Michael Baldwin
Encyclopedia
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 4 and 5, 2005. LeBlanc won Daytime Emmy Award
s for the role in 2005, 2007, and 2009.
in Genoa City
and a partner at Baldwin, Blair and Associates. He is the son of Lowell Baldwin (Michael Gross
) and Gloria Bardwell
(Judith Chapman
) and the half brother of Kevin Fisher
(Greg Rikaart
) and Eden Baldwin (Jessica Heap). He's currently married to Lauren Fenmore (Tracey E. Bregman
), with whom he has a son, Fenmore Baldwin.
In 1991, Michael was a mentor
to budding lawyer Christine Blair
(Lauralee Bell
). The two were working well together until, after winning a court case, Michael kissed Christine and became obsessed and began sexually harassing
her. Soon after, Michael attempted to rape Christine. When Paul Williams (Doug Davidson
) tried to save her, Michael shot him. Michael was then jailed for four years.
Michael (now forced to work as a paralegal
) returned to Genoa City in 1997, determined to get revenge on Christine. He did this by representing Phyllis Summers
(then played by Sandra Nelson
, now Michelle Stafford
) (with whom he also had a brief affair) in the custody battle for her son, Daniel Romalotti, Jr.
(Michael Graziadei
). Christine, who was representing the father, Danny Romalotti
(Michael Damian
), ultimately won the case. Michael and Phyllis still remain friends. Months later, Michael begged Christine to help him get his law license back. She agreed, but only after Michael donated a kidney
to Danny.
Michael was released from jail and convinced Christine that he was a changed man, so she testified for him and his legal license was reinstated under Chris's watchful eye. The cocky and very successful Michael was a constant thorn in Christine's side, but somehow convinced her to join him in starting a law practice together, Baldwin, Blair & Associates (formerly Baldwin, Williams & Associates). The practice was so successful that she again put having a family on hold, causing a great rift in her marriage to Paul. In a desperate attempt to mend their marriage while still furthering her career, Christine took a case in Hong Kong which would mean moving there for months. Paul first balked at the idea, but then decided to "do it for them", put his career on hold and move. But at the last minute, Paul backed out, so Christine lived in Hong Kong for months on her own with very little contact. Christine was offered a case in Australia when the Hong Kong case was finished, but she turned it down and was determined to go home to Genoa City and try to mend her shattered marriage. She arrived at the apartment only to find Paul in the arms of his new client, Isabella Braña
(Eva Longoria
), whom Michael had asked to come to Genoa City to break up Paul and Christine. Without a word to Paul, she accepted the case in Australia and filed for, and was soon granted, a divorce.
Isabella didn't want to tell Paul that she was pregnant because she felt that he was too hung up on Chris, so she had a brief affair with Michael and told him that he was the father. Michael was outraged at first and even drew up legal papers for her sign. But Isabella had something on Michael from the past, so he backed down and went along with her demands of rent, baby furniture, and everything she needed to live until the baby was born. Michael also arranged for a job for her in another town for afterward. Just as Michael was softening to the idea of a child and a future with Isabella, and Paul Williams was getting involved with former wife Lauren Fenmore, Paul found out about the baby's paternity and wanted to be a father to the child. With this major lie, Isabella fell out of grace with both Michael and Mary (Carolyn Conwell), Paul's mother. Paul moved in with Isabella and she continued to use manipulating Paul to keep him under her thumb as tightly as possible. Mary went to great lengths to try to convince him that Isabella was wrong for him and would ruin his life, and to convince Isabella to go away to a home for unwed mothers. All despite the fact that Isabella was providing Mary with the grandchild, and Paul with the child, they both had always wanted. Mary even begged for help from unlikely sources in Lauren, Christine, and even Michael - all of whom she disapproves as well, but had had no luck at all. But Paul moved out on his own volition when Isabella started pressuring him to get married. Their baby boy, Ricardo, was born, but unlike Isabella's delusions, Paul was not willing to become a happy family with her. Complicating things was the sudden return of Christine, who rebuffed him for the baby's sake, although she still had feelings for Paul. Paul's response was to marry Isabella.
Christine spent long hours working with Michael and they became closer, sharing dinners and their feelings together. They finally broached the subject of their past, and although Christine agreed Michael was a changed man, it still haunted her. That and her lingering feelings for Paul made it rough on Michael. But Christine decided to put the past behind her and accepted Michael's marriage proposal. Paul invited Isabella's estranged father Ricardo (William Marquez) to Ricky's christening, and father and daughter happily reunited. Michael showed up, asked Ricardo not to mention they knew each other or Isabella's past, then announced his engagement to Chris, much to Paul's rage. Paul attacked Michael, who left with a black eye. Paul showed up at Christine's apartment and forced himself on her. This storyline caused a stir among viewers as it was unknown whether it was rape or just "rough sex". The next morning Christine tracked Paul down to a deserted beach in Los Angeles where she initiated sex herself. Later Chris disappeared, leaving both Michael and Paul wondering. Christine was gone for months when the guilt got to Paul, and he told Isabella that he and Chris had sex that night. Isabella left him, only returning occasionally to see Ricky.
Chris returned in disguise as the dark-haired mysterious Kelly Simmons, bent on getting information on Isabella. Paul saw through Chris' disguise, and they came to an understanding about the "rape", but Paul chose Isabella and his son. Paul took Ricky to Isabella's parents in L.A., leaving her to finish packing for their move there. Just before they were to be married, Michael confessed to Chris that he set up Isabella to meet Paul so she and Paul would split for good, then Michael could have Chris. Chris exploded, walked out on Michael, and flew to L.A. to tell Paul the whole story. Upon their return to Genoa City, Paul moved back into their former apartment with Chris, while Isabella plotted revenge.
One night, Isabella called her only friend, Diane Jenkins
(Susan Walters
) who was with Michael, telling them someone was breaking in then screamed. When Michael arrived he found what appeared to be a bloody murder scene and Isabella missing. Christine woke up unconscious in her car in the woods and told Michael and Paul of her only memory - Isabella screaming not to hurt her, of blood, and a boat. Michael tracked down the boat, which was covered in blood, and destroyed the evidence against Chris. The night before Chris was to be arrested for Isabella's murder, she was attacked in her bathtub by a very much alive Isabella, who had drugged Christine's wine, telling her how she had set her up, while wielding a butcher knife. Paul arrived in the nick of time, slugged Isabella and knocked her out. As he was reviving the nearly drowned Christine, Michael arrived and saved them both from the crazed Isabella. The cops arrived and hauled Isabella away. She was committed to a mental institution, and Paul and Christine were free to be together once again. Michael apologized to Chris for all the misery he had caused her, she forgave him and they are still close friends.
Though Michael didn't realize it at the time, his biggest trouble had yet to confront him—his own family. In 2003, Michael was shocked when his half-brother Kevin Fisher
arrived after landing in a heap of legal trouble. To help Kevin get a fresh start, Michael allowed him to stay with him. They were soon joined by their mother Gloria
(then played by Joan Van Ark
, now Judith Chapman
).
Victoria Newman
(Heather Tom
) and Michael began to grow close in mid-2003. They fell in love; however, Victoria left Michael and Genoa City, when family problems became too much for her to handle.
Shortly thereafter, Michael began dating retail store owner Lauren Fenmore (Tracey E. Bregman
) They initially kept their relationship a secret due to Kevin's attraction to Lauren, but eventually they became engaged, and were married in 2005. Kevin, by this time, had gotten over his infatuation with Lauren and was Michael's best man. Victoria returned to town in March 2005, arriving at Michael's doorstep expecting to pick up where they left off. Michael informed her that he was now married to Lauren, and Victoria bowed out gracefully. In late 2006, Lauren gave birth to a son, Fenmore "Fen" Baldwin.
Life as a husband and father was good for Michael, but his family troubles where his mother Gloria and Kevin were concerned were just beginning. Michael continued to put his job at risk with his family's endless legal troubles, such as Gloria's involvement in the Jabot product tampering case, Kevin landing in trouble with the government after keeping stolen money, and investigating the murder of Carmen Mesta
(whom was murdered by Kevin's girlfriend Jana Hawkes
). Michael then had to contend with defending Phyllis after she was arrested for blackmailing Sharon Abbott and Brad Carlton
about their affair. Unfortunately, Phyllis was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. After a few months, her conviction was overturned and she was released. Michael was then blindsided with yet another case when Victor was charged with the murder of Ji Min Kim
(Eric Steinberg
). However, the charges were dropped when Michael discovered that the star witness had actually lied about Victor's whereabouts.
During the summer of 2008, Michael decided to resume the search for information on his father, River Baldwin. His grandmother's journal described Lowell as a substance abusing criminal; Gloria, on the other hand, described Lowell as handsome and charismatic. Shortly after Michael was born, though, Lowell was drafted and fled to Canada. With these new bits of information in hand, Michael decided to start searching for his estranged father in Canada rather than the United States. He had given up the search by the time of his brother Kevin's marriage with Jana at an ashram. There he met his father, who married them, and is going by the name River. He claims he has been on the run after falsely accused of murder in a protest-gone-wrong in the sixties. Michael returns to Genoa City, disturbed, and several weeks later Lowell shows up at Michael's doorstep. After he and Gloria spend a night reminiscing, a jealous Jeffrey Bardwell tips the FBI about Lowell's location and he is arrested in a diner just before catching a bus out of town. Just as he is about to be moved to a new location for custody before his trial, his daughter Eden Gerick (first played by Erin Sanders
, now Vanessa Marano
) (who would also be Michael's sister) arrives in Genoa City, and pleads Michael to be her father's lawyer.
On March 23, 2010, Michael discovers that his wife, Lauren Fenmore had made out with his client and her ex-husband, Paul Williams for one night. Michael later lets go of Paul and tells him to find a new lawyer. Later, Lauren says she was drunk at the time and she was possibly being drugged as someone took pictures of her with Paul at Jimmy's Bar.
On April 30, 2010, Michael was overpowered in his apartment by Patty Williams
.
In June 2010, Michael is shocked to learn from Lauren that Jill Abbott is her paternal half-sister, and he shares in his wife's anger over Jill changing her last name to Fenmore.
Michael does try to convince Lauren to at least give Jill a chance, but Lauren stubbornly refuses to do so due to Jill filing a suit asking for a portion of the estate of her and Lauren's late father Neil Fenmore.
During September 2010, Michael focuses on Victor Newman and his case against his daughters, Victoria Abbott and Abby Newman.
In spite of all the crazy things that go on in his life, Michael always tries to make time for Lauren and their son.
's video for I Keep On Loving You
in 2010 as the parents of the bride.
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...
television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
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 by 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...
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
As the World Turns
As the World Turns is an American television soap opera that aired on CBS from April 2, 1956 to September 17, 2010. Irna Phillips created As the World Turns as a sister show to her other soap opera Guiding Light...
on April 4 and 5, 2005. LeBlanc won Daytime Emmy Award
Daytime Emmy Award
The Daytime Emmy Awards are awards presented by the New York-based National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Los Angeles-based Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in recognition of excellence in American daytime television programming...
s for the role in 2005, 2007, and 2009.
Character
Michael is a prominent lawyerLawyer
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...
in Genoa City
Genoa 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 :...
and a partner at Baldwin, Blair and Associates. He is the son of Lowell Baldwin (Michael Gross
Michael Gross
Michael Gross may refer to:*Michael Gross , Israeli painter, sculptor and conceptual artist*Michael L. Gross , American professor of chemistry, medicine, and immunology*Michael Gross , American actor...
) and Gloria Bardwell
Gloria Bardwell
Gloria Bardwell is a fictional character, a resident of Genoa City on the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless. The role was originated by Joan Van Ark who played the role from April 6, 2004 to January 7, 2005, and is currently portrayed by Judith Chapman, who assumed the role on January...
(Judith Chapman
Judith Chapman
Judith Chapman is an actress known to fans of American daytime television. She gave her screen debut at the age of 16 in the Spaghetti Western Sette donne per i MacGregor. She has appeared on half a dozen daytime dramas since the mid-1970s...
) and the half brother of Kevin Fisher
Kevin Fisher
Kevin Fisher is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed by Emmy Award-winning actor Greg Rikaart since July 11, 2003. Rikaart won a Daytime Emmy Award for his portrayal of Kevin in 2005....
(Greg Rikaart
Greg Rikaart
Gregory Andrew Rikaart is an American actor, currently on the cast of the soap opera The Young and the Restless, playing Kevin Fisher since July 2003.-Biography:...
) and Eden Baldwin (Jessica Heap). He's currently married to Lauren Fenmore (Tracey E. Bregman
Tracey E. Bregman
Tracey E. Bregman is an German-American soap opera actress. She is best known for the role of Lauren Fenmore on The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful and for her role as Sarah Smythe on The Young and the Restless .-Personal life:She was born...
), with whom he has a son, Fenmore Baldwin.
In 1991, Michael was a mentor
Mentor
In Greek mythology, Mentor was the son of Alcimus or Anchialus. In his old age Mentor was a friend of Odysseus who placed Mentor and Odysseus' foster-brother Eumaeus in charge of his son Telemachus, and of Odysseus' palace, when Odysseus left for the Trojan War.When Athena visited Telemachus she...
to budding lawyer Christine Blair
Christine Blair
Christine Marie Ellen "Cricket" Blair is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed since July 1983 by Lauralee Bell...
(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...
). The two were working well together until, after winning a court case, Michael kissed Christine and became obsessed and began sexually harassing
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment, is intimidation, bullying or coercion of a sexual nature, or the unwelcome or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. In some contexts or circumstances, sexual harassment is illegal. It includes a range of behavior from seemingly mild transgressions and...
her. Soon after, Michael attempted to rape Christine. When 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,...
) tried to save her, Michael shot him. Michael was then jailed for four years.
Michael (now forced to work as a paralegal
Paralegal
Paralegal is used in most jurisdictions to describe a paraprofessional who assists qualified lawyers in their legal work. This is true in the United States and many other countries. However, in Ontario, Canada, paralegals are licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada, giving paralegals an...
) returned to Genoa City in 1997, determined to get revenge on Christine. He did this by representing 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...
(then played by Sandra Nelson
Sandra Nelson
Sandra Nelson Winkler is an American actress. She is best known as the second actress to play the role of Phyllis Romalotti on The Young and the Restless from 1997 to early 1999.Nelson's other credits include guest roles:*Monk as Dr Jackman*Without a Trace as Stephanie...
, now 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:...
) (with whom he also had a brief affair) in the custody battle for her son, 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...
). Christine, who was representing the father, 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...
), ultimately won the case. Michael and Phyllis still remain friends. Months later, Michael begged Christine to help him get his law license back. She agreed, but only after Michael donated a kidney
Kidney
The kidneys, organs with several functions, serve essential regulatory roles in most animals, including vertebrates and some invertebrates. They are essential in the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid–base balance, and...
to Danny.
Michael was released from jail and convinced Christine that he was a changed man, so she testified for him and his legal license was reinstated under Chris's watchful eye. The cocky and very successful Michael was a constant thorn in Christine's side, but somehow convinced her to join him in starting a law practice together, Baldwin, Blair & Associates (formerly Baldwin, Williams & Associates). The practice was so successful that she again put having a family on hold, causing a great rift in her marriage to Paul. In a desperate attempt to mend their marriage while still furthering her career, Christine took a case in Hong Kong which would mean moving there for months. Paul first balked at the idea, but then decided to "do it for them", put his career on hold and move. But at the last minute, Paul backed out, so Christine lived in Hong Kong for months on her own with very little contact. Christine was offered a case in Australia when the Hong Kong case was finished, but she turned it down and was determined to go home to Genoa City and try to mend her shattered marriage. She arrived at the apartment only to find Paul in the arms of his new client, 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...
), whom Michael had asked to come to Genoa City to break up Paul and Christine. Without a word to Paul, she accepted the case in Australia and filed for, and was soon granted, a divorce.
Isabella didn't want to tell Paul that she was pregnant because she felt that he was too hung up on Chris, so she had a brief affair with Michael and told him that he was the father. Michael was outraged at first and even drew up legal papers for her sign. But Isabella had something on Michael from the past, so he backed down and went along with her demands of rent, baby furniture, and everything she needed to live until the baby was born. Michael also arranged for a job for her in another town for afterward. Just as Michael was softening to the idea of a child and a future with Isabella, and Paul Williams was getting involved with former wife Lauren Fenmore, Paul found out about the baby's paternity and wanted to be a father to the child. With this major lie, Isabella fell out of grace with both Michael and Mary (Carolyn Conwell), Paul's mother. Paul moved in with Isabella and she continued to use manipulating Paul to keep him under her thumb as tightly as possible. Mary went to great lengths to try to convince him that Isabella was wrong for him and would ruin his life, and to convince Isabella to go away to a home for unwed mothers. All despite the fact that Isabella was providing Mary with the grandchild, and Paul with the child, they both had always wanted. Mary even begged for help from unlikely sources in Lauren, Christine, and even Michael - all of whom she disapproves as well, but had had no luck at all. But Paul moved out on his own volition when Isabella started pressuring him to get married. Their baby boy, Ricardo, was born, but unlike Isabella's delusions, Paul was not willing to become a happy family with her. Complicating things was the sudden return of Christine, who rebuffed him for the baby's sake, although she still had feelings for Paul. Paul's response was to marry Isabella.
Christine spent long hours working with Michael and they became closer, sharing dinners and their feelings together. They finally broached the subject of their past, and although Christine agreed Michael was a changed man, it still haunted her. That and her lingering feelings for Paul made it rough on Michael. But Christine decided to put the past behind her and accepted Michael's marriage proposal. Paul invited Isabella's estranged father Ricardo (William Marquez) to Ricky's christening, and father and daughter happily reunited. Michael showed up, asked Ricardo not to mention they knew each other or Isabella's past, then announced his engagement to Chris, much to Paul's rage. Paul attacked Michael, who left with a black eye. Paul showed up at Christine's apartment and forced himself on her. This storyline caused a stir among viewers as it was unknown whether it was rape or just "rough sex". The next morning Christine tracked Paul down to a deserted beach in Los Angeles where she initiated sex herself. Later Chris disappeared, leaving both Michael and Paul wondering. Christine was gone for months when the guilt got to Paul, and he told Isabella that he and Chris had sex that night. Isabella left him, only returning occasionally to see Ricky.
Chris returned in disguise as the dark-haired mysterious Kelly Simmons, bent on getting information on Isabella. Paul saw through Chris' disguise, and they came to an understanding about the "rape", but Paul chose Isabella and his son. Paul took Ricky to Isabella's parents in L.A., leaving her to finish packing for their move there. Just before they were to be married, Michael confessed to Chris that he set up Isabella to meet Paul so she and Paul would split for good, then Michael could have Chris. Chris exploded, walked out on Michael, and flew to L.A. to tell Paul the whole story. Upon their return to Genoa City, Paul moved back into their former apartment with Chris, while Isabella plotted revenge.
One night, Isabella called her only friend, Diane Jenkins
Diane Jenkins
Diane Jenkins is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. She last portrayed by Maura West from October 8, 2010 to August 1, 2011. Since August 3, 2011, West continues to appear as Diane in flashbacks...
(Susan Walters
Susan Walters
Susan Walters is an American actress and former model, best known for her role as Diane Jenkins Newman in the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless from 2001 to 2004...
) who was with Michael, telling them someone was breaking in then screamed. When Michael arrived he found what appeared to be a bloody murder scene and Isabella missing. Christine woke up unconscious in her car in the woods and told Michael and Paul of her only memory - Isabella screaming not to hurt her, of blood, and a boat. Michael tracked down the boat, which was covered in blood, and destroyed the evidence against Chris. The night before Chris was to be arrested for Isabella's murder, she was attacked in her bathtub by a very much alive Isabella, who had drugged Christine's wine, telling her how she had set her up, while wielding a butcher knife. Paul arrived in the nick of time, slugged Isabella and knocked her out. As he was reviving the nearly drowned Christine, Michael arrived and saved them both from the crazed Isabella. The cops arrived and hauled Isabella away. She was committed to a mental institution, and Paul and Christine were free to be together once again. Michael apologized to Chris for all the misery he had caused her, she forgave him and they are still close friends.
Though Michael didn't realize it at the time, his biggest trouble had yet to confront him—his own family. In 2003, Michael was shocked when his half-brother Kevin Fisher
Kevin Fisher
Kevin Fisher is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed by Emmy Award-winning actor Greg Rikaart since July 11, 2003. Rikaart won a Daytime Emmy Award for his portrayal of Kevin in 2005....
arrived after landing in a heap of legal trouble. To help Kevin get a fresh start, Michael allowed him to stay with him. They were soon joined by their mother Gloria
Gloria Bardwell
Gloria Bardwell is a fictional character, a resident of Genoa City on the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless. The role was originated by Joan Van Ark who played the role from April 6, 2004 to January 7, 2005, and is currently portrayed by Judith Chapman, who assumed the role on January...
(then played by Joan Van Ark
Joan Van Ark
Joan Van Ark is an American actress, most notable for her role as Valene Ewing, which she originated on the CBS series Dallas and continued for thirteen seasons on its spin-off, Knots Landing...
, now Judith Chapman
Judith Chapman
Judith Chapman is an actress known to fans of American daytime television. She gave her screen debut at the age of 16 in the Spaghetti Western Sette donne per i MacGregor. She has appeared on half a dozen daytime dramas since the mid-1970s...
).
Victoria Newman
Victoria Newman
Victoria Nicole Newman is a fictional character from the American soap opera The Young and the Restless...
(Heather Tom
Heather Tom
Heather Marie Tom is an American actress. She is known for her roles as Victoria Newman on The Young and the Restless, Kelly Cramer on One Life to Live and currently Katie Logan Spencer on The Bold and the Beautiful....
) and Michael began to grow close in mid-2003. They fell in love; however, Victoria left Michael and Genoa City, when family problems became too much for her to handle.
Shortly thereafter, Michael began dating retail store owner Lauren Fenmore (Tracey E. Bregman
Tracey E. Bregman
Tracey E. Bregman is an German-American soap opera actress. She is best known for the role of Lauren Fenmore on The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful and for her role as Sarah Smythe on The Young and the Restless .-Personal life:She was born...
) They initially kept their relationship a secret due to Kevin's attraction to Lauren, but eventually they became engaged, and were married in 2005. Kevin, by this time, had gotten over his infatuation with Lauren and was Michael's best man. Victoria returned to town in March 2005, arriving at Michael's doorstep expecting to pick up where they left off. Michael informed her that he was now married to Lauren, and Victoria bowed out gracefully. In late 2006, Lauren gave birth to a son, Fenmore "Fen" Baldwin.
Life as a husband and father was good for Michael, but his family troubles where his mother Gloria and Kevin were concerned were just beginning. Michael continued to put his job at risk with his family's endless legal troubles, such as Gloria's involvement in the Jabot product tampering case, Kevin landing in trouble with the government after keeping stolen money, and investigating the murder of Carmen Mesta
Carmen Mesta
Carmen Mesta is a fictional character in the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Marisa Ramirez played the role from May 8 to October 30, 2006, and returned several times as a sighting or in a part of a new flashback during the next few months...
(whom was murdered by Kevin's girlfriend Jana Hawkes
Jana Hawkes
Jana Hawkes was a fictional character in an American soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed by actress Emily O'Brien first on recurring status from May 11 to September 5, 2006, and then on contract from October 10, 2006 to February 20, 2007. The actress returned on June 15, 2007...
). Michael then had to contend with defending Phyllis after she was arrested for blackmailing Sharon Abbott and Brad Carlton
Brad Carlton
Bradley "Brad" Carlton was a fictional character on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Actor Don Diamont played the role since May 1985 until he departed the show in 1996 and returned on July 28, 1998. Diamont was temporarily replaced by Russell Todd in 1993. The character has also...
about their affair. Unfortunately, Phyllis was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. After a few months, her conviction was overturned and she was released. Michael was then blindsided with yet another case when Victor was charged with the murder of Ji Min Kim
Ji Min Kim
Ji Min Kim is a fictional character in the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed from October 4, 2006 to September 4, 2007 by actor Eric Steinberg...
(Eric Steinberg
Eric Steinberg
Eric D. Steinberg is an American actor who most recently played the role of Emily Fields' father in the ABC Family hit seriesPretty Little Liars.Eric was born August 26, 1969 in Washington, D.C....
). However, the charges were dropped when Michael discovered that the star witness had actually lied about Victor's whereabouts.
During the summer of 2008, Michael decided to resume the search for information on his father, River Baldwin. His grandmother's journal described Lowell as a substance abusing criminal; Gloria, on the other hand, described Lowell as handsome and charismatic. Shortly after Michael was born, though, Lowell was drafted and fled to Canada. With these new bits of information in hand, Michael decided to start searching for his estranged father in Canada rather than the United States. He had given up the search by the time of his brother Kevin's marriage with Jana at an ashram. There he met his father, who married them, and is going by the name River. He claims he has been on the run after falsely accused of murder in a protest-gone-wrong in the sixties. Michael returns to Genoa City, disturbed, and several weeks later Lowell shows up at Michael's doorstep. After he and Gloria spend a night reminiscing, a jealous Jeffrey Bardwell tips the FBI about Lowell's location and he is arrested in a diner just before catching a bus out of town. Just as he is about to be moved to a new location for custody before his trial, his daughter Eden Gerick (first played by Erin Sanders
Erin Sanders
Erin Zariah Sanders is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as Quinn Pensky on Zoey 101 and Camille on Big Time Rush. She may also be known for portraying Eden Baldwin on The Young and the Restless in 2008....
, now Vanessa Marano
Vanessa Marano
Vanessa Nicole Marano is an American actress. She has appeared on the TV series Without a Trace, Gilmore Girls, Scoundrels and The Young and the Restless, among others. She is currently a main character on Switched at Birth, where she stars as Bay Kennish.-Personal life:Vanessa Marano was born...
) (who would also be Michael's sister) arrives in Genoa City, and pleads Michael to be her father's lawyer.
On March 23, 2010, Michael discovers that his wife, Lauren Fenmore had made out with his client and her ex-husband, Paul Williams for one night. Michael later lets go of Paul and tells him to find a new lawyer. Later, Lauren says she was drunk at the time and she was possibly being drugged as someone took pictures of her with Paul at Jimmy's Bar.
On April 30, 2010, Michael was overpowered in his apartment by Patty Williams
Patty Williams
Patricia Ann "Patty" Williams is a fictional character in the American soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed by originating actress Tammy Taylor briefly in 1980 before Lilibet Stern took over the role from 1980 to 1983 and by Andrea Evans from 1983 to October 1984...
.
In June 2010, Michael is shocked to learn from Lauren that Jill Abbott is her paternal half-sister, and he shares in his wife's anger over Jill changing her last name to Fenmore.
Michael does try to convince Lauren to at least give Jill a chance, but Lauren stubbornly refuses to do so due to Jill filing a suit asking for a portion of the estate of her and Lauren's late father Neil Fenmore.
During September 2010, Michael focuses on Victor Newman and his case against his daughters, Victoria Abbott and Abby Newman.
In spite of all the crazy things that go on in his life, Michael always tries to make time for Lauren and their son.
Outside of Young and the Restless
Christian LeBlanc and co-star Tracey E. Bregman appeared in Reba McEntireReba McEntire
Reba Nell McEntire is an American country music artist and actress. She began her career in the music industry as a high school student singing in the Kiowa High School band , on local radio shows with her siblings, and at rodeos. As a solo act, she was invited to perform at a rodeo in Oklahoma...
's video for I Keep On Loving You
I Keep On Loving You
"I Keep On Loving You" is the title of a song recorded by American country music singer Reba McEntire. Written by Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride, it is the third single from McEntire's studio album Keep On Loving You...
in 2010 as the parents of the bride.