The Young and the Restless will lose another of its Emmy-nominated stars. After several days of whispers, Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe Mitchell) has confirmed that she has decided to exit the show she's called home for more than six years.
"You may have heard the rumor that I am leaving Y&R... and it is with a grateful heart that I wanted to tell you personally, my unbelievable fans, that the rumor is true," Hendrickson said in a statement to Soap Opera Digest. "What does one say after a decade of the most amazing relationship? Let me start by saying THANK YOU. Thank you for standing by me and all of my characters in daytime over the many years."
Hendrickson made her daytime debut in 2001 as Mary Francis "Frankie" Stone on ABC's All My Children. Her character was killed off later that same year, but the actress had impressed show executives and fans alike, so AMC created the role of Mary Margaret "Maggie" Stone, Frankie's twin sister. Hendrickson eventually exited AMC in 2007.
The following year, Hendrickson joined the cast of The Young and the Restless. In 2012, the actress received her first individual Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actress category. Earlier this month, Hendrickson received her fifth consecutive pre-nomination in the category.
In 2009, Hendrickson received a Daytime Emmy nomination in the New Approaches -- Daytime Entertainment category as part of the web series Imaginary Bitches.
Hendrickson took time to thank several groups of fans who had been supportive of her various pairings on both AMC and Y&R.
"Your love and dedication has been unwavering. Even the most beautiful relationships need to go through changes in order for them to grow and evolve. This is where I find myself," Hendrickson added. "I need to stretch my wings and fly into the unknown. The one thing that remains true and what I will hold close to my heart as I embark on this new adventure is that I will ALWAYS have you. If it weren't for all of your love, support and faith in me as an actress I wouldn't be able to make this bold move. Please know, this is not goodbye forever."
The actress made it clear that it was her decision to exit Y&R and that she was not fired or forced out.
"This was a very amicable parting of ways," Hendrickson explained. "I will be working for a few more weeks and airing well into May. Y&R and especially Jill Farren Phelps made it very clear they did not want to see me go and plan to leave the door open for Chloe. I am beyond thankful for my career in daytime, the friends I have made along the way and especially for all of you. Let's keep in touch and I look forward to seeing you all again soon in whatever the medium may be! Love Lizzie."
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