Tracey Bregman, a prominent figure in prime-time television for her role as Lauren Fenmore on ‘The Young and the Restless,’ has shared the emotional impact of online harassment she faced due to her character’s initial portrayal as a bully. While Lauren Fenmore has now become a beloved character, the early storyline saw Bregman’s character engage in harsh behavior toward co-star Beth Maitland’s Traci Abbott, leading to a backlash from fans. The actor revealed that she received death threats and even faced attempts by some fans to run her off the freeway, highlighting the serious consequences of her character’s actions in the public eye.
Bregman, who has been playing Lauren since 1983, admitted to the emotional strain of delivering difficult dialogue toward Maitland. She recounted the personal toll of the role, noting that the scenes were emotionally challenging, especially given her long-standing friendship with Maitland. ‘That was very, very difficult because Beth is one of my best friends for 42 years,’ she said during an interview on the ‘Soapy’ podcast. The experience underscored the unique position actors hold in the public sphere, where their characters often become the focus of intense scrutiny and, in some cases, hostility.
The topic of online harassment and its impact on actors has gained increasing attention in recent years, particularly as social media platforms have amplified public discourse around celebrities and their work. Bregman’s revelations add to a growing conversation about the mental health challenges faced by performers in the entertainment industry. While the character’s evolution has brought positive recognition, the initial backlash serves as a reminder of the dual-edged nature of being a soap opera star—where popularity can coexist with significant personal risk.
Her experience also resonates with other actors who have faced similar challenges. Last month, ‘General Hospital’ actress Eva LaRue similarly spoke about the difficult transition from being a fan favorite to a vilified character. LaRue’s character, Maria Santos, had been widely loved before she was transformed into a villain, leading to an unexpected outpouring of criticism from fans. Her remarks align with Bregman’s, highlighting the complex emotions that actors must often navigate when their characters provoke strong public reactions. These accounts collectively suggest that the entertainment industry has unique dynamics where the personal and professional can become deeply intertwined, requiring actors to manage both the creative and the public perception aspects of their roles.