Jana Hawkes

Last updated
Jana Hawkes
The Young and the Restless character
Emily O'Brien as Jana Hawkes.JPG
Portrayed by Emily O'Brien
Duration2006–11
First appearanceMay 11, 2006
Last appearanceMay 6, 2011
Classification Former; regular
Created by Kay Alden, John F. Smith and Lynn Marie Latham
Introduced byJohn F. Smith
In-universe information
Other namesStella
OccupationCoffeehouse owner
Art teacher
Nanny
ParentsMilan Hawkes
Hannah Hawkes
Husband Kevin Fisher (2008–10)
GrandparentsCarl Hawkes
Jenny Hawkes

Jana Hawkes is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless . The role was portrayed by Emily O'Brien, first on a recurring status and then on contract until the character's death onscreen on May 6, 2011. [1] [2] Jana was married to Kevin Fisher, is the murderer of Carmen Mesta, and was involved in a number of illegal activities. She died of an aneurysm during a fight with her ex-husband's girlfriend, Chloe Mitchell.

Contents

Casting

O'Brien portrayed the role initially on a recurring status from May 11 to September 5, 2006, [1] and then on contract from October 10, 2006 to February 20, 2007, [2] when the character disappeared from the canvas temporarily until her return on June 15, 2007. [3] In March 2011, news broke that O'Brien had been let go from The Young and the Restless, [4] with her final airdate on May 6, 2011. Speaking of her exit, O'Brien revealed, "I was on a run and my manager called me to say I was let go. If someone could have taken a photograph of me, I would have looked like I had just been electrocuted. I was thinking all these things. How am I going to say goodbye to this incredible role?" [5]

Storylines

Jana Hawkes, a British woman with a mysterious past, came to Genoa City in 2006 and was hired as an employee at Kevin Fisher's coffee house, Crimson Lights. Jana soon bonded with Kevin and they began dating. Lauren Fenmore also gave Jana a job tending her infant son, Fenmore. Much of Jana's past was a mystery, and her reasons for moving to the United States were initially unclear.

Jana disappeared then, and Kevin suspected that Adrian Korbel was responsible for that and the murder of Newman Enterprises executive Carmen Mesta. After Colleen Carlton and Kevin were held hostage in a walk-in refrigerator, they discovered that Jana was responsible for their kidnappings and Carmen's murder. She and her father wanted the reliquary, a piece of Jewish artwork that was originally stolen by the Nazis during World War II and subsequently lost. To cover up their crimes, they planned to kill Kevin and Colleen by setting the building they were in on fire. Despite her love for him, Jana tried to make it look like Kevin was trying to kill Colleen again, as he had years before, and accidentally trapped himself in the process.

Jana disappeared, and the Grugeon Reliquary was turned over to foreign officials. Kevin and Colleen escaped with their lives. As Kevin recovered, Jana began contacting him. He used her feelings for him to lure her back to Genoa City. Once Jana returned, Kevin attempted to kill her, only to be stopped by Michael, Colleen, and Daniel. She was arrested for her crimes and began having seizures. It was revealed that Jana had a tumor in her brain, which may have caused her to become psychotic. After investigating the situation, Kevin forgave Jana for her actions and fell back in love with her. Kevin's mother Gloria Bardwell paid for the surgery to remove Jana's tumor. She was then found competent to stand trial and was sent to prison. Kevin convinced A.D.A. Heather Stevens to review Jana's case and she was released. Jana and Kevin eventually married.

Jana then got a job as an assistant to Victor Newman's fiancée, Sabrina Costelana Newman, at her art gallery. Jana was pleasantly surprised when Sabrina chose her to be her maid of honor. Sabrina and Jana had a good friendship until Sabrina's death a few months later. At Sabrina's deathbed, Jana was put in charge of planning the funeral.

Kevin and Jana shared a friendship with Daniel Romalotti and Amber Moore. The four supported each other during their romantic and legal troubles. They also became entangled in the problems of Kevin's mother and brother.

In 2010, Jana was taken hostage with Lauren and locked in a cage by Daisy Carter, Ryder Callahan, and Sarah Smythe. During the experience, Jana became sick and Ryder tried to help her, against Daisy and Sarah's orders. Kevin saved her life and let Ryder escape when he learned how kindly he treated Jana. However, she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where she suffered an aneurysm. Jana underwent surgery which resulted in damage to the part of her brain that governed emotion. She remembered events and people she knew, but she seemingly lost all sense of feeling and emotion.

Jana took out a loan on Crimson Lights to get Ryder out of jail and began an affair with him, which devastated Kevin when he found them in bed together.

Jana saw Kevin out at the opening of his mother Gloria's nightclub Gloworm with Chloe Mitchell and apologized to him for what happened with Ryder. She also told him that she wanted to give their marriage another chance, but Kevin refused, still hurt over Jana cheating on him.

Jana also became jealous of Kevin and Chloe's friendship, fearing that it would become something more than it already was. She became even more jealous when she saw them posing for pictures at Crimson Lights with Chloe's daughter Delia. In order to keep an eye on them, Jana took a job as an art teacher at Delia's preschool. Soon after, she went out on a date with a grown-up Noah Newman, though in truth she was using him to make Kevin jealous. Upon Daisy's return to Genoa City, she was frightened but used this as an opportunity to get Kevin's attentions. Daisy's arrest caused Jana's plan to get Kevin's attention to fail.

On December 16, 2010, in the heat of the moment, Kevin, hurt over what he felt is Chloe's rejection, had sex with Jana. Later, while helping to organize a church recital which will have featured Kevin's nephew Fenmore, Gloria, who had not forgiven Jana for cheating on Kevin, told her to stay away from her son.

On New Year's Eve, Chloe told Kevin how she truly feels about him, and they kissed outside of Jimmy's Bar. Jana became angry and jealous over seeing them kiss and vowed to do whatever she could to get Kevin back. She even let Daisy, who was in labor, escape. Jana even went so far as to fake an injury & claim that Daisy attacked her in order to play on Kevin's sympathy. On Thursday January 5, 2011 it was said that Jana suffered a setback and now thought she and Kevin were still married. Later, it appeared to be all a part of Jana's scheme to win Kevin back. The plan proved to be a failure however because of Kevin's strong feelings for Chloe.

On Valentine's Day 2011, Kevin and Chloe, realizing quickly that they were being set up by Gloria and Katherine Chancellor, were locked in Gloria's office together at Gloworm. Jana caught them kissing. She claimed to have been worried about Kevin when he had not come home, but he made it clear to her that they were no longer together and told her not to worry about him anymore. Kevin closed the door, and Jana walked away, hurt over his rejection.

Kevin and Chloe later had sex for the first time in Gloria's office.

In March 2011, Jana, after moving out of Kevin's apartment, got a job as a nanny for Billy and Victoria Abbott. However, her former lover, Ryder Callahan, returned searching for his niece and tried to get Jana to tell him where the baby was, threatening to tell the police that Jana was the one who let Daisy escape. During his confrontation with Jana, however, he was unaware that Lucy, the baby Jana was holding, was none other than his niece.

Jana went undercover under the alias of "Stella" as a pregnant woman looking to make a deal with the baby broker, Primrose, in order to gain information about Daniel's baby. Jana's rouse is eventually discovered by Primrose, but not before Jana steals documents that eventually led Jana to realize that Lucy is Kevin's niece. She kidnapped both Delia and Lucy, and took Kevin hostage. Kevin eventually convinced Jana to return the children, leaving them in a church. Jana held Kevin at gunpoint, locking him in a closet for several days in an abandoned preschool. All the while, she was delusional in hoping that Kevin would love her as he once did.

On May 6, 2011, Jana called Chloe to come to the preschool without the police. When Chloe arrived, Jana was ready to shoot both of them. Kevin knocked the gun out of her hand, causing Jana and Chloe to struggle. Jana suffered another aneurysm and died. Although initially Kevin and Chloe are suspected of murdering Jana, autopsy results prove that Jana died of natural causes.

Reception

For her role as Jana, O'Brien earned two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Younger Actress in 2008 and 2009. [6] [7] Prior to her 2011 firing, O'Brien was pre-nominated for another Daytime Emmy in the same category. [8] Michael Fairman from Michael Fairman TV noted that fans "loved" O'Brien as "crazy" Jana, adding that there were "many twists and turns in their dark romantic storyline". [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victoria Newman</span> Fictional Character in the Young and the Restless

Victoria Newman is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless, an American soap opera on the CBS network. Created by William J. Bell, she is currently portrayed by Amelia Heinle. Victoria was born onscreen in 1982 and was portrayed by child actress Ashley Nicole Millan for her first eight years. Having been rapidly aged to a teenager, Victoria returned to the soap opera and was portrayed by Heather Tom. Tom portrayed the character into her early adult years and remained in the role for thirteen years. Due to creative differences, Tom left the soap opera in 2003 and Heinle, who debuted as Victoria on March 21, 2005, was cast in the role.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Baldwin</span> Soap opera character

Michael Baldwin is a fictional character from the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. The role is portrayed by Christian LeBlanc, originally from November 26, 1991, to July 7, 1993, and again since April 25, 1997. Michael has had relationships with Christine Blair, and has had marriages to Hilary Lancaster and Lauren Fenmore, with whom he has a son, Fenmore Baldwin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Fisher (The Young and the Restless)</span> Soap opera character

Kevin Fisher is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed by Greg Rikaart. Created by former head writers Kay Alden and John F. Smith, the character made his debut during the episode airing on July 11, 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emily O'Brien</span> British actress

Emily Roya O'Brien is an English three-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actress and writer who is known for her role of Jana Hawkes Fisher on The Young and the Restless from 2006 to 2011. She voiced The Woman in Love, Death and Robots Season 1 episode of The Witness, which won The Emmy for Best Animation. She went on to portray motion capture and the voice of Eve in season 2 of Love, Death and Robots entitled Pop Squad. She also portrayed Julia in the 2014 film Pernicious and provided the voices of Camille and Samira in League of Legends, and Y'shtola in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Emily also voiced Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series and Special Agent Iman Avesta in the 2017 video game Batman: The Enemy Within. In 2018, she became part of the main cast of the animated film Dagon Troll World Chronicles. She also voiced Amelie and young Bridget Strand in the 2019 game Death Stranding. In 2020, O'Brien joined the cast of Days of Our Lives and currently portrays the character Gwen Rizczech, the daughter of Jack Deveraux on the daytime drama. In October 2023, O'Brien took over the role of Theresa Donovan, the daughter of Shane Donovan and Kimberly Brady.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauren Fenmore</span> Soap opera character played by actress Tracey Bregman

Lauren Fenmore is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful, American soap operas on the CBS network. Introduced by William J. Bell, the character made her debut during the episode airing on January 25, 1983, portrayed by Tracey E. Bregman. In 1992, Bregman brought the character to The Bold and the Beautiful, resulting in her migrating there fully in 1995. In 2000, Bregman returned to The Young and the Restless, remaining on a recurring status.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Abbott</span> Soap opera character

Billy Abbott is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless, an American soap opera on the CBS network. Created by William J. Bell as the son of John Abbott and Jill Abbott, the character is currently portrayed by Jason Thompson. The character is known for being a "spoiled rich boy," a "screw up," and for his gambling addictions and consumption of alcohol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Traci Abbott</span> Soap opera character

Traci Abbott is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera, The Young and the Restless. Created and introduced by William J. Bell, the role has been portrayed by Beth Maitland since 1982. Traci is the daughter of John Abbott and Dina Mergeron.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gloria Abbott Bardwell</span> Fictional character

Gloria Abbott Bardwell is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless, an American soap opera on the CBS network. The role was originated by Joan Van Ark on April 6, 2004, who portrayed the role until 2005, with Judith Chapman assuming the role on January 17, 2005. She is the mother of Michael Baldwin and Kevin Fisher. She is known for attracting troublesome men, and being quite troublesome herself. Gloria can be naive at times, always taking things to the extreme. Known for her over-the-top personality, she owned and operated Gloworm, the hottest Genoa City club, until it burned down.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fenmore Baldwin</span> Fictional character in soap opera

Fenmore Baldwin is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless, an American soap opera on the CBS network. Created by former head writers Lynn Marie Latham and Kay Alden as the son of Michael Baldwin and Lauren Fenmore, the character was born during the episode airing on October 13, 2006. Initially portrayed by various child actors, including Robbie Tucker, the character was rapidly aged to a teenager in 2012, with Max Ehrich assuming the role through 2015. In 2018, the role was recast with Zach Tinker.

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

Heather Stevens is a fictional character The Young and the Restless, an American soap opera on the CBS network. Created by William J. Bell, she was introduced in 1979 as the daughter of Paul Williams and April Stevens. She was portrayed by a series of child actors for her first three-year period, followed by Conci Nelson as a teenager. In 2007, the character was reintroduced by then-head writer Lynn Marie Latham as an adult, portrayed by Vail Bloom. At first, she is unaware that she is Paul's daughter, but they develop a father-daughter relationship. She becomes district attorney and later a high-profile lawyer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Summer Newman</span> Soap opera character

Summer Newman is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless, a US soap opera on the CBS network. Created by head writers Lynn Marie Latham and Kay Alden, the role is currently portrayed by Allison Lanier. The character was introduced during the episode airing on December 19, 2006, as the daughter of Phyllis Summers and Nicholas Newman, but for one year was believed to be the daughter of Jack Abbott because of Sharon Newman, Nick's former wife, tampering with the paternity test results.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chloe Mitchell</span> Fictional character from The Young and the Restless

Chloe Mitchell is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless, an American soap opera on the CBS network. Introduced by former executive producer Edward J. Scott as the daughter of trusty Chancellor family maid, Esther Valentine, the character was born onscreen on July 27, 1990. Portrayed by twins, Darla and Sandra Greer, until 1991, upon her brief return in 1994, child actress, Danielle Ryah, portrayed the role. On February 6, 2008, executive producer/head writer Josh Griffith introduced a new character, Chloe Mitchell, played by former All My Children actress, Elizabeth Hendrickson. That August, a change in storyline revealed Chloe was Kate, having legally changed her name while offscreen, when the character was away in boarding school. Upgraded from recurring to contract status, Hendrickson became an integral part of the cast.

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

Daniel Romalotti is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. The role had most notably been portrayed by Michael Graziadei since 2004.

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

Eden Baldwin 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 character made her debut during the episode that aired on September 22, 2008. After Erin Sanders, who originated the role. The role was recast with Vanessa Marano until January 2010. In June 2011, the character returned with Jessica Heap, who remained until January 2013.

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

Genevieve Atkinson is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Created by former head writer Maria Arena Bell as the mother of Cane Ashby, the role was portrayed by Genie Francis, who is widely known for her three-decade long portrayal of Laura Spencer on the ABC soap opera General Hospital. Francis was excited to join The Young and the Restless, expressing disappointment in her former daytime role and saying that her fan base would "follow whatever she does." She made her first appearance during the episode airing on May 27, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daisy Carter</span> Soap opera character

Daisy Carter 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 character was portrayed by Yvonne Zima. She debuted during the episode airing on October 30, 2009 under an alias, later revealed to be the daughter of Sheila Carter and Tom Fisher. Bell created Daisy and stated Sheila was back in a new form. Daisy later raped Daniel Romalotti, drugging him to believe he was sleeping with his then wife Amber Moore. She became pregnant with his child, and gave birth to a girl, Lucy, in 2011. However, she later abandoned her in a church and the child was placed in an illegal adoption ring. After Daisy was sent to prison for her actions, Daniel's mother Phyllis Summers gained custody of Lucy after Daniel gave up his parental rights. In 2012, Daisy was released from prison by Avery Bailey Clark and reclaimed her daughter, later earning full custody. Daniel then married Daisy to be close to his child, and after Daisy went missing, Daniel has been raising Lucy. Despite a brief stint in a psychiatric hospital, Daisy's whereabouts are still unknown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avery Bailey Clark</span> Fictional character

Avery Bailey Clark is a fictional character from the American CBS Daytime soap opera, The Young and the Restless, portrayed by actress Jessica Collins. She made her appearance as Avery on July 27, 2011, as a high-class attorney. Avery first came to Genoa City after being hired by Victor Newman to be Sharon Newman's lawyer during the character's murder case. She was later revealed to be the estranged sister of Phyllis Summers. Her storylines have predominantly included her legal work, feuding with Phyllis, a romance with Phyllis' ex-husband Nicholas Newman and a history with Dylan McAvoy. Collins left the series on July 21, 2015.

References

  1. 1 2 The Young and the Restless recap (May 11, 2006) - TV.com
  2. 1 2 The Young and the Restless recap (February 20, 2007) - TV.com
  3. The Young and the Restless recap (June 15, 2007) - TV.com
  4. Kroll, Dan J. (22 March 2011). "Emily O'Brien let go from Y&R". SoapCentral. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  5. Fairman, Michael (March 24, 2011). "NEWSEmily O'Brien speaks out on her exit from Y&R!". Michael Fairman TV. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  6. Kroll, Dan J. (30 April 2008). "2008 Daytime Emmys - Nominations". SoapCentral. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  7. Kroll, Dan J. (14 May 2009). "AMC tops all Emmy tallies, DAYS has a big showing". SoapCentral. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  8. Kroll, Dan J. (26 February 2010). "2010 Daytime Emmys - Pre-Nominations Announced". SoapCentral. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  9. Fairman, Michael (May 27, 2020). "NEWS7Former Y&R Star, Emily O'Brien Set to Debut On Days of our Lives". Michael Fairman TV. Retrieved March 7, 2024.