Jill Abbott is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera
The Young and the Restless. The longest-running (and only remaining
original) character, Jill was created and introduced by William J.
Bell. Originally portrayed by Brenda Dickson, when Dickson departed in
1980, the role was first recast with Deborah Adair. Dickson returned
in 1983, and although she stated that she would never leave the role
again, she was replaced by Jess Walton in 1987, who continues in the
role to present time.When she debuted, Jill was an 18-year-old
manicurist working to support her struggling family. The character is
known for her feud with Katherine Chancellor (Jeanne Cooper); it is
the longest feud in the history of American soap operas. Their rivalry
began when she fell in love and slept with Katherine's husband Phillip
Chancellor II (Donnelly Rhodes) and became pregnant. Following
Phillip's accidental death, the women fought over custody of Jill's
son, Phillip Chancellor III (Thom Bierdz), as well as numerous of
Katherine's other husbands. A 2003 plot twist shockingly revealed Jill
to be Katherine's long lost biological daughter, although in 2009,
former head writer Maria Arena Bell rewrote their history, reversing
that decision. In 2010, Jill discovered she is the daughter of Neil
Fenmore (Jim Storm).The character is described as an integral part of
the soap opera. Both Dickson and Walton have characterized her as
"manipulative". Walton, who classes her as a "savvy businesswoman",
has opined she is similar to Gone with the Wind character Scarlett
O'Hara. Critics have described her as both vindictive and a vixen.
John Goudas of The Miami News said that the show "flourishes when her
character takes center stage", while Nekeeta Borden of Zap2it noted
that Jill has always craved a sense of belonging despite her
personality. Walton's portrayal has been met with acclaim, for which
she has won two Daytime Emmy Awards.
The Young and the Restless. The longest-running (and only remaining
original) character, Jill was created and introduced by William J.
Bell. Originally portrayed by Brenda Dickson, when Dickson departed in
1980, the role was first recast with Deborah Adair. Dickson returned
in 1983, and although she stated that she would never leave the role
again, she was replaced by Jess Walton in 1987, who continues in the
role to present time.When she debuted, Jill was an 18-year-old
manicurist working to support her struggling family. The character is
known for her feud with Katherine Chancellor (Jeanne Cooper); it is
the longest feud in the history of American soap operas. Their rivalry
began when she fell in love and slept with Katherine's husband Phillip
Chancellor II (Donnelly Rhodes) and became pregnant. Following
Phillip's accidental death, the women fought over custody of Jill's
son, Phillip Chancellor III (Thom Bierdz), as well as numerous of
Katherine's other husbands. A 2003 plot twist shockingly revealed Jill
to be Katherine's long lost biological daughter, although in 2009,
former head writer Maria Arena Bell rewrote their history, reversing
that decision. In 2010, Jill discovered she is the daughter of Neil
Fenmore (Jim Storm).The character is described as an integral part of
the soap opera. Both Dickson and Walton have characterized her as
"manipulative". Walton, who classes her as a "savvy businesswoman",
has opined she is similar to Gone with the Wind character Scarlett
O'Hara. Critics have described her as both vindictive and a vixen.
John Goudas of The Miami News said that the show "flourishes when her
character takes center stage", while Nekeeta Borden of Zap2it noted
that Jill has always craved a sense of belonging despite her
personality. Walton's portrayal has been met with acclaim, for which
she has won two Daytime Emmy Awards.
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