
The news of Lee Phillip Bell’s death hit the daytime community hard. As the co-creator of both THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS and THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL, there are a great many people who owe their careers to the soaps she and her husband brought to life. So naturally, they began speaking out on social media, sharing personal photos and beautiful memories of this great woman.
Scroll through the gallery below to see many of the heartfelt tributes to Lee Phillip Bell, a true legend of daytime television.
For more Y&R and B&B features, keep reading the CBS edition of Soaps In Depth magazine.
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Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki, Y&R)
Twitter "We will miss Lee Phillip Bell tremendously. Her talent, courage, perseverance and her unique ability to make one feel like the most important person in the room... I learned so much from her and am eternally grateful that she was a part of my life for so many, but not enough, years. Rest In Peace, Lee, our beloved matriarch."
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Don Diamont (Bill, B&B; ex-Brad, Y&R)
Instagram "We lost our beloved and beautiful Lee Phillip Bell. [This] picture is one that I hold dear from an impromptu lunch we had together. I had and have so much respect, admiration, and affection for this woman. She was a special part of my entire adult life beginning in 1985 with Y&R, all the way through B&B. One moment in particular that I will never forget was receiving a call from Bradley Bell a few weeks after I had been airing as Bill Spencer. Brad said, 'Your biggest fan wants to talk to you.' I didn’t know what was going on, but the next thing I knew Lee was on the phone saying, 'I am your biggest fan! I love what you’re doing with Bill, and just keep doing it!' We spoke a bit, and Brad got back on the phone. He said, 'Well there you have it from the co-creator!' Indeed! I was so moved by Lee’s kind words and genuine enthusiasm that it brought tears to my eyes. She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother and professional! To say Lee was a trailblazer for women in broadcast journalism is not an understatement. Lee Phillip Bell was a shining example of womanhood, and leaves behind an incredible personal and professional legacy! RIP dearest Lee. You most certainly deserve it!"
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Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R)
sean smith/jpistudios.com "Lee Bell was a pioneer in television and the strength behind Bill Bell and his creative vision. All of this while raising three amazing, giving, brilliant children. What a rich, full life she created. This is the end of an era... I owe my entire life to Bill and Lee. Godspeed."
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Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B)
Instagram "Lee Philip Bell was such a class act! She was such an inspiration and forged the way for women in entertainment starting her own talk show in 1953! And she truly was the title of one of her shows, the bold and the beautiful! She was an incredible mother and businesswoman. And had a knack for balancing her life. She was smart, funny, always smiling or laughing, determined and strong. She always made me feel good when I was around her. She was so warm and caring. Working with her on B&B for 33 years was such an honor and just hanging out and laughing with her was so much fun too! We will miss you Lee! You had an incredible life. My thoughts are with Brad, Bill, and Lauralee and the rest of the Bell family. Much love to all."
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Doug Davidson (Paul, Y&R)
Instagram "An angel here, and now in heaven. God’s peace, Lee Bell."
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Scott Clifton (Liam, B&B)
Sean Smith/jpistudios.com "On a day like this, and for a woman like her, there is an emotional symmetry we all feel — between the deep sadness of loss, and the piercing gratitude for what she’s bequeathed to us: hope, love, and a thousand adventures that can never be taken away. Lee Bell made us all rich."
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Jess Walton (Jill, Y&R)
Sean Smith/jpistudios.com "RIP to the great Lee Bell. One of the finest women I have ever known. A kind, gentle and very smart lady. Co-creator of The Young and the Restless with her husband Bill Bell Sr. Mother to Lauralee, Brad, and Bill Jr. Much love to them, her grandchildren and to all who knew her."
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Ashley Jones (Bridget, B&B; ex-Megan, Y&R)
Aaron Montgomery/jpistudios.com "Oh, Mrs.Bell. I can hear the angels welcoming you now... What a life! You were a true modern woman, a pioneer. You exemplified grace and class. From being a beloved wife and mother, to interviewing The Beatles and Presidents, to co-creating the most successful serial dramas in television history, you were a woman we all looked up to. You seemed 'to do it all' effortlessly —while impeccably dressed. I loved hearing your stories. You made so many people feel important. I am honored I got to be one of them. ❤️❤️ My thoughts are with the Bell family."
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Greg Rikaart (Kevin, Y&R)
sean smith/jpistudios.com "Lee Phillip Bell was an extraordinary, extraordinary woman. She was smart, trailblazing, dignified, and lovely as could be."
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Linsey Godfrey (Sarah, DAYS; ex-Caroline, B&B)
sean smith/jpistudios.com "Lee Bell was an incredible woman who achieved such incredible things. I am so happy that I had the great honor to work for the Bell family and got to know Mrs. Bell and her sweet pup Joy. Sending love to the Bell family and everyone over at B&B and CBS Daytime."
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Kate Linder (Esther, Y&R)
Howard Wise/jpistudios.com "Lee Phillip Bell was one of the most loved and admired people I’ve ever known because she earned it. Aside from being a television trailblazer in Chicago, she and Bill Bell created the Daytime Television dynasty with Y&R and B&B but her biggest source of pride were her amazing children and grandchildren. Deepest condolences to her amazing family, I will always love and miss my friend, Lee. Thank you for everything you have given to me and to everyone you touched with your kindness and love. I will so miss her."
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Joanna Johnson (ex-Caroline/Karen, B&B)
sean smith/jpistudios.com "So sad to hear of the passing of Lee Phillip Bell, a class act in every way & always so kind to me as was William Bell. I'm forever grateful for the amazing opportunity they gave me to play Caroline & Karen on B&B. Love to their kids, also class acts, Lauralee, Bill Jr & Brad.,"
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Daniel Goddard (ex-Cane, Y&R)
Instagram "You walked with grace. You carried yourself with poise. You blazed a trail that bettered the lives of millions. And now you are at rest with your one true love. Words can not express the respect I have for you. Condolences & prayers for the Bell family."
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Martha Byrne (Lily, ATWT)
Instagram "A tremendous loss to her wonderful family. My heart is with Lauralee, Brad, Bill, and all her grandchildren who brought her so much joy. Thank you, Lee, for your smile and open arms every time I had the pleasure of spending time with you. RIP."
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Jennifer Gareis (Donna, B&B; ex-Grace, Y&R)
Instagram " I am so saddened to hear that Lee Bell has passed. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
After casting me on Y&R in 1997 and their sister show, B&B, in 2006 it is fair to say that the Bell Family has shaped my life and my career. Lee had so many accomplishments as a producer, journalist & co-creator of both Y&R and B&B, but for those who knew her personally, she was even bigger than any award or Emmy. She was the most beautiful & kind mom, wife, and friend. She always made me feel good with her genuine smile and laugh. She always remembered the smallest details about my kids & asked about them. She really made me feel at home at CBS.
It has truly been my home away from home these past 23 years because of her, her late husband & children. I can’t thank Bill Sr., Brad, Lee & the entire Bell family enough for having faith in me again & again. I love you my beautiful Lee Bell, you will be missed dearly!" -
Robert Parucha (ex-Matt, Y&R)
Jill Johnson/jpistudios.com "Very sorry to hear about Lee's passing. Such a great family. Condolences to the rest of the Bell family. I owe Bill Bell a debt for giving me my first shot on daytime."