Born in New York City, Elizabeth Hendrickson has been a fan favorite from her legendary days playing sisters Frankie and Maggie on All My Children. Following a move to Los Angeles, Elizabeth guest starred on several primetime shows before landing the role of Chloe Mitchell on The Young and the Restless, where she stayed for many years – and received four Daytime Emmy nominations. Elizabeth then created a new character on General Hospital, playing tough prosecutor Margaux Dawson. More than a year later the popular actress answered the call to return to Y&R, where is is currently on screen. Off screen, Elizabeth and her husband Rob welcomed their first baby, Josephine James, earlier this year.
You’ve had an extra special newcomer during the quarantine – could becoming a mom be any better planned?
Elizabeth: You know at first I thought what awful timing to give birth during Covid! Mainly because our family couldn’t be here and we had no help. I thought we were really going to be in the trenches for a long time. Rob and I truly lucked out with a very ‘easy’ baby. She’s a great eater and sleeper which I’ve learned really makes for a happy baby. We are so thankful to have had this time with her, it’s unfortunate that not all parents can experience this time with their newborns. We have grown so much as parents and as a couple because of it.
How have you held up during COVID-19?
Elizabeth: There have been ups and downs. Going back east to spend time with my family really made me feel like life was normal for a little bit. We all really needed it. It was like a little reset.
What have you learned about yourself, these past few months?
Elizabeth: I think I have learned to slow down and appreciate the silence in moments and that it’s ok to hit the pause button once in a while. I’m always go, go, go.
You’ve been able to go out, finding some social distancing locations?
Elizabeth: With the baby it’s difficult, so we have friends come to us and social distance in our backyard.
What are you most looking forward to when things get back to normal?
Elizabeth: I cant wait to go out and have diner with my girlfriends – put on some heels and wear some makeup!!
Have you found any new hobbies or projects to work on during this time?
Elizabeth: If raising a baby is considered a hobby then yes!
What was your last day taping at Y&R like, did you have any idea at the time that you’d not be back for awhile?
Elizabeth: My last day was actually the beginning of my maternity leave, so I did know that i wasn’t going to be returning for several weeks. That turned into five months!
Did you keep in close touch with any Y&R co-stars?
Elizabeth: Greg and Missy checked in with me regularly and lots of costars checked in either instagram or email wondering how me and the baby were doing. I probably would have reached out to others more often but I was consumed with being a new Mom.
Is there anything you always wanted to do but didn’t because you didn’t have the time, but still didn’t get around to it?
Elizabeth: I still really want to plant an herb garden.
Is there anything or anybody you miss from your years at All My Children?
Elizabeth: I miss everyone at All My Children – it was such a fun talented bunch. I also miss that studio, I would walk from my apartment and I loved my dressing room, it was Kelly Rippa’s – it had great juju.
What was your favorite storyline during your AMC run?
Elizabeth: My initial introduction as Frankie on AMC was the best Because I got ran down by Erica Kane, Susan Lucci and got to work with Eden Riegel nothing will ever beat that.
Do you miss General Hospital at all?
Elizabeth: I really enjoyed my time at General Hospital, it reminded me a lot of being on AMC, they are all so talented and they work so hard. I really had to step up my game. It was challenging for me but it made me work certain muscles I hadn’t worked in a long time and I’m very appreciative for the experience. Everyone made me feel right at home, it’s a great cast and crew.
I know Maurice Benard was waiting for a storyline to explode – was there any chance you could have stayed on and done both shows?
Elizabeth: Working with Maurice was without a doubt the highlight of working on GH, I feel like we also just started to get our groove going, we had lots of fun wording together. I would have loved to have done both shows.
Is there one trip or adventure you took with your mom that stands out more than others?
Elizabeth: New Years Eve a couple years back we decided to do a girls weekend. My car broke down on the freeway and we spent hours trying to find an Uber to get us to our hotel bc it was New Years Eve. Once we arrived, our Hotel was not what we had pictured and the expensive six course dinner we were treating ourselves to was a massive FAIL. We laughed about it all night because one thing after the other just kept not working out. It was comical – our Uber charges that weekend were not.
What was your favorite way to spend the weekend, usually?
Elizabeth: I love waking up early, walking to the beach and then going to the farmers market. Dinners outside with friends are also my favorite.
What riveting television do you watch?
Elizabeth: Lately we’ve been watching Money Heist.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Elizabeth: Saint Barths.
Is there any place you’ve always wanted to visit, but haven’t?
Elizabeth: I really would love to go to Tokyo. Now that we have Jojo, I’m not sure when that will happen.
What is your favorite sport to play?
Elizabeth: I love paddle tennis and I’d like to call corn hole a sport but I’m sure its not.
What do you miss more, live sporting events, concerts, movies theaters or live theater?
Elizabeth: Live theatre!
Who has been your hero?
Elizabeth: So many, but now that I’m a mom I’ve realized that my mother is a super hero – being a single mom at 24 years old.
What is the greatest indulgence you allow yourself?
Elizabeth: Lately, it’s a cold Diet Coke.