Susan Lucci has opened up about the emotional and almost unbelievable moment she finally won her first Daytime Emmy Award, ending a 19-year losing streak that had become part of TV lore.
The All my children legend, who played iconic schemer Erica Kane from 1970 to 2011, later received the Best Actress award in 1999 for her 19th nomination.
Notably, her first win remains one of the most memorable moments of her career.
Speak with PEOPLE MagazineLucci recalled the night of her highly anticipated win, which took place at Madison Square Garden due to renovations at Radio City Music Hall.
“We were in the Garden that year,” she said.
“All the other times we had the Emmys, we were at Radio City [Music Hall]but that year Radio City was renovated. So we were in the garden, Madison Square Garden.
When the announcer said a long losing streak was finally over, Lucci initially admitted he thought he was talking about sports scores.
“Anyway,” she continued, “when he said that, it was May, and I thought when he said the streak was over, I thought he was going to report on the results of the playoff games, basketball and hockey. And I thought, ‘Isn’t that nice? He keeps everyone informed.'”
“I wasn’t 100% sure I heard my name. First of all, Rosie O’Donnell took my evening bag from me. My husband picked me up by the elbow and I whispered in his ear, ‘Are you sure?’ … And he said, ‘Yes, go there.’ And that’s what I did,” she concludes.
