Mishael Morgan played Hilary and then her twin Amanda in “The Young and the Restless”. For AlloCiné, the actress looks back on her career in the series where she played two characters and made some revelations about the rest of the plots.
Hilary landed in Genoa City in The Young and the Restless with the worst intentions in mind… But over time, the young woman has established herself as an emblematic new member of the Winters family. Unfortunately, following a car accident, the heroine lost her life…
Following this death, his interpreter Mishael Morgan then left the soap opera … before returning just a few months later! However, this time the actress did not slip into the skin of Hilary but in that of Amanda, the twin sister hidden from the deceased!
For AlloCiné, Mishael Morgan returns to his career in American cult fiction and makes some revelations about the continuation of the intrigues on TF1 (which broadcasts Les Feux de l’amour from Monday to Friday at 11 a.m.) concerning Amanda…
AlloCiné: Tell us about your first day on the set of “Fires of Love”…
Mishael Morgan: I arrived early because I had an appointment with the casting director at the time. While waiting for him, I sneaked into the sets. I remember having felt this feeling of being in my place. I grew up being a fan of the show so being here and seeing it live has given me peace. There were so many familiar things on set… I thought to myself that I was where I was supposed to be.
Your first character in “The Young and the Restless”, Hilary, is dead. Were you sad because of his death?
Yes really ! After five years in the shoes of the same character, I was able to see her whole career… When she arrived, I was told: “We don’t know what we’re going to do with Hilary!“They knew how to introduce her but it was up to me to define how she was playing her. It took work because she was written to be obnoxious! (laughs) So I sought her humanity by making her lighter and funny.
You left the show after Hilary disappeared. Was this departure your decision?
It was a personal decision. I was there for five years and this duration is generally that which corresponds to the job of the actors. Then we move on. I had been given this amazing opportunity to create Hilary and got pregnant with my second child. I then felt the need to take a break.
I also wanted to establish for everyone how much I was worth. It is very important for actors and for those who work in our industry to do so. I was impressed and touched when the soap opera Les Feux de l’amour called me back less than a year after my departure. We told me : “We see your value and we know your passion for playing characters so we would like to give you this new role“. I came back very quickly shortly after!
Amanda searches for answers in her biological family’s past. What will happen?
Amanda is on this path! For a long time, she didn’t want to touch that part of her heart. She was afraid of being rejected. She was placed in foster families so abandonment is a big problem for her. But now that she’s opened Pandora’s box, I can’t imagine her going back! That’s who she is: she wants to know the truth.
Will Amanda protect or expose the secrets of this new family?
A bit of both ! Amanda will offer love and support but by digging a little she will discover mysteries… and want to know everything! She wants her family to live in reality and assume the mistakes of the past… Amanda will do everything for that.
Amanda and Devon (Bryton James, who also confided in AlloCiné) could they be a real couple?
(laughs) Yes, totally. They are different in terms of personalities but also very similar. They had the same childhood and then grew up surrounded by very successful people. I think they can get closer through those aspects…
What about William (Jason Thompson) whom Amanda is close to?
There will always be something. Their friendship is very deep, they understand each other and share a great connection. Whatever happens, that link will be there. They want to support each other in the best possible way. At this stage, it is therefore only about friendship. She doesn’t want to complicate things between William and Victoria [Amelia Heinle, qui a répondu à nos questions, ndlr], For example. To see if feelings surface in the future but today, there is no more.
Lily (Christel Khalil, who shared her filming memories with us) will she like Amanda or hate her like Hilary?
It’s going to be fine between them…because Amanda isn’t obnoxious like Hilary! (laughs) Besides, Amanda didn’t sleep with Neil. [Kristoff St. John, ndlr] Lily’s father and didn’t cheat on him either! Also, I think Lily blames herself for Hilary’s death. This will help them get closer.
Would you like to play Amanda and Hilary at the same time in one scene?
I would have loved that! Playing one, then another… It’s every actor’s dream to be able to cultivate their talent.
Which of the twin sisters do you like playing the most?
Evil Hilary! She was so much fun. I’m never like her, I filter everything so as not to hurt anyone. Hilary was sly and fun, I loved playing her!
You have long rubbed shoulders with Kristoff St. John (who died in 2019) on the sets of the Fires of Love. What memory do you have of him?
We were friends, he was a very nice person. He encouraged everyone who came among us. He was one of the people who made me feel welcome. I couldn’t have been on this show for so long without him. It lit up our sets. He told us not to take it all too seriously, we weren’t saving lives! He was the perfect example of that mindset every day. I miss him.