Christine Blair
Encyclopedia
Christine Marie Ellen "Cricket" Blair (formerly Romalotti and Williams) is a fictional character
on the CBS
soap opera
The Young and the Restless
, portrayed since July 1983 by Lauralee Bell
(daughter of the series' co-creators William J. Bell
and Lee Phillip Bell
). In June 2007, the character appeared on The Young and the Restless' "sister soap", The Bold and the Beautiful
, which is written and produced by Lauralee Bell's brother, Bradley
.
, the character eventually was expanded – so much to the point that Terry Lester
, who portrayed Jack Abbott), quit the show in 1989, complaining that Bell had been given excessive airtime at the expense of himself and other actors.
The character was introduced as a teenager, and initially referred to primarily by her nickname, Cricket. However, after she entered law school, most characters (starting with attorney Michael Baldwin
) began calling her by her given name. The transition from "Cricket" to "Christine" serves as a metaphor for her growth from teenage heroine to highly respected attorney.
Lauralee left and rejoined The Young and the Restless
various times, on both recurring and contract status. She joined the show in 1983 and left 18 years later, on January 24, 2001. She reappeared on recurring status several times during 2001: from April 25 to June 8, July 23–25, November 29 to December 7. She finally returned in 2002 on contract, from April 16 to November 7. She returned on contract, again, on January 23, 2003 and her contract ended on January 24, 2005. The actress agreed to continue appearing on recurring status: from March 9, 2005 to January 4, 2006, on March 15, 2006, May 26 and May 31, 2006, August 23, 25 and 28, 2006. The character was last seen on The Bold and the Beautiful
defending Ridge Forrester
from June 12 to June 21, 2007.
On July 15, 2010, Bell returned as Christine and was involved in the resolution of the baby that was stolen from her friend Nina Webster
so many years ago. She ended her run on September 13, 2010. Lauralee Bell eventually returned for another stint on January 13, 2011. In October 2011, it was confirmed that Bell would reprise her role as Christine in November. The return will deal heavily with her on-screen enemy Isabella, using heavy flashbacks.
in 1983. She befriended a young Nina Webster
(Tricia Cast
) and was engaged to Phillip Chancellor III (Thom Bierdz
), before she discovered them in bed together. Christine found love again in Scott Grainger Sr.
(Peter Barton), but it didn't last when she found out she was related to him. She was forced to grow and toughen up after being raped by Derek Stuart (Ken Olandt
), and she slowly turned from a model to a lawyer
. While working at the Whitman, Walker, and Wilson firm, she was sexually harassed by fellow lawyer Michael Baldwin
(Christian LeBlanc
). She taped their conversations and got him fired, which only pushed Michael to stalk her and eventually kidnap her, then hold her captive for days before she was rescued by Paul Williams (Doug Davidson
) and Nathan Hastings
(Randy Brooks). Michael was put in prison.
In 1990, Christine married her longtime friend Danny Romalotti
(Michael Damian
), but their marriage ended when Danny cheated on her with a fan of his, Phyllis Summers
(Michelle Stafford
), who became pregnant (Years later, it was discovered that the baby -- Daniel Romalotti, Jr.
-- was not Danny's biological son. Also, it was learned that Phyllis drugged Danny and made him think they had slept together). Her business life, on the other hand, was quite successful. She defended many residents of the town and accompanied Paul on various adventures. The two fell in love and planned to get married, but were prevented by Phyllis, who ran them over, leaving Paul in bad health. Once Paul recovered, their relationship was in danger because Christine had slept with Danny, but at the end she chose Paul over Danny. The two planned to have children, but were having tough time concentrating on personal life and were not able to conceive.
When Michael Baldwin returned in her life, Christine was convinced that he was a changed man and she testified for him in court. She even joined a law firm with the man, and once again her personal life was put aside, leaving her marriage in ruins. Christine convinced Paul to go to Hong Kong with her to make her business even more successful, but ended up leaving on her own. After a few months, Christine returned home prepared to try to work out her marriage, but was shocked to find Paul in the arms of Isabella Braña
(Eva Longoria
). She took a job in Australia and left. When she finally returned to Genoa City months later, Christine contemplated a relationship with Michael, but was not able to get past his shady history and the fact that she still had feelings for Paul.
Michael proudly announced to Paul that he got engaged to Christine, which angered Paul into forcing himself on Christine, although Chris never said no to him. Paul was, at the time, married to Isabella. The following morning, Christine went to see Paul in L.A. and made love to him, then disappeared for a few weeks, leaving Michael and Paul wondering what's going on. Paul's marriage with Isabella was over when he admitted the truth to her. Christine returned after a short absence disguised as Kelly Simmons, keen on finding out more about Isabella. Paul knew the truth and decided to stick with Isabella, while Christine went back to Michael. The two were going to get married, but Michael admitted the truth about plotting with Isabella, so Christine rushed to Paul's side and made love to him on the beach. Isabella plotted revenge against the couple and made it look like Christine had murdered her, then went to attack Chris in a bathtub, but Paul saved Chris, and then they were both saved by Michael.
Christine and Paul moved in together, but decided to part ways when Chris didn't accept Paul's proposal. Chris decided to concentrate on her new job, being a prosecutor, but several months later realized that she didn't like the job. Christine started dating Danny again, but he left town before anything more serious could happen. Since then, Christine was only seen working on cases, mainly defending people in trouble, including Daniel Romalotti, Jr.
(Michael Graziadei
) when he was accused of manslaughter, and she was also seen defending Ridge Forrester
(Ron Moss) in Los Angeles.
Christine returned to Genoa City in July 2010, now isn't sure whether she wants to stay or go back to Washington, D.C. Her ex-husband Paul Williams might have something to do with her confusion as they recently made love when they both realized that they couldn't deny the feelings that they still had for each other even though Paul is now dating Christine's best friend Nina Chancellor.
When Nina finds out that Christine knew that Ronan Malloy, who is accused of killing her son Chance, was actually the son who was stolen from her at birth by Rose DeVille, she is furious because Christine had kept Ronan's paternity a secret from her even though Christine did intend to tell Nina at some point. She then tells Christine that she wishes she could love Ronan because he is her son but can't because she hates him for what he did to Chance. Nina then tells Christine to leave and never come back. A crying Christine is deeply hurt as she watches everyone, including Paul, console Nina over Chance's death as well as give her their love and support. Christine, still crying and still heartbroken over what Nina had said to her, walks away.
On September 17, it is revealed that Chance faked his death. Only Nina, Phillip, Ronan and Christine, must know that he is still "alive" as he is going into the witness protection program. Christine returned to Washington, D.C. after saying goodbye to Nina. On January 13 2011 Cricket returns with no call or anything to Ronan Malloy (Jeff Branson
) office and then to the Chancellor mansion to talk to Nina and where she also learns Ronan is sick. On February 4, 2011 following the tragic death of Cane
who Jill
loved as a son. Nina spilt some wine on Jill so Jill goes to her room to change which is where she finds Chance.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
on the CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
The Young and the Restless
The Young and the Restless
The Young and the Restless is an American television soap opera created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell for CBS. The show is set in a fictional Wisconsin town called Genoa City, which is unlike and unrelated to the real life village of the same name, Genoa City, Wisconsin...
, portrayed since July 1983 by Lauralee Bell
Lauralee Bell
Lauralee Kristen Bell is an American soap opera actress. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and attended The Latin School of Chicago.The daughter of soap opera creators William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, and sister to Bill Bell, Jr...
(daughter of the series' co-creators William J. Bell
William J. Bell
William J. Bell was the creator and executive producer of the soap operas The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.-Personal life:...
and Lee Phillip Bell
Lee Phillip Bell
Lee Phillip Bell is a former talk show host and soap opera creator.Lee Phillip Bell is one of the most notable graduates from what is now known as Riverside-Brookfield High School in Riverside, Illinois. Ms. Bell received a degree in microbiology from Northwestern University...
). In June 2007, the character appeared on The Young and the Restless
The Bold and the Beautiful
The Bold and the Beautiful is an American television soap opera created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell for CBS Daytime. It premiered on March 23, 1987....
, which is written and produced by Lauralee Bell's brother, Bradley
Bradley Bell
Bradley Bell is an American television writer and producer. Bell is a six-time Daytime Emmy Award winner and is executive producer and head writer for The Bold and the Beautiful, an American soap opera.-Career:...
.
Conception and casting
Originally conceived as a bit roleBit part
A bit part is a supporting acting role with at least one line of dialogue . In British television, bit parts are referred to as under sixes...
, the character eventually was expanded – so much to the point that Terry Lester
Terry Lester
Terry Lester was an American actor.Lester was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, graduating from high school at Southport High School, and began an acting career while at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. His acting career consisted of musical theater, concert performances, numerous primetime...
, who portrayed Jack Abbott), quit the show in 1989, complaining that Bell had been given excessive airtime at the expense of himself and other actors.
The character was introduced as a teenager, and initially referred to primarily by her nickname, Cricket. However, after she entered law school, most characters (starting with attorney Michael Baldwin
Michael Baldwin
Michael Baldwin is a fictional character on the CBS television soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed by Christian LeBlanc originally from late December 1991 until June 1993 and then he returned on April 25, 1997. The character has also crossed over briefly to As the World Turns on April...
) began calling her by her given name. The transition from "Cricket" to "Christine" serves as a metaphor for her growth from teenage heroine to highly respected attorney.
Lauralee left and rejoined The Young and the Restless
The Young and the Restless
The Young and the Restless is an American television soap opera created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell for CBS. The show is set in a fictional Wisconsin town called Genoa City, which is unlike and unrelated to the real life village of the same name, Genoa City, Wisconsin...
various times, on both recurring and contract status. She joined the show in 1983 and left 18 years later, on January 24, 2001. She reappeared on recurring status several times during 2001: from April 25 to June 8, July 23–25, November 29 to December 7. She finally returned in 2002 on contract, from April 16 to November 7. She returned on contract, again, on January 23, 2003 and her contract ended on January 24, 2005. The actress agreed to continue appearing on recurring status: from March 9, 2005 to January 4, 2006, on March 15, 2006, May 26 and May 31, 2006, August 23, 25 and 28, 2006. The character was last seen on The Bold and the Beautiful
The Bold and the Beautiful
The Bold and the Beautiful is an American television soap opera created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell for CBS Daytime. It premiered on March 23, 1987....
defending Ridge Forrester
Ridge Forrester
Ridge Forrester is a fictional character from the CBS daytime soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful. The character was introduced in the series premiere on March 23, 1987 and has been a regular fixture ever since...
from June 12 to June 21, 2007.
On July 15, 2010, Bell returned as Christine and was involved in the resolution of the baby that was stolen from her friend Nina Webster
Nina Webster
Nina Webster is a fictional character on the soap opera The Young and the Restless, played by American actress Tricia Cast from June 26, 1986 to February 1, 2001, as a guest star from November 14 to November 20, 2008, and returned on a regular basis on May 1, 2009. Cast won a Daytime Emmy Award...
so many years ago. She ended her run on September 13, 2010. Lauralee Bell eventually returned for another stint on January 13, 2011. In October 2011, it was confirmed that Bell would reprise her role as Christine in November. The return will deal heavily with her on-screen enemy Isabella, using heavy flashbacks.
Character history
Cricket Blair, the teenage cousin of Jabot Cosmetics employee Joe Blair, was introduced as a model for Jabot Cosmetics, and made her way into Genoa CityGenoa City (fictional city)
Genoa City, Wisconsin is the fictional setting for the long-running American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. The real U.S. village of the same name is otherwise unlike and unrelated to the mid-size city depicted in the series.- Overview :...
in 1983. She befriended a young Nina Webster
Nina Webster
Nina Webster is a fictional character on the soap opera The Young and the Restless, played by American actress Tricia Cast from June 26, 1986 to February 1, 2001, as a guest star from November 14 to November 20, 2008, and returned on a regular basis on May 1, 2009. Cast won a Daytime Emmy Award...
(Tricia Cast
Tricia Cast
Tricia Cast is an American actress, best known for her role as Nina Webster on The Young and the Restless.-Personal life:...
) and was engaged to Phillip Chancellor III (Thom Bierdz
Thom Bierdz
Thom Bierdz is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Phillip Chancellor III on the daytime drama The Young and the Restless, appearing from 1986 to 1989, returning for a "dream sequence" in 2004, and in a surprising twist, returned to the role in May 2009.-Phillip Chancellor...
), before she discovered them in bed together. Christine found love again in Scott Grainger Sr.
Scott Grainger Sr.
Dr. Scott Grainger Sr. is a fictional character in the American soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed by actor Peter Barton from 1988 to 1993. The character crossed over to The Bold and the Beautiful briefly in 1993.-Character:...
(Peter Barton), but it didn't last when she found out she was related to him. She was forced to grow and toughen up after being raped by Derek Stuart (Ken Olandt
Ken Olandt
Kenneth Andrew "Ken" Olandt is an American actor, producer, and executive producer. He has starred in many feature films and television shows....
), and she slowly turned from a model to a lawyer
Lawyer
A lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person who is practicing law." Law is the system of rules of conduct established by the sovereign government of a society to correct wrongs, maintain the stability of political...
. While working at the Whitman, Walker, and Wilson firm, she was sexually harassed by fellow lawyer Michael Baldwin
Michael Baldwin
Michael Baldwin is a fictional character on the CBS television soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed by Christian LeBlanc originally from late December 1991 until June 1993 and then he returned on April 25, 1997. The character has also crossed over briefly to As the World Turns on April...
(Christian LeBlanc
Christian LeBlanc
Christian Jules LeBlanc is an American actor.LeBlanc currently plays Michael Baldwin on The Young and the Restless. He first played the role from 1991 to 1993, and then resumed the role in 1997. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for the role six times, and won for Outstanding Lead Actor...
). She taped their conversations and got him fired, which only pushed Michael to stalk her and eventually kidnap her, then hold her captive for days before she was rescued by Paul Williams (Doug Davidson
Doug Davidson
Douglas Donald "Doug" Davidson is an American television actor. He has portrayed private investigator Paul Williams on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless since May 1978, making him the series' senior male cast member.On September 12, 1994, he began hosting a five-night-a-week,...
) and Nathan Hastings
Nathan Hastings
Nathan Oliver Hastings, Sr. is a fictional character from the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. The role was originated in 1984 by Nathan Purdee, who portrayed the character until 1992...
(Randy Brooks). Michael was put in prison.
In 1990, Christine married her longtime friend Danny Romalotti
Danny Romalotti
Daniel "Danny" Romalotti, Sr. is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. He was played by Michael Damian from June 1981 to October 1993, and again from August 1994 to June 1998, returning briefly in December 11, 2002 and on recurring status from November 14, 2003 to...
(Michael Damian
Michael Damian
Michael Damian Weir is a long-time American actor, Billboard #1 recording artist and producer, known mainly for his role as singer Danny Romalotti on the soap opera The Young and the Restless, which he played from 1980 to 1998.-Career:Damian made his feature film debut as an actor in the Garry...
), but their marriage ended when Danny cheated on her with a fan of his, Phyllis Summers
Phyllis Summers Newman
Phyllis Summers Newman is a fictional character in the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Phyllis has been portrayed by actress Michelle Stafford from the week of October 17–21, 1994 to February 17, 1997 and from July 13, 2000 to the present. From March 21, 1997 to February 22, 1999, the...
(Michelle Stafford
Michelle Stafford
Michelle Stafford is an American actress, best known for her role as Phyllis Summers on The Young and the Restless.-Career:...
), who became pregnant (Years later, it was discovered that the baby -- Daniel Romalotti, Jr.
Daniel Romalotti, Jr.
Daniel Romalotti, Jr. is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Daniel first appeared as an infant in May 1994, the son of Phyllis Summers Newman and Danny Romalotti, although his biological father is Brian Hamilton....
-- was not Danny's biological son. Also, it was learned that Phyllis drugged Danny and made him think they had slept together). Her business life, on the other hand, was quite successful. She defended many residents of the town and accompanied Paul on various adventures. The two fell in love and planned to get married, but were prevented by Phyllis, who ran them over, leaving Paul in bad health. Once Paul recovered, their relationship was in danger because Christine had slept with Danny, but at the end she chose Paul over Danny. The two planned to have children, but were having tough time concentrating on personal life and were not able to conceive.
When Michael Baldwin returned in her life, Christine was convinced that he was a changed man and she testified for him in court. She even joined a law firm with the man, and once again her personal life was put aside, leaving her marriage in ruins. Christine convinced Paul to go to Hong Kong with her to make her business even more successful, but ended up leaving on her own. After a few months, Christine returned home prepared to try to work out her marriage, but was shocked to find Paul in the arms of Isabella Braña
Isabella Braña Williams
Isabella Braña is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, played by Eva Longoria from March 8, 2001 to August 15, 2003...
(Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria
Eva Jacqueline Longoria is an American actress, best known for portraying Gabrielle Solis on the ABC television series Desperate Housewives...
). She took a job in Australia and left. When she finally returned to Genoa City months later, Christine contemplated a relationship with Michael, but was not able to get past his shady history and the fact that she still had feelings for Paul.
Michael proudly announced to Paul that he got engaged to Christine, which angered Paul into forcing himself on Christine, although Chris never said no to him. Paul was, at the time, married to Isabella. The following morning, Christine went to see Paul in L.A. and made love to him, then disappeared for a few weeks, leaving Michael and Paul wondering what's going on. Paul's marriage with Isabella was over when he admitted the truth to her. Christine returned after a short absence disguised as Kelly Simmons, keen on finding out more about Isabella. Paul knew the truth and decided to stick with Isabella, while Christine went back to Michael. The two were going to get married, but Michael admitted the truth about plotting with Isabella, so Christine rushed to Paul's side and made love to him on the beach. Isabella plotted revenge against the couple and made it look like Christine had murdered her, then went to attack Chris in a bathtub, but Paul saved Chris, and then they were both saved by Michael.
Christine and Paul moved in together, but decided to part ways when Chris didn't accept Paul's proposal. Chris decided to concentrate on her new job, being a prosecutor, but several months later realized that she didn't like the job. Christine started dating Danny again, but he left town before anything more serious could happen. Since then, Christine was only seen working on cases, mainly defending people in trouble, including Daniel Romalotti, Jr.
Daniel Romalotti, Jr.
Daniel Romalotti, Jr. is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Daniel first appeared as an infant in May 1994, the son of Phyllis Summers Newman and Danny Romalotti, although his biological father is Brian Hamilton....
(Michael Graziadei
Michael Graziadei
Michael Graziadei is an American actor best known for his role as Daniel Romalotti on the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless. He is only 14 years younger than Michelle Stafford, who plays the role of his mother Phyllis on the show. Graziadei is of Italian and Lithuanian heritage...
) when he was accused of manslaughter, and she was also seen defending Ridge Forrester
Ridge Forrester
Ridge Forrester is a fictional character from the CBS daytime soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful. The character was introduced in the series premiere on March 23, 1987 and has been a regular fixture ever since...
(Ron Moss) in Los Angeles.
Christine returned to Genoa City in July 2010, now isn't sure whether she wants to stay or go back to Washington, D.C. Her ex-husband Paul Williams might have something to do with her confusion as they recently made love when they both realized that they couldn't deny the feelings that they still had for each other even though Paul is now dating Christine's best friend Nina Chancellor.
When Nina finds out that Christine knew that Ronan Malloy, who is accused of killing her son Chance, was actually the son who was stolen from her at birth by Rose DeVille, she is furious because Christine had kept Ronan's paternity a secret from her even though Christine did intend to tell Nina at some point. She then tells Christine that she wishes she could love Ronan because he is her son but can't because she hates him for what he did to Chance. Nina then tells Christine to leave and never come back. A crying Christine is deeply hurt as she watches everyone, including Paul, console Nina over Chance's death as well as give her their love and support. Christine, still crying and still heartbroken over what Nina had said to her, walks away.
On September 17, it is revealed that Chance faked his death. Only Nina, Phillip, Ronan and Christine, must know that he is still "alive" as he is going into the witness protection program. Christine returned to Washington, D.C. after saying goodbye to Nina. On January 13 2011 Cricket returns with no call or anything to Ronan Malloy (Jeff Branson
Jeff Branson
Jeffrey Dale "Jeff" Branson is an American actor.-Life and career:Branson was born in St.Louis and originated the role of Jonathan Lavery on the ABC soap opera All My Children on June 15, 2004. Although he was off the air from mid-April until August 2005 while his character was believed dead in an...
) office and then to the Chancellor mansion to talk to Nina and where she also learns Ronan is sick. On February 4, 2011 following the tragic death of Cane
Cane Ashby
Ethan "Cane" Ashby is a fictional character in the American soap opera The Young and the Restless. Daniel Goddard has portrayed the character since his January 12, 2007 debut...
who Jill
Jill Foster Abbott
Jill Abbott Fenmore is a fictional character on the CBS daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless. She is one of the series' original characters, and the only one remaining from its debut in March 1973...
loved as a son. Nina spilt some wine on Jill so Jill goes to her room to change which is where she finds Chance.