Beloved actress Alley Mills, known for her iconic role as Norma Arnold on ‘The Wonder Years’ and her captivating portrayal of Heather Webber on ABC’s ‘General Hospital’, has once again captured the hearts of daytime drama fans and critics alike, securing her second Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Performance.
In a night celebrating the best of daytime television, veteran actress Alley Mills received her second career Daytime Emmy Award as a guest performer in a daytime drama. Mills was honored for her role as the infamous Heather Webber on ‘General Hospital’, a character she has imbued with a unique blend of menace and complexity that has resonated deeply with audiences and critics.
The 74-year-old actress, who first won in 2023 for the same role, is widely recognized for her enduring performance as Norma Arnold, the matriarch in the beloved ’80s sitcom ‘The Wonder Years’. Her win at the 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards held in Pasadena, California, on Friday, October 17, 2025, marks another significant milestone in her illustrious career.
An Emotional Acceptance and a Powerful Message
Mills’ acceptance speech at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium was a poignant moment of reflection and resilience. Acknowledging the current global climate, she shared a message of hope, stating, “We’re living in really dark times right now. Everything’s crazy. We just got to keep our spirits high.”
Beyond her public message, Mills offered a deeply personal tribute to her late husband, actor Orson Bean, who tragically passed away in 2020. “I just got to give him love,” she said, visibly moved. “I miss you, baby.” This heartfelt moment underscored the personal significance of her achievement and resonated with many in the audience and at home, as reported by Parade.
A Career Defined by Iconic Roles and Six Decades in Television
With 60 years in television, Alley Mills has graced screens in over 60 productions, ranging from sitcoms to dramas and made-for-TV movies. Her versatility and enduring presence have made her a familiar and beloved figure in American households.
While ‘The Wonder Years’ remains her most widely recognized work, her tenure in daytime television has been equally impactful. Since 2006, she has portrayed both the eccentric yet lovable Pamela Douglas on ‘The Bold & The Beautiful’ and the complex Heather Webber on ‘General Hospital’. These roles have allowed her to explore a different facet of her acting prowess, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Mills’ journey to her second Emmy saw her nominated three times for Outstanding Guest Performance. Her first win came in 2023. She was nominated again in 2024 but the award went to Dick Van Dyke for his guest role as Timothy Robicheaux. Her persistent talent finally earned her a second statuette this year.
Reunions and Recognitions at the Emmys
The awards ceremony was also a platform for heartwarming reunions. Olivia d’Abo, who famously played Mills’ daughter Karen Arnold on ‘The Wonder Years’, praised and congratulated her former on-screen mother while presenting other awards. d’Abo herself was a nominee in the Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series category for her role as Fifi Garrett on ‘The Bay’.
Mills also shared a touching moment with Avery Kristen Pohl, who portrays her character Esme Prince’s daughter on ‘General Hospital’. Pohl was also nominated in the same Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series category, adding another layer of connection to Mills’ big night.
Highlights from the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Beyond Mills’ triumphant win, the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards showcased excellence across the genre. ‘General Hospital’ secured another victory for its writing team, highlighting the show’s consistent quality.
First-time nominee Susan Walters of ‘The Young and the Restless’ took home supporting actress honors, expressing her joy and thanking her husband of 40 years, Linden Ashby. ‘The Young and the Restless’ led the nominations with 19 nods, proving its continued popularity and critical recognition.
The prestigious award for Best Daytime Drama was contested by three powerhouses: ‘General Hospital’, ‘Days of Our Lives’, and ‘The Young and the Restless’. The event was streamed live on watch.theemmys.tv and the Emmys app, bringing the excitement directly to fans.
Outstanding Guest Performance Nominees:
- Alley Mills as Heather Webber (‘General Hospital’ ABC) – Winner
- Linden Ashby as Cameron Kirsten (‘The Young and the Restless’ CBS)
- Clint Howard as Tom Starr (‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ CBS)
- Jacqueline Grace Lopez as Blaze (‘General Hospital’ ABC)
- Valarie Pettiford as Amy Lewis (‘The Young and the Restless’ CBS)
- Avery Kristen Pohl as Esme Prince (‘General Hospital’ ABC)
The Enduring Appeal of ‘General Hospital’
‘General Hospital’ continues its remarkable run as both the longest-running scripted drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production. Its narratives, filled with “passion, intrigue, and adventure,” depict the lives of the diverse citizens of the fictional Port Charles.
The show remains a staple for many, offering “contemporary storylines and unforgettable characters” that weave together tales of “love, danger, and mind-blowing plot twists.” Fans can catch new episodes of ‘General Hospital’ weekdays on ABC and stream past episodes anytime on Hulu.
