Susan Lucci: Emmy win 'felt pretty darn good'

In her new memoir, 'La Lucci,' soap opera legend Susan Lucci revisits the unforgettable night of the 1999 Daytime Emmy Awards, where she finally won her first and only Emmy after a record streak of 21 nominations. She reveals that after her ninth unsuccessful nomination, she would often go numb, a coping mechanism to protect herself from disappointment, even while being happy for her colleagues.

The moment her name was finally announced, Lucci recounted her initial disbelief, thinking the presenter might be giving sports updates. She was then embraced by her husband, Helmut Huber, before ascending the stage. She expressed that while her family's support and love were always more valuable than any award, winning "felt pretty darn good."

Lucci, who portrayed Erica Kane on 'All My Children' from 1970 until its cancellation in 2011, addressed rumors of behind-the-scenes meltdowns due to her nomination streak, attributing her resilience to the constant love and support from her children, including homemade signs and celebratory cakes.

She noted that Peter Bergman, with 24 nominations and four wins, now holds the record for most nominations without a win. Lucci's journey to her Emmy win remains a significant moment in daytime television history.