AW HW Pete Lemay on McKinsey: “Beverlee became Iris, or Iris became Beverlee, and dominated the screen with unerring camera presence from her first sweetly malicious encounter with Alice. Her alabaster stillness, complemented by a wardrobe of chiffon pastels, created tension in a scene before she spoke a word … I quickly realized we had found [our] future antagonist.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growing up, my mother introduced me to the captivating world of soap operas through her beloved show Another World. I vividly remember being enthralled by the mesmerizing performances of its talented cast, particularly that of Beverlee McKinsey, who portrayed the iconic character Iris. Her portrayal was nothing short of extraordinary and left an indelible mark on daytime television.

 

It is with great admiration and respect that I write this petition to urge the National Academy of Arts & Sciences for Daytime to award a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Emmy to Beverlee McKinsey. Her contributions to the soap opera genre were unparalleled, and she deserves this prestigious recognition for her outstanding body of work.

Beverlee's portrayal of Iris on Another World was so compelling that it led to the creation of another soap opera called Texas centered around her character. This speaks volumes about her immense talent and ability to captivate audiences with her nuanced performances.

Not only did she leave an indelible mark on Another World, but she also graced our screens as Alexandra Spaulding on Guiding Light. This was a character that was created for her by the head writer.  Her portrayal in this role further solidified her status as one of the greatest actresses in daytime drama history.

Beverlee McKinsey has been hailed by many as one of the best actresses in daytime drama, often referred to as "the Greta Garbo" or "the grande dame" of soaps. Her ability to bring depth, complexity, and authenticity to every scene is unmatched even today.

While statistics may not fully capture Beverlee's impact on viewers' lives or quantify her immense talent accurately, they do reflect some aspects worth considering. During her time on Another World, Guiding Light & Texas, each show experienced significant increases in ratings and viewership due in large part to Beverlee's exceptional performances.

Moreover, numerous reputable sources have recognized Beverlee McKinsey's extraordinary contributions to the soap opera genre. Her work has been praised by critics, industry professionals, and fellow actors alike. These accolades further validate her status as a true legend in daytime television.

By awarding a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Emmy to Beverlee McKinsey, we would not only honor her incredible talent but also pay tribute to the rich history of soap operas. It would serve as a reminder of the profound impact she had on millions of viewers and inspire future generations of actors in this genre.

Join me in signing this petition to persuade the National Academy of Arts & Sciences for Daytime to recognize Beverlee McKinsey's unparalleled contributions by awarding her a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Emmy. Let us celebrate her legacy and ensure that her remarkable talent is forever remembered and cherished.

Thank you for your support in honoring an actress who touched our lives through her unforgettable performances on Another World, Guiding Light, Texas, and Love Is A Many Splendored Thing.

Donna L. Bridges

When Beverlee McKensey got unprecedented star billing for the soap TEXAS it was because she heard an attorney in negotiations say about soap actors, "No one gives a damn who those people are." (1980) Texas, starring Beverlee McKinsey! City Lights Interview 1982