Ashley Abbott is a fictional character in "The Young and the Restless", an American soap opera on the CBS network (first episode in March 1973). She has portrayed by Eileen Davidson, who originated the role in June 1982, before departing in 1988. Brenda Epperson portrayed Ashley from 1988—1995, before Shari Shattuck got the role for the next 3 years, until Davidson's return in March 1999. In 2018, Davidson won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Melody Thomas Scott (b. April 1956 in Los Angeles, California) is an American actress best known for playing Nikki Newman on the soap opera "The Young and the Restless". As of 2022, she has played the role for over 43 years. She joined the cast in February 1979.

Scott's character has matured from a young girl to a cultivated lady. In 2001, she won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. She has also received 4 Soap Opera Update Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress (1992, 1993, 1995, and 1996). "The show's longevity gave her fame", she said.

Scott began her career at age 3 under coach Ethel Meglin, who launched the careers of Shirley Temple and Judy Garland. She studied singing, dancing, ballet, and acting. She became known for roles in TV commercials and guest spots on popular TV shows ("Wagon Train", "My Three Sons", "Ironside", and "The Waltons").

She made her first motion picture at age 8; she was young Tippi Hedren in Alfred Hitchcock's 1964 thriller "Marnie".

More Info: en.wikipedia.org