After spending the last few years working with refugees in Africa with the Doctors Without Borders Organization, Dr. Olivia Winters is slated to return temporarily to Genoa City to pick up the pieces in her family's life.  In line with this, Tonya Lee Williams, the actress who originated the role in May 1990, has signed on to appear on The Young and the Restless.

During her time on The Young and the Restless, Olivia was perceived as an honest and principled woman.  However, she had a lapse in judgment when her best friend, Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson), battled breast cancer.  At the time, Olivia tried her best to be there for Ashley and her family, but eventually found herself attracted to Ashley's husband, Brad Carlton (Don Diamont).  The two slept together, but nothing became of it.  Since then, Olivia gradually faded into the background.  She left the show in September 2005 but resurfaced in Genoa to comfort her brother-in-law Neil Winters, when her sister Drucilla died in 2007.

"I won't sign a long-term contract because of my film career and Reel World Festival responsibilities," Williams said, explaining that commitments outside of daytime television prevented her from returning on a more full-time basis.  "But I'd pull a Tracey Bregman and continue in good faith."

Williams, who has been nominated twice for a Daytime Emmy for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series” in 1996 and 2000, is eager to reprise the role she made famous.  On the other hand, the 50-year-old actress admits that she doesn't know what's in store for her on The Young and the Restless.

"I have no idea what my storyline is or [who] I'll be involved with," the actress said.  "I love Young and the Restless and I'm ready to come back.  [Head writer] Maria Arena Bell knows what she's doing."


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Soapcentral.com
(Image courtesy of CBS)