack Abbott, Brad Carlton (Don Diamont) and Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) have also proved popular as plot points.

Casting

Victoria Rowell originated the role on May 7, 1990. [6] Dawn McMillan filled in for Rowell while she was on maternity leave from January 26 to February 9, 1996. [7] [8] Rowell left the show on April 2, 1998. [9] She came back for a recurring gig from February to September 2000. During this time, Kent Masters King assumed the role for several episodes. [10] [11] [12] That same year, Rowell chose to exit the soap opera again in order to star in a Showtime miniseries. [13] She returned to the role in August 2002, after a two-year absence.

Drucilla's exit in 2007 was not without controversy. She was unhappy about her character, and voiced her opinion about it. Ultimately, Rowell opted to be let out of her regular contract. [14] Months after Drucilla's death, Rowell had an interview with Black Press Magazine. She explained her reasonings for leaving: "We have the most popular daytime show and the number one show for African Americans, hands down. Yet, there are no black writers, there are no black producers, there are no black directors. There are no Black make up artists. There are no Black hairstylists." [1] [15] Rowell went on to say that to get any attention or recognition, she had to write her own script for it to be comfortable with her. [1] She had pointed out signs of racism, as she was a top actress for her work on The Young and the Restless yet had failed to secure many Daytime Emmy Nominations, and never won once. [1] Rowell even expressed her displeasure with the situation on social networking site Twitter, too. [15] In an interview with Soap Opera Digest prior to her final airdate, Rowell stated: [16]

I rewrote every single script I got. I've had to and the writers have always been receptive to that. It all started with Bill Bell giving me permission to tweak script after script and I've been able to do that for 14 years.

In the same interview, she had revealed that accomplished and central actors on the soap opera such as Eric Braeden, who portrays Victor Newman, had asked her to stay. [16] Rowell said that she tweaked her script to give Dru a voice, but explained that "everything happens for a reason and where I couldn't exercise that particular artistic expression with Y&R." [16] Since her departure, speculation has arisen multiple times that Rowell would return at some point, but this has never materialized. [17] [18]

In February 2015, Rowell sued The Young and the Restless and Sony Pictures Entertainment for retaliation, alleging that she was blacklisted by the network and production company due to her speaking out against lack of diversity on and behind the cameras at the soap opera. Rowell also alleged in her suit that she faced years of racial discrimination during her time on the series, and was denied writing and directing opportunities which have been granted to Caucasian actors. [19] [20]

Storylines

Backstory

Drucilla "Dru" Barber runs away from home as a teenager, due to her problematic relationship with her mother, Lillie Belle (Norma Donaldson), and goes to stay with her aunt Mamie Johnson (Veronica Redd) who is a housekeeper for Jabot Cosmetics founder John Abbott, Sr. In doing so, she sacrifices her opportunity for a promising career as a ballerina.

1990–2000

Dru is illiterate, but is taught to read by private detective Nathan Hastings (who was once also illiterate). Nathan later marries and fathers a child by Dru's successful physician sister Olivia. Drucilla and Olivia originally have a relationship fraught with tension and anger, due to mother Lillie Belle's favoritism of Olivia over Drucilla. She admitted many years later that Dru was an unwanted child, the result of husband Walter's drunken lust. It was no wonder that Dru ran away as a teenager and spent years on the streets racking up a criminal record. Olivia was shocked by this revelation, needless to say and saw Dru in a new light for the first time in years. Walter assured Olivia that even though Dru's conception was not planned, he loved her regardless and had no regrets over having her. Olivia was relieved and grateful to hear this, but was furious with Lillie Belle for mistreating Dru all those years, leading the two sisters to reconcile in a very emotional manner and they have had a loving relationship ever since.

Dru eventually marries Neil Winters, but only after many trials and mistakes. One such misstep, is posing nude for a magazine, though Jill Abbott (Jess Walton) discovers and destroys the film. Over time, Dru eventually evolves into a glamorous model. In June 1993, after marrying Neil, Drucilla finally receives closure by telling off her mother for wanting to abort her and not showing love for her as a child. Dru becomes close with Neil's brother Malcolm Winters, who develops a crush on her. While she is under the influence of cold medication, Malcolm rapes her knowing she believed him to be her husband. When she ends up pregnant, they decide not to uncover the child's paternity and keep their affair a secret. Dru gives birth to her daughter, Lily, in 1995. Dru's marriage to Neil ultimately collapses because her desire for a career clashes with his desire for a wife who stayed home. Dru develops very close friendships with people in town, including Brad Carlton (Don Diamont), Sharon Newman (Sharon Case), Victor Newman (Eric Braeden), and Jack and Ashley Abbott (Peter Bergman and Eileen Davidson). She develops an adversarial relationship with Phyllis Romalotti (Michelle Stafford), which only intensifies as the years go on. Dru and Lily move to Europe where Dru continues her modeling career.

2002–07

Dru and Lily return to Genoa City for brief visits until 2002 when they come back to stay. Dru comes back hoping for help in reining in their now 14-year-old daughter Lily (Christel Khalil). Instead, it is Lily and Dru who end up helping Neil deal with his drinking problem. Neil and Dru fall back in love and remarry in Japan in 2003. Dru and Neil became swamped with work, leaving Lily with a lot of time to get into trouble. Although Lily ran into the arms of Kevin Fisher, who ended up using her, Neil and Dru were able to work together and save their daughter from losing more than her virginity. Dru went on to help out troubled teen Devon Hamilton, and convinced Neil to become Devon's foster parents.

Miraculously, Neil's brother Malcolm returned from the dead after surviving the car accident, which everyone thought had been his demise. After much protest from Dru, Malcolm demanded a paternity test on Lily, which proved her to be Malcolm's biological daughter. Again, they agreed to keep the secret from Neil. To make matters worse, Lily ran off and married Daniel Romalotti (Michael Graziadei).

In 2006, Neil and Lily (Davetta Sherwood) learn the truth about her paternity. Neil wonders if he will ever be able to forgive Dru for her betrayal, and begins a flirtation with Carmen Mesta (Marisa Ramirez). Dru shows up at an important Newman function, gets drunk and slanders Carmen Mesta in front of everyone. She later lies her way into Carmen's hotel room and ruins many of Carmen Mesta's expensive clothes. Drucilla attacks Carmen in the office at Newman Enterprises. The entire attack is caught on a video tape found by Phyllis, who gives a copy to Carmen. After Carmen gives copies of the tape to the district attorney and her former lover David Chow (Vincent Irizarry), Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) is forced to fire Drucilla. Dru is arrested, and though Neil is very much attracted to Carmen, he ends their relationship to stand by his wife. Dru ends up receiving probation for her crimes, and court ordered therapy.

Dru's attention shifts to focus on Indigo, a night club she and Neil are opening. The night it opens, Carmen is murdered and her body is discovered behind the club. Dru's adopted son Devon Hamilton (Bryton James) is arrested for the crime, and Drucilla believes her sanity is crumbling as she begins to see Carmen around town. Drucilla is convinced that Carmen is still alive, and after accidentally injuring her daughter, Neil has her voluntarily committed to a mental hospital. After Devon is cleared of all charges, it is revealed that Carmen's former lover David and her look alike cousin Ines are responsible for the hauntings that sent Dru over the edge and Crimson Lights worker Jana Hawkes (Emily O'Brien) is responsible for Carmen's death. Things are looking up for the family, as Neil receives a promotion to the board of directors at Newman Enterprises, Dru regains her job, and Lily and Devon receive high marks in their college courses.

After Sharon asks Dru to be her maid of honor at her upcoming wedding to Jack, Dru accompanies her and their mutual enemy Phyllis to a cliff side photo shoot for NVP. When Phyllis threatens to use her cell phone to reveal Sharon's affair with Brad to their friends and family, Dru reaches for Phyllis' cell phone, and a brief struggle with Phyllis causes both Dru and Sharon to fall off the cliff; immediately sending Dru into the shallow waters below. Sharon hangs on to Phyllis as she, Lily and Daniel try to pull her up, but Sharon lets go and she too falls off the cliff. An injured Sharon is later found, but search and rescue teams only find the remains of Dru's jacket. Her body was never recovered and she is presumed dead.

Reception

In 2022, Charlie Mason from Soaps She Knows placed Drucilla 6th on his list of the best 25 characters from The Young and the Restless, commenting "We know that Victoria Rowell's history with The Young and the Restless is one that perhaps both she and the sudser would like to forget. But we just can't. Her feisty character was the concentrate from which spitfires are made, the rare force of nature who could lay waste to a room without ever spilling a drop of champagne — unless she was throwing it in someone’s face!" [21]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malcolm Winters</span> Fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless

Malcolm Winters is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera, The Young and the Restless. Originally and most recently portrayed by Shemar Moore, Darius McCrary took over between December 29, 2009, and October 17, 2011. Moore reprised the role for guest appearances in September 2014, April 2019 and May 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brad Carlton</span> Fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless

Brad Carlton is a fictional character from the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed by Don Diamont. The character became a mainstay on the series for over 20 years. He was known for his relationships with Traci Abbott, Ashley Abbott and Victoria Newman, as well as his business rivalries with Jack Abbott and Victor Newman. In 2009, the character drowned in a frozen lake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neil Winters</span> Fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless

Neil Winters is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless, an American soap opera on the CBS network. Created and introduced by William J. Bell, the role was portrayed by Kristoff St. John from 1991 until St. John's death in 2019. As of 2019, Neil is the longest-running African American character to appear on the series. St. John last appeared as Neil on February 6, 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sharon Newman</span> Character from the soap opera The Young and the Restless

Sharon Newman is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless, an American soap opera on the CBS network, currently portrayed by Sharon Case. Created by William J. Bell as a love interest for Nicholas Newman, the character debuted on June 27, 1994. Before Case took over in September 1994, the character was portrayed briefly by Monica Potter and then by Heidi Mark. When first introduced, Sharon was a young girl from the poor side of town; her early storylines included being raped by Matt Clark and the revelation that she had given up a child for adoption. Nick and Sharon married, had a son named Noah, and later won custody of Cassie, the daughter she had as a teenager. Their marriage faced a number of problems, including infidelity on both sides. Following Cassie's death in an automobile accident, Nick cheated on Sharon with Phyllis Summers, resulting in a pregnancy which ended their 11-year marriage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phyllis Summers</span> Soap opera character

Phyllis Summers is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless, an American soap opera on the CBS network. The character was created and introduced by William J. Bell, and debuted in the episode airing on October 18, 1994. Phyllis was originally and most notably portrayed by actress Michelle Stafford, until 1997, when Stafford was replaced by Sandra Nelson. Nelson continued in the role until 1999, when the character left; upon the character returning in 2000, head writer Kay Alden rehired Stafford. Stafford has been praised for her portrayal, for which she has won two Daytime Emmy Awards, but left the series after nearly sixteen years, with the character being written into a coma; Stafford last appeared on August 2, 2013. The role passed to Gina Tognoni, who debuted on August 11, 2014, and continued for nearly five years until she departed in June 2019, when Stafford re-claimed the role.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lily Winters</span> Soap opera character

Lily Winters is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Created by William J. Bell, the character appeared as a child for her first five-year period. In 2002, Christel Khalil began portraying Lily as a teenager after the character rapidly aged. In 2005, Khalil left the series, resulting in the character's recasting with Davetta Sherwood; however, Sherwood's portrayal was brief when Khalil was asked to return the following year. Khalil began playing the character as a "rebellious, yet naive teenager", later becoming one of the soap opera's heroines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devon Hamilton</span> Fictional character

Devon Winters is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless, an American soap opera on the CBS network, portrayed by Bryton James. The character, known at first as Devon Hamilton, made his first appearance on June 1, 2004. He was introduced as a homeless teenager who is taken in by the Winters family, the core African-American family within the series. Drucilla Winters sympathizes with Devon because she too was a product of the foster care system. Drucilla and her husband Neil raise Devon along with their daughter Lily and legally adopt him in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olivia Winters</span> Fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless

Olivia Winters is a fictional character from the CBS Daytime soap opera, The Young and the Restless. The role was portrayed by Tonya Williams, on contract beginning in June 1990, until agreeing with the show to drop to recurring status in 2005. She returned to the role in 2007 to 2012.

The storylines of the soap opera The Young and the Restless have changed over the years since the show debuted in 1973. Originally examining the lives of the wealthy Brooks and the poor Fosters, a series of recasts and departures in the early 1980s turned the focus of The Young and the Restless to the Abbotts and the Newmans, including the corporate rivalry between their two respective companies. However, one basic plot that has run throughout almost all of the program's history is the rivalry between Jill Foster Abbott and Katherine Chancellor, similar to the show's sister show, The Bold and the Beautiful, regarding Brooke Logan and Stephanie Forrester.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel and Lily</span> Soap opera character

Daniel Romalotti and Lily Winters are fictional characters and a popular supercouple from the American soap opera The Young and the Restless. Daniel was portrayed by Michael Graziadei and Lily is portrayed by Christel Khalil. Davetta Sherwood took over the part in 2006, until Khalil returned in September of that year. The plots they were featured in included a "going on the run" story, teenage marriage, and Internet pornography. They were written as a star-crossed couple with Romeo and Juliet undertones. The couple is referred to by the portmanteau "Daily" on Internet message boards. They were considered a dynamic duo by the soap opera media.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Newman family</span>

The Newman family is one of the core families on the American soap opera, The Young and the Restless, which is set in the fictional town of Genoa City, Wisconsin. They were introduced in February 1980, when Victor Newman arrived in town. Eventually, Victor was paired with Nicole Reed, who has notably become the family's prominent matriarch, having been married to Victor four times. The family is currently represented by Victor, Nikki and his four living children: Victoria, Nicholas, Abby and Adam Newman. The family is also well known for its long-standing feud with the Abbott family. The Newmans run the multinational conglomerate Newman Enterprises. They have lived at their ranch for three decades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan Hastings</span> Fictional character in The Young and the Restless

Nathan Hastings is a fictional character from the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. The role was originated in 1984 by Nathan Purdee, who portrayed the character until 1992. The character was subsequently portrayed by Randy Brooks (1992–1994), and was later de-aged, as evidenced by later portrayal by Adam Lazarre-White, who was nineteen years younger than both Purdee and Brooks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barber/Winters family</span>

The Barber and Winters families are fictional characters and families on the CBS Daytime soap operas The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. Introduced by the series creator, William J. Bell in 1990 and 1991, respectively, the Barber and Winters family are the only core African American families within the series. Sisters Drucilla and Olivia Barber were known for their ongoing romantic relationships with brothers, Neil and Malcolm Winters. The family is currently represented by patriarch, Neil, "his" daughter, Lily Ashby, and his adopted son, Devon Hamilton. In 2011, The Bold and the Beautiful connected Justin Barber, and his son Marcus Forrester to the Barber family of Genoa City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leslie Michaelson</span> Fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless

Leslie Michaelson is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Created and introduced by former head writer Maria Arena Bell, the role is portrayed by Angell Conwell, who made her first appearance on the episode that aired on December 2, 2010. Bell introduced Leslie as a high-powered attorney who would air on a recurring status. In December 2012, after two years on recurring, Conwell was placed on contract by executive producer Jill Farren Phelps however, was dropped back to recurring in August 2014, appearing until June 2017. Conwell made a guest appearance on April 25, 2019, to honour Kristoff St. John's character Neil Winters passing, as well as the actor's real life death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devon Hamilton and Hilary Curtis</span> Soap opera character

Devon Hamilton and Hilary Curtis are fictional characters and a supercouple from the American CBS soap opera, The Young and the Restless. Devon Hamilton, portrayed by Bryton James is the biological grandson of the show's iconic matriarch, Katherine Chancellor, portrayed by Jeanne Cooper and the adopted son of Neil Winters and Drucilla Winters, played by Kristoff St. John and Victoria Rowell. Hilary Curtis, portrayed by Mishael Morgan was introduced in 2013 as a woman looking for revenge on Neil and the Winters family for Neil's part in her mother's death.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Victoria Rowell: Why I left the Young and the Restless". Black Press Magazine. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  2. ↑ "About Y&R: About the Actors – Victoria Rowell" . Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  3. ↑ "Victoria Rowell Not Ruling Out Return to The Young and the Restless". Archived from the original on 28 July 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  4. ↑ "Victoria Rowell claims three actors are preventing her return to Y&R" . Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  5. ↑ "Ex-Young and Restless Diva Victoria Rowell Says les Moonves and Steve Kent Don't Want Dru Back! | Daytime Confidential". Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2012-11-12.
  6. ↑ William J. Bell and Edward J. Scott (Executive producers); William J. Bell (Head writer) (May 7, 1990). The Young and the Restless. Season 18. Episode 4352. CBS.
  7. ↑ William J. Bell and Edward J. Scott (Executive producers); William J. Bell (Head writer) (January 26, 1996). The Young and the Restless. Season 23. Episode 5792. CBS.
  8. ↑ William J. Bell and Edward J. Scott (Executive producers); William J. Bell (Head writer) (February 9, 1996). The Young and the Restless. Season 23. Episode 5792. CBS.
  9. ↑ William J. Bell and Edward J. Scott (Executive producers); William J. Bell and Kay Alden (Head writers) (April 2, 1998). The Young and the Restless. Season 26. Episode 6346. CBS.
  10. ↑ "Soap Bubbles: The Scoops on Soaps". Roman News-Tribune. 8 February 1996. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  11. ↑ Connie Passalacqua (29 January 1996). "The Soaps / Fantasy Becomes Reality For a 'Bold' Star-Singer". Newsday . p. 20.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  12. ↑ "Kent Masters King (Biography)". buddytv.com. 25 July 2007. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  13. ↑ Lynda Hirsch (9 September 2000). "ROWELL EXITS Y&R FOR SHOWTIME MINISERIES". Sun Sentinel. p. 4. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  14. ↑ J Kroll, Dan (2 February 2007). "Victoria Rowell asks to be released from Y&R". Soap Opera Central. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  15. 1 2 "Ne-Yo Is 'No Homo' + Victoria Rowell Calls Out 'The Young And The Restless'". theybf.com. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  16. 1 2 3 Devin Owens (25 February 2007). "Where For Art Rowell?". Soap Opera Digest . (Source Interlink). Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  17. ↑ Kris De Leon (5 March 2008). "The Young and the Restless: Drucilla Winters Might Return to Genoa City". Buddy Tv. buddytv.com. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  18. ↑ "Y&R Casting Call: Has Simone morphed into Dru?". Michael Fairman. 29 March 2010. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  19. ↑ Adams, Alina (February 14, 2015). "Does Victoria Rowell have a case against 'The Young and the Restless'?". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc.
  20. ↑ Rex Brown, Stephen (February 11, 2015). "Ex 'Young and the Restless' star Victoria Rowell sues soap opera for racism". New York Daily News. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  21. ↑ Mason, Charlie. "The Young and the Restless' 25 Best Characters of All Time, Ranked [PHOTOS]". Soaps She Knows . She Media . Retrieved 27 July 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.