I'm not sure I ever knew why they made such a terrible casting decision by re-casting the fabulous Alex Donnelly with Susan Walters back in 2001. Alex Donnelly was amazing as Diane, especially opposite Melody. She played scheming b.tch to a T. Susan Walters was a good actress, but was just never Diane to me. Nevermind the writing for the character.

I never saw the original, but I hated Susan Walters. She was BORING and the character was worthless with her in the role.

If you never saw the original then you missed out on a good thing. Donnelly's Diane would have chewed up and spat out Phyllis. During the VILE "I'm obssesed with the old goat's sperm" story, AD was divine. I remember when she went into the lab and claimed to be "Mrs. Victor Newman" in order to get his son. Diane needs to head back to GC.

My honest guess was it was about AD's age. It's too bad, I remember being scandalized that Jack and Diane were going at it on the day he was to marry Patty Williams.

I liked Susan Walters' Diane. The whole Jack / Phyllis / Diane story was one of the best Jack Smith did when he took over Y&R's writing.

I saw the original woman's Diane during the whole sperm saga .... not so impressive.

I really enjoyed both Dianes. AD was great for her entire run but I also love SW during the Jack/Phyllis/Diane storyline in 2002. She was boring after that but just because of bas-writing.

I love Alex Donelley's Diane. I also think the recast was an age thing, because Donelley is more than capable and have the chemistry with everyone, so I can't think of any other reason they let her go. Susan Walters wasn't so bad either, I just didn't see the point.

The Bell soaps are notorious for recasting female characters with "younger, sexier" versions. Look at what they did on B&B with Donneigh (a/k/a Seabiscuit's sister), but I digress. It was definitely an age thing because they wanted someone who could compete with Michelle Stafford's Phyllis in a triangle. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, every female over the age of 12 just has to have her some Victor!

I liked Susan Walters' Diane. The whole Jack / Phyllis / Diane story was one of the best Jack Smith did when he took over Y&R's writing.

I saw the original woman's Diane during the whole sperm saga .... not so impressive.

Well even way back in the 80's she was great! I LOVE Donnelly. You didn't really want to cross her. Diane/Jack vs. Nikki/Victor would be great stuff for 2007!

I agree that it had to be an age thing. But the story would still work with Donnelly. When SW was Diane, it just felt off.

I loved both ladies in the role. I didn't have a preference. Both were great as Diane.

I always wanted Michael and Diane (Alex Donnelly) to hook up. I thought they'd be a devious duo to continuously bring Victor down

I never cared for Susan Walters. She is a decent actress, but I kept calling her "Mulva" the entire time she was on Y&R.

I always wanted Michael and Diane (Alex Donnelly) to hook up. I thought they'd be a devious duo to continuously bring Victor down

That would have been great. I actually enjoyed Michael/Victor more as enemies than friends.

I never cared for Susan Walters. She is a decent actress, but I kept calling her "Mulva" the entire time she was on Y&R.

LMAO..........

All I know is that I really miss Diane Jenkins, who ever was playing her I loved the character, and she is greatly missed by me.

All I know is that I really miss Diane Jenkins, who ever was playing her I loved the character, and she is greatly missed by me.

Agreed. Although towards the end of her last run she was getting boring to watch. I would like to see her back if they had a storyline for her. Not matter if it is Walters or Donnelly.