Discover the astonishing true story behind Victoria Rowell’s iconic portrayal of Drucilla Winters on ‘The Young and the Restless,’ a role she landed by chance, channeling raw disappointment into an unforgettable cold read that captivated creator William J. Bell.
For nearly two decades, from 1990 to 2007, Victoria Rowell graced screens worldwide as the unforgettable Drucilla Winters on ‘The Young and the Restless‘. Her portrayal of the spirited character not only earned her Daytime Emmy nominations but also cemented her status as a beloved figure in daytime television history. Yet, the story of how Rowell landed this career-defining role is as surprising and dramatic as any plotline from Genoa City itself.
In a recent candid discussion on Alan Locher’s popular YouTube series, The Locher Room, where former soap publicist Locher interviews celebrated daytime stars, Rowell peeled back the curtain on her early days. When directly asked about her audition for the part of Drucilla, her confirmation — “I did” — set the stage for a truly remarkable tale, as reported by Parade.
An Audition Born from Disappointment
The circumstances surrounding Rowell’s audition were far from conventional. She hadn’t originally flown to Los Angeles with ‘The Young and the Restless‘ in mind. Her trip was for a significant opportunity: testing for a new ABC primetime series. The process was grueling, involving an initial test and then a retest. Ultimately, the part slipped through her fingers.
“I tested. Then they wanted to retest me, and I didn’t get the part,” Rowell recalled, a rejection that left her packing her bags, ready to return to New York. It was at this pivotal moment, just as she was about to leave, that fate intervened.
Her agent, Harry Abrams, made a last-minute call. “Vicki, before you get on the plane, I want you to audition for a soap,” he urged. The show in question was ‘The Young and the Restless‘, then the number one soap opera in the country, and it was holding callbacks. Abrams’ advice was simple yet profound: “You have nothing to lose.”
The Unexpected ‘Goth’ Look and a Cold Read
Rowell’s preparation for this impromptu audition was anything but glamorous. With her bags already packed and no clean clothes left, she embraced necessity. “I went into that audition looking completely goth,” she laughed. Her ensemble consisted of black tights, black wool striped shorts, a black shirt, a vintage black tam with a copper emblem, big hair, and black flat shoes. It was, as she described it, “whatever was at the bottom of the suitcase.”
Stepping into the audition room, Rowell immediately felt out of place among the “fabulous” and “done up” aspiring actresses. However, her turn finally arrived, leading her into an elegant office where she met the legendary creator of ‘The Young and the Restless‘, William J. Bell.
“It was just Bill Bell and me,” Rowell recounted. Given the spontaneous nature of the audition, she was handed the material for a cold read, requiring her to perform without prior rehearsal. What made her performance truly stand out was her ability to channel her genuine emotions of the day. “I also used my disappointment in not getting the series that I’d come out to get, in the scene which required some frustration and upset,” she revealed during her interview with Alan Locher.
A Life-Changing Connection with William J. Bell
The raw, emotional intensity of her cold read resonated deeply with Bell. The impact was immediate: “My agent got a call that day and said I got the part,” Rowell shared. Bell, known for his keen eye for talent, had the final say in casting, making her selection a direct testament to her powerful audition.
Rowell’s relationship with William J. Bell transcended that of a creator and actress. She spoke of him with immense fondness, remembering him as a profound mentor and ally. “He was such an ally, such a champion,” she stated. Their connection was instant, a mutual gravitation that allowed Rowell’s talent to flourish.
Bell fostered an environment of trust and creative freedom. “He trusted what I did with his words. We had an open door policy, if I had ideas not to hesitate to share them,” she explained. This supportive dynamic allowed Rowell to develop Drucilla Winters into a rich, complex character that captivated audiences for years.
More than just a professional relationship, Bell’s influence extended into Rowell’s personal life, offering her a sense of stability she deeply valued. Having come out of foster care, the security provided by her role and Bell’s mentorship was immeasurable. “He really made a mark on my life and you know how I would take care of my children and gave me a security I couldn’t have imagined having come out of foster care,” she reflected.
Victoria Rowell‘s journey to ‘The Young and the Restless‘ stands as a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest opportunities arise from unexpected places, fueled by authenticity and the courage to transform setbacks into triumphs. Her iconic role as Drucilla Winters remains a cornerstone of the show’s enduring legacy.
Fans can continue to watch ‘The Young and the Restless‘ weekdays on CBS, with streaming options available weeknights on Paramount+.
