NIKOLAS AND EMILY
TYLER | NATALIA

Performer of the Week
Soap Opera Digest
July 6, 2004

Natalia Livingston (Emily, GENERAL HOSPITAL)

A little over a year ago, Natalia Livingston assumed a role that had been originated by a gifted, quirky yoing actress named Amber Tamblyn. Livingston didn't try to emulate Tamblyn's stlye - who could? - but kept Emily's strength and determination. She aso had an etheral quality and classic beauty that made Em more tormented princess than adorable punk. Problem was, the character was compromised when Em waffled, however nobly, between Zander and Nikolas. It was hard to root for her when the source of Emily's anguish was ... Emily. But Livingston's powerful performance when Em learned that her presumed-dead fiance, Nikolas, was alive put us squarely back in her corner.

When Emily spotted Nikolas kissing Mary, she covered her mouth in amazement and grabbed her stomach, gut-punched. Later, Emily confronted Nikolas, and shock turned to confusion. "Do you know who I am?" she asked. Emily stood paralyzed as Nikolas ("Connor") explained that he had amnesia - and he'd just married her friend, Mary. All she could do was clench her eyes shut - then open them and accept the fact that she wasn't dreaming.

Ot wasn't until Em shared the surreal truth with Jason that her anger and desperation came pouring out. The devastation that her soul mate no longer recognized her was too much to bear. Livingston's body shook as Emily broke down in front of her brother, tossing aside the strength and bravery that we've come to expect from her.

Emily is GH's eternal optimist and a moral centerpiece. But judging from these demanding scenes, it's clear that Livingston has more in her arsenal than a smile and a pretty face.