Soap Stars React to the Passing of Lee Phillip Bell!

The daytime community recently got some shocking news that Lee Phillip Bell had passed away at the age of 91. She was a co-creator of The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. See how the stars reacted below!

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We lost our beloved and beautiful Lee Phillip Bell. The first picture is one that I hold dear from an impromptu lunch we had together. I value the second one as well because it’s the last picture of us. It was taken at the 2019 holiday party. I had and have so much respect, admiration and affection for this woman. She was a special part of my entire adult life beginning in 1985 with Y&R, all the way through @boldandbeautifulcbs One moment in particular that I will never forget was receiving a call from @bradleybell a few weeks after I had been airing as $Bill Spencer. Brad said, “ Your biggest fan wants to talk to you.” I didn’t know what was going on, but the next thing I knew Lee was on the phone saying, “ I AM your biggest fan! I love what you’re doing with Bill , and just keep doing it!” We spoke a bit, and Brad got back on the phone. He said, “ Well there you have it from the co-creator! “ Indeed! I was so moved by Lee’s kind words and genuine enthusiasm that it brought tears to my eyes. She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother and professional! To say Lee was a trailblazer for women in broadcast journalism is not an understatement. Lee Phillip Bell was a shining example of womanhood, and leaves behind an incredible personal and professional legacy! RIP dearest Lee. You most certainly deserve it!🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by Don Diamont (@dondiamont) on Feb 26, 2020 at 4:40pm PST

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We lost a real genius last night. Lee Phillip Bell. A pioneer in the television business. She started her career as a broadcast journalist. She created and produced her own talk show that ran on CBS called “The Lee Phillip Show”. She was one of the first TV talk show hosts. Surely the first woman. Oprah has sung her praises as leading the way for other women in Television. She produced countless documentaries on social issues. Met her genius husband Bill Bell and created (with him) The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. I always noticed that Bill would get the accolades (deservingly so) and Lee, with her quiet strength would stand right beside him. She didn’t need praise nor did Bill but she was equally responsible for The Young and the Restless being such a huge success. She raised three amazing children. And I’m telling you guys Bill Jr, Brad and Lauralee are the best human beings out there. So personable, so real and they have every opportunity to be the opposite and they never ever have been. THAT was Lee’s doing. This first picture is from the famous Bell Christmas Party. I had been on the show for about a year. Lee would open her home every single year to every single person who worked on the show and their families. Who does that?. In 2016, shortly after my son was born (and I wasn’t on #YR anymore) I received a personal hand written note from her. Telling me how excited she was for me to have a second child and how much she missed me. How happy she was for me in my life. I was blown away❤️. I love the Bell family. They are the real deal. Lee was the real deal. A true lady. I like to think that she and Jeanne are living it up tonight together… Rest In Peace Lee. I am so much better for having known you. ❤️

A post shared by therealstafford (@therealstafford) on Feb 26, 2020 at 7:33pm PST

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We will miss Lee Phillip Bell tremendously. Her talent, courage, perseverance and her unique ability to make one feel like the most important person in the room… I learned so much from her and am eternally grateful that she was a part of my life for so many, but not enough, years. Rest In Peace, Lee,our beloved matriarch. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❌⭕️😥😥😥

A post shared by Melody Thomas Scott (@melodythomassco) on Feb 26, 2020 at 12:24pm PST

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Your grace lives on.

A post shared by Doug Davidson (@dougdavidsonyr) on Feb 26, 2020 at 10:48pm PST

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An angel here, and now in heaven. God’s peace, Lee Bell.

A post shared by Doug Davidson (@dougdavidsonyr) on Feb 26, 2020 at 4:39pm PST

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I am so saddened to hear that Lee Bell has passed. My sincere condolences to the entire family. After casting me on Y&R in 1997 and their sister show, B&B, in 2006 it is fair to say that the Bell Family has shaped my life and my career. Lee had so many accomplishments as a producer, journalist & co-creator of both Y&R and B&B but for those who knew her personally she was even bigger than any award or Emmy. She was the most beautiful & kind mom, wife and friend. She always made me feel good with her genuine smile and laugh. She always remembered the smallest details about my kids & asked about them. She really made me feel at home at CBS. It has truly been my home away from home these past 23 years because of her, her late husband & children. I can’t thank Bill Sr, Brad, Lee & the entire Bell family enough for having faith in me again & again. I love you my beautiful Lee Bell, you will be missed dearly! RIP Lee Bell @boldandbeautifulcbs @cbsdaytime #leebell @ashleyaubra

A post shared by Jennifer Gareis (@jennifergareis) on Feb 26, 2020 at 5:55pm PST

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Lee Philip Bell was such a class act! She was such an inspiration and forged the way for women in entertainment starting her own talk show in 1953! And she truly was the title of one of her shows The Bold And The Beautiful! She was an incredible mother and business women. And had a knack for balancing her life. She was smart, funny, always smiling or laughing, determined and strong. She always made me feel good when I was around her. She was so warm and caring. Working with her on @boldandbeautifulcbs for 33 years was such an honor and just hanging out and laughing with her was so much fun too! We will miss you Lee! You had an incredible life. My thoughts are with Brad, Bill, and Lauralee and the rest of the Bell family. Much love to all🙏💖 #leephillipbell #boldandbeautiful

A post shared by Katherine Kelly Lang (@katherinekellylang) on Feb 26, 2020 at 7:29pm PST

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Oh, Mrs.Bell. I can hear the angels welcoming you now…. WHAT A LIFE! You were a true modern woman, a pioneer. You exemplified grace and class. From being a beloved wife and mother, to interviewing The Beatles and Presidents, to co-creating the most successful serial dramas in television history, you were a woman we all looked up to. You seemed “to do it all” effortlessly -while impeccably dressed. I loved hearing your stories. You made so many people feel important. I am honored I got to be one of them. ❤️❤️ My thoughts are with Bell family🙏🏻 #LeePhillipBell #youngandrestless #boldandbeautiful #daytimetelevision #womenwhomakehistory #soapopera #iconicwoman #trailblazer Ps- pictured here with your sweet Joy🐶 @boldandbeautifulcbs @youngandrestlesscbs

A post shared by Ashley Jones (@ashleyaubra) on Feb 26, 2020 at 6:39pm PST

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Thank you Mrs. Bell for the life you led and everything you put into it. My life wouldn’t be the same without you

A post shared by Bryton James (@brytonejames) on Feb 26, 2020 at 5:08pm PST

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This is from my Mom @mollywolveck I felt this extreme sadness when you called me early this morning to tell about Lees passing. My deepest condolences to Lees family. Dear Lee I will miss your kindness and our talks. Rest In Peace Dear Friend. 💔💐

A post shared by Kate Linder (@katelinderyr) on Feb 27, 2020 at 8:01am PST

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Lee Phillip Bell was one of the most loved and admired people I’ve ever known because she earned it. Aside from being a television trailblazer in Chicago, she and Bill Bell created the Daytime Television dynasty with Y&R and B&B but her biggest source of pride were her amazing children and grandchildren. Deepest condolences to her amazing family, I will always love and miss my friend, Lee. Thank you for everything you have given to me and to everyone you touched with your kindness and love. I will so miss her. @youngandrestlesscbs @cbstv #yr

A post shared by Kate Linder (@katelinderyr) on Feb 26, 2020 at 4:10pm PST

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A post shared by Jess Walton (@jesswaltonyr) on Feb 26, 2020 at 1:44pm PST

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#RIP Mrs. Bell – Thank you for creating such a beautiful family and letting me be apart of it… ❤️ #Repost @boldandbeautifulcbs ・・・ We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of a member of our CBS family and the Daytime community, the beloved Lee Phillip Bell. She was a pioneer in television, first as an Emmy winning broadcast journalist and then as a soap opera co-creator and producer, winning an Emmy for producing Y&R and a Lifetime Achievement Award Emmy for her work on both Y&R and B&B. Our hearts go out to her children William James Bell, Bradley Phillip Bell and Lauralee Bell Martin, who shared, “Our mother was a loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother. Gracious and kind, she enriched the lives of all who knew her. We will miss her tremendously.”

A post shared by Darin Brooks (@theedarinbrooks) on Feb 26, 2020 at 3:36pm PST

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You walked with grace. You carried yourself with poise. You blazed a trail that bettered the lives of millions. And now you are at rest with your one true love. #RIPLeePhillipBell words can not express the respect I have for you. Condolences & 🙏 for the Bell family. #yr

A post shared by Daniel Goddard (@thedanielgoddard) on Feb 26, 2020 at 5:33pm PST

So sad to hear of the passing of Lee Phillip Bell, a class act in every way &always so kind2me as was William Bell. I’m 4ever grateful for the amazing opportunity they gave me to play Caroline & Karen on @BandB_CBS Love to their kids,also class acts,@LauraleeB4real,Bill Jr & Brad

— Joanna Johnson (@JoannaJohnson31) February 26, 2020

RIP Lee. It was an honor to know you as a person and a privilege to work for and with you for 20 plus years. God Bless you mam. 🙏🙏 https://t.co/sjVjJxG8JR

— Winsor D. Harmon III (@winsorharmon) February 26, 2020

Lee Bell was a pioneer in television & the strength behind Bill Bell & his creative vision. All of this while raising 3 amazing, giving, brilliant children. What a rich, full life she created. This is the end of an era… I owe my entire life to Bill and Lee. God Speed #YR

— Michelle Stafford (@TheRealStafford) February 26, 2020

On a day like this, and for a woman like her, there is an emotional symmetry we all feel—between the deep sadness of loss, and the piercing gratitude for what she’s bequeathed to us: hope, love, and a thousand adventures that can never be taken away.

Lee Bell made us all rich. https://t.co/ao1DRfgAhT

— Scott Clifton (@CliftonsNotes) February 26, 2020

I’m sad to hear about the passing of Lee Phillip Bell. A female television pioneer and creative visionary. A daytime icon, who brought so much to the lives of so many. Now, reunited with her beloved husband. 🙏🏼 #YR #BoldandtheBeautiful pic.twitter.com/31KIuosxdG

— Angelica Rosas McDaniel (@AngelicaMcD) February 27, 2020

Lee Bell was an incredible woman who achieved such incredible things. I am so happy that I had the great honor to work for the Bell family and got to know Mrs. Bell and her sweet pup Joy. Sending love to the Bell family and everyone over at @BandB_CBS and @CBSDaytime ❤️ https://t.co/rVFXbTI42x

— Linsey Godfrey (@linseygodfrey) February 26, 2020

A tremendous loss to her wonderful family. My heart is with @LauraleeB4real Brad, Bill and all her grandchildren who brought her so much joy. Thank you Lee for your smile and open arms every time I had the pleasure of spending time with you. RIP https://t.co/CjAQg2Mr01

— Martha Byrne (@MarthaByrne10) February 26, 2020

There will forever be a portrait of Lee Phillip Bell over the mantle here at The Bold and the Beautiful….How she has enriched our lives! RIP

— John McCook (@JohnMcCook44) February 27, 2020

Mrs. Bell was our Co-Creator, a television pioneer, and an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of those around her. Her contributions are endless and we will miss her tremendously. Our deepest sympathies to The Bell Family. pic.twitter.com/jmDNmxkxoT

— Young & The Restless (@YRInsider) February 26, 2020

#LeePhillipBell was an extraordinary, extraordinary woman. She was smart, trailblazing, dignified and lovely as could be. #RIP

— Greg Rikaart (@gregrikaart) February 26, 2020

Lee Phillip Bell was a Pioneer! Strong, smart and kind and one heck of a business woman! RIP Condolences to her family.

— Crystal Chappell (@crystalchappell) February 26, 2020

I am very sad to hear of the passing of Lee Phillip Bell. I will always remember her grace and generosity over many years. R.I.P.

— Ian Buchanan (@KilttripUSA) February 26, 2020