- This actress gave her late partner the codename to keep their relationship a secret while working on set.
- Co-workers were shocked when they discovered the couple had kept their romance hidden for so long.
- Her next relationship was vastly different, as she was a divorcee with a daughter by then.
- Her grown blended family has built careers and families of their own, inheriting her beauty, talent, and charisma.
The actress in Los Angeles, California, on April 20, 1984 | Source: Getty Images
It has been over 40 years since this iconic actress, now 68, took on the role of a lifetime on “The Young and the Restless “(Y&R).” The show not only launched her career but also deeply shaped her personal life.
The actress’s portrait on January 1, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
When she first appeared on the iconic soap opera, audiences were captivated. Despite the show’s monumental success, the actress initially hesitated to take the part. She nearly turned it down when her agent brought it to her attention, as she was more interested in a potential role on an NBC sitcom.
The actress in California, on April 20, 1984 | Source: Getty Images
Her agent, however, convinced her that this opportunity would be a game-changer for her career. Reluctantly, she agreed—and it turned out to be the most defining moment of her life. The role not only became her most memorable work but also set her on a path toward motherhood and love.
The actress at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in February 1999 | Source: Getty Images
A Secret Romance on Set
The years she spent working on “The Young and the Restless” weren’t just about acting. Behind the scenes, a romance began brewing with one of the show’s crew members. Their connection grew during the early mornings on set, where they spent hours together preparing for the day ahead.
The actress from “The Young and the Restless” series in 1984 | Source: Getty Images
In her book, “Always Young and Restless: My Life On and Off America’s #1 Daytime Drama,” the actress described how their relationship blossomed from a simple, casual work connection.
She praised his skills, calling him one of the few people to see her in her natural state as they worked together daily to transform her into her character.
The actress and her co-star during the taping of “The Young and the Restless” at CBS Television City in Los Angeles on April 4, 1984 | Source: Getty Images
Things progressed naturally, starting with a close friendship where they confided in each other and bonded over honest conversations. Their connection deepened through these daily interactions, even without formal dates or grand gestures.
Their first real outing together was a picnic, which marked the moment their friendship transitioned into a full-fledged romance. However, the actress was determined to keep their relationship a secret.
The actress at her home in Los Angeles on April 20, 1984 | Source: Getty Images
To avoid rumors or gossip on set, she came up with a clever code name for her partner, referring to him as “Richard” when speaking to friends.
Naturally, speculation grew among her castmates and crew members. Some believed her mystery man was another celebrity, Richard Kline, who happened to be working near the “Y&R” set, but she laughed off the rumors.
The actress in New York City on August 1, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
In her book, she revealed that she had never even met the man people speculated she was involved with. As her real relationship deepened, the couple decided to move in together and shared their secret with a close friend. However, the news soon spread across the set.
Despite their efforts to stay private, their romance became public knowledge, only strengthening their bond. The man at the center of this love story was Carlos Yeaggy, the late, talented makeup artist she worked with daily.
Melody Thomas Scott and Carlos Yeaggy attend the Those Fabulous Image Awards on March 27, 1982 | Source: Getty Images
First Pregnancy & Concerns
The actress, Melody Thomas Scott, found out about her first pregnancy in the most dramatic way. Her close friend, Dave Zimmerman, had just learned to read Tarot cards and offered to give her a reading.
The “Secrets” star was always comfortable with the spirit world and agreed. However, Dave’s revelation was the shock of her life.
Melody Thomas Scott inside a store in Beverly Hills, California, on March 12, 1982 | Source: Getty Images
After a few glances at the cards, he told her she was pregnant with a girl. Melody struggled to believe the reading since it came from her friend, who was still a novice in the art of fortune-telling.
Although she laughed it off, Melody had silent concerns. Her period was a week late, and a few days after the reading, she still did not see her period. A visit to the doctor then confirmed her pregnancy.
Melody Thomas Scott in Beverly Hills, California, on March 12, 1982 | Source: Getty Images
Melody was shocked about the pregnancy as she and Carlos adopted several measures to prevent such a situation. However, she felt having the baby was her fate.
Melody soon grew concerned over how the public would receive her pregnancy news. According to the “Piranha” actress, it was unpopular to have kids without a husband at the time, and she feared it would affect her career.
Melody Thomas Scott in a scene from “Hotel” on March 6, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Surprisingly, her pregnancy was written as part of the storyline. Melody said she had begun to add weight and was obviously pregnant. So, to rescue the situation, the producers made it a part of the story, and it was well-received by fans.
Melody Thomas Scott in Beverly Hills on March 12, 1982 | Source: Getty Images
News of her pregnancy later spread outside the set, but thankfully, fans responded with love and care. Melody received several baby gifts and letters without a single hate mail.
Melody Thomas Scott and her daughter at their home in Los Angeles on April 20, 1984 | Source: Getty Images
Romance with Edward
After her relationship with Carlos came to an end, Melody’s path took a new turn when she grew closer to the show’s executive producer, Edward J. Scott, now 80. What began as a professional connection soon blossomed into a full-fledged romance.
Melody Thomas Scott and Edward Scott attend the CBS Television Affiliates Party in Los Angeles on May 20, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Edward was her second husband, but he turned out to be the best of her relationships. The couple has been married since 1985 and shares their daughters. Edward had a daughter from a previous relationship, and theirs is a blended family.
Melody Thomas Scott and Edward Scott attend the 63rd Annual DGA Awards in Hollywood on January 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Their biological child came a few months after they tied the knot. Like her first pregnancy, the second was written into the show, and once again, it was a huge success.
Melody Thomas Scott and Edward Scott attend the 52nd Annual WGA Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on March 5, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Melody and Edward are now grandparents but still have an incredible relationship. They renewed their vows during their 36th anniversary, surrounded by close friends and loved ones.
Melody Thomas Scott and Edward Scott arrive at the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on June 24, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Meet Their Daughters
Edward and Melody Thomas Scott‘s daughters—Jennifer, Alex, and Elizabeth—have each built successful careers in their respective fields. Jennifer, her stepdaughter and a mother of two, discovered her passion behind the camera and worked as a director for “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
Melody Thomas Scott, Edward Scott, and his daughter Jennifer at CBS Studio in Los Angeles on March 19, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Elizabeth also followed her mother’s steps in pursuing an acting career. She played Sarah in season four of “Venice The Series.” That was her first foray into the acting world.
Melody Thomas Scott and her daughter Elizabeth arrive at the Creative Arts Fair Supporting P.S. Arts in Santa Monica on November 7, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Alexandra, Melody’s daughter with Carlos, launched a bridal line in 2010 in honor of her father, who passed away in 1997. She has built a successful name for herself and occasionally collaborates with her family.
Meet Melody Thomas Scott’s Grandchildren
The best part of Melody’s life is spending time with her five adorable grandchildren. Being surrounded by them brings her endless joy and fulfillment.
Her love for family ties back to the journey that began with her hesitance to join “Y&R”—a role that would become career-defining. The show not only made her a star but also brought her love, motherhood, and a lasting legacy.
Now, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, Melody Thomas Scott looks back on how one choice changed her life in unimaginable ways, proving that the most unexpected opportunities can bring the greatest rewards.