Lauralee Bell & ‘Cricket’ Nickname: Exclusive Y&R Update

‘Young and the Restless’ Stars Lauralee Bell and Michael Damian Reignite Decades-Long Romance

A wave of nostalgia is sweeping through Genoa City as longtime Young and the Restless stars Lauralee Bell and Michael Damian prepare to revisit a beloved storyline: the engagement of their characters, Christine Blair and Danny Romalotti. The rekindled romance, decades in the making, is resonating with fans who remember the couple’s initial connection in the 1980s.

Bell, 56, first graced the screens of the soap opera – created by her parents, William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell – in 1983 as the young model known as Cricket. While her character evolved over the years, transitioning to law school and ultimately becoming a district attorney, she adopted her given name, Christine Blair. However, for Bell, the essence of the character remains firmly rooted in her original nickname.

“I’ve only been okay with hearing that name if I’m in the courtroom or in a legal situation because obviously the other wouldn’t work,” she explained, referring to Christine. “But I love that the OGs will forever and always call her Cricket.”

The actress shared exclusively that she still identifies her character as “only Cricket,” a sentiment amplified by the prospect of another engagement with Danny Romalotti. Their initial love story unfolded when Cricket was described as a “little groupie girl” captivated by a rock star. The dynamic has shifted over time, but the underlying connection remains.

Interestingly, Damian, 63, hasn’t always referred to Bell’s character as Cricket. He jokingly recalled a period when he called her “Chris,” a deviation that, according to him, signaled trouble for the couple, as Cricket was then involved with Paul Williams, portrayed by Doug Davidson.

The enduring nickname even has a modern perk for Bell. “I love that there’s an emoji that’s a cricket because I use it now all the time,” she said, playfully suggesting, “Everyone should have their own emoji.”

Both actors expressed gratitude for the continued support of their fanbase. Damian believes the renewed interest stems from a powerful sense of nostalgia. “I think the nostalgia is really beautiful and that’s what they’re connecting to,” he stated.

Looking back at the genesis of their on-screen chemistry, Bell described the early scenes as “extremely playful.” She recalled a vibrant atmosphere filled with lighthearted antics: chasing each other, playful pranks, and even a memorable game of strip poker. Damian characterized their early romance as “very sweet, very innocent.”

The couple first married on the show in 1990, but their union was ultimately dissolved, partly due to the interference of Danny Romalotti’s devoted fan, Phyllis, played by Michelle Stafford.

Bell attributes the enduring success of their on-screen relationship to a shared sense of humor and a comfortable rapport developed over decades of friendship and collaboration. “We also are really going to continue putting in as much playfulness as we can moving forward,” she affirmed.

Damian echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the ease and organic nature of their working relationship. “It’s very comfortable,” he said. “It’s so much fun and it just feels very organic when we work together. . . . We know these characters. We’ve known them our whole lives.”