Beth Maitland Shares Her Hopes For Traci, Working Under Strict Protocol, and More! (EXCLUSIVE)

Beth Maitland Shares Her Hopes For Traci, Working Under Strict Protocol, and More! (EXCLUSIVE) Check it out here --->>>

 

Soap Opera News had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely Beth Maitland from The Young and the Restless. Join us below as she discusses what’s next for Traci, the new norm of working under strict COVID-19 protocol, and much more!

“I did my first play when I was 13 years old, and never looked back,” Beth told us about her journey to becoming an actress. “I wanted to be an actor before I even knew it, I think. I was raised on the movies of the ’30s and ’40s, in particular movie musicals. I majored in Music Theater, moved to California at 19 years old, and have been happiest in my life when I have been acting.

The actress, who is celebrating her 39th year on the long-running CBS soap and will be a part of the show's upcoming 12,000th episode, shared that she continues to marvel at the impact of The Young and the Restless. “I am grateful. I am awestruck. I am so happy to still be here, and be a part of this talented and committed team!” As lifelong viewers of the series and of her, we had to ask her what she thought it was about her character, Traci Abbott, that resonated with fans. “I think from the beginning, Traci was everyone. She is a character that is real, that looks and thinks and acts like most of the rest of the world. So many of the other characters are glamorous, rich, gorgeous, and flawed, but Traci is all heart. The Auntie next door. And I work hard to keep her real, good, kind, but no pushover. I think that speaks to people when they see someone just like them.”

2020 has certainly been difficult for the world, and we are blessed to have shows like Y&R braving the challenges to provide us with an escape for part of the day. Beth shared that she has found the process of working under strict protocol more stressful than she expected but that she is encouraged by the cast and crew’s patience. “We all want to be making new shows. We all want to be back to work doing the thing we love, and we continue to manage the requirements. I do wish there was a bit more time when we actually get to “action.” It seems that the protocols sometimes take up all the time, and less is left for the actual performances, but we are so grateful for the understanding of our fabulous and loyal fans! We are moving forward. All of us!”

Currently, on The Young and the Restless, Maitland’s Traci is dealing with the aftermath of her mother’s death. “I think this is a loss the Abbott children, and Traci especially will carry for a long time. It is especially hard when the relationship was so broken and cost Traci so much. She has lost her daughter, the love of her life, Brad, her father, and now her mother. Family and connections get more important to her every day.”

Photo: CBS

As for what’s next for Traci? Beth - and us all - hope for a memorable romance! “. I think it could be a chance to look at some really deep issues for many mature people who find themselves alone later in life. By divorce, death, whatever, I don’t think Traci intended to be alone. As many adults try to find their way, companionship and romance become complicated to find. Also, there is some struggle left to explore about Traci feeling deserving of these things. We all deserve relationship happiness, but it’s not as simple as that sounds. For Traci, who has always struggled with her self-worth, even now, in that area, I think there’s a story to tell.”

We couldn’t have said it any better! Thank you, Beth, for the interview! We cannot wait to see what comes next for Traci and for you.