“The Young and the Restless” veteran Beth Maitland recently sat down to reflect on her iconic character, Traci Abbott, and her 42-year journey on the long-running soap opera.
Maitland, who has witnessed Traci’s evolution from a troubled teenager to a successful author, shared her insights with Woman’s World, touching upon everything from Traci’s enduring love for her family to the challenges of portraying complex storylines.
The Young and the Restless Spoilers: Beth Maitland Reflects on 42 Years of Playing Traci Abbott
“Traci’s ability to love her family through anything is like a superpower,” Maitland shared, highlighting Traci’s unwavering support for her siblings, despite their numerous trials and tribulations. “It’s been a pleasure to play a character who resonates with so many viewers.”
Maitland candidly discussed the emotional toll of portraying some of Traci’s most challenging storylines, including her struggles with an eating disorder and the devastating loss of her daughter, Colleen. “It was 30 episodes of crying by the time that story ended,” Maitland revealed, acknowledging the emotional depth and impact of such storylines.
Looking back, Maitland fondly reminisced about the show’s heyday, recalling the extravagant sets and the iconic musical performances with Michael Damian’s character, Danny Romalotti. “We had massive rock concerts with light shows…incredible to be a part of that,” she shared, reminiscing about the vibrant energy of the 80s and 90s era on “The Young and the Restless.”
While Traci has had her share of romantic entanglements, Maitland believes Brad Carlton holds a special place in her heart. “Brad Carlton, hands down,” she declared, acknowledging the character’s enduring impact on Traci’s life.
Currently, Traci is navigating a new romance with Dr. Alan Laurent, adding a layer of intrigue to her storyline. However, the recent revelation that Alan may have an evil twin, Martin, has left viewers wondering who Traci is truly falling for.
“I’m hoping it’ll build back up again,” Maitland says of the budding romance with Alan. “The evil twin reveal would be juicy drama, but Traci deserves a win.”
Maitland emphasizes the importance of Traci’s character as a relatable figure for viewers. “I feel like I speak for women of a certain age and represent normal women across the world,” she says, highlighting Traci’s journey of personal growth and self-discovery.
As Traci’s story continues to unfold, Maitland and fans alike are eager to see what the future holds for this beloved character.

