Veronica Landers
Encyclopedia
Veronica Martin Landers is a fictional character
in the CBS
soap opera
The Young and the Restless
. The role was originally played from November 1996 to the summer of 1997 by Tracy Lindsey Melchior
, who was replaced after a handful of episodes by the late Candice Daly
, who played the part until August 20, 1998.
. However, Veronica turned up alive in Genoa City
Memorial Hospital, having undergone extreme facial reconstruction after a car accident that left her hideously disfigured. She was determined to recover and return to her husband. After tracking Joshua down and phoning him, she was shocked when a woman - Joshua's new wife Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott
) - answered the phone. Devastated that her husband had remarried, Veronica came up with a plan.
Disguised as a quiet, shy woman named Sarah Lindsey, Veronica came to work as Nikki and Josh's new maid
. For months she spied on her husband and his new wife, who both thought "Sarah" was a fantastic maid. She wanted to reveal her true identity to Josh, but it was never the right time. Soon Veronica stopped taking her medication and became careless and edgy (knocking over and smashing a vase and not showing any remorse to Nikki).
One stormy night, Nikki and Joshua were in bed discussing plans to have a baby. Veronica, who had bugged
their bedroom, heard the conversation and was determined not to let them conceive. Nikki then received a phone call from her son Nicholas
(Joshua Morrow
) and she left the house. Veronica saw this as the perfect opportunity and she revealed herself to Josh. Josh was shocked to see her alive, but rejected her advances. A shattered Veronica then shot him dead.
Veronica, dressed as "Sarah", then went downstairs to be faced with Nikki returning home. The insane woman frightened Nikki by talking in riddles and saying that Joshua was upstairs and would be asleep for "a very long time". At first Nikki just thought "Sarah" had been drinking, but after seeing the crazy look in her eyes she demanded that "Sarah" pack her things and get out. When Sarah refused, Nikki went to call the police, but Veronica shot her four times as she picked up the phone.
Nikki was found unconscious and in a pool of blood on her living room floor the following day by Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman
). Jack called the paramedics and Nikki was rushed to the hospital. The doctors informed Nikki's family that the chance of her surviving was slim, and her former husband (and the father of her children), Victor Newman
(Eric Braeden
), divorced Diane Jenkins
(played at the time by Alex Donnelley
; later Susan Walters
) so that he could remarry Nikki on her death bed. Nikki miraculously survived and Victor opted to stay married to her, leaving Diane devastated.
Meanwhile, Veronica was living on the run from the law in a seedy motel
. Veronica, no longer disguised, ran into Nikki and Victor's butler
, Miguel Rodriguez (Anthony Pena
), at a local Mexican restaurant
. Much to Veronica's relief, he didn't recognize her. After many such meetings Miguel fell in love with her. They began dating and Veronica eventually developed genuine feelings for him. They soon became engaged. He took her back to the ranch and she was relieved that Nikki didn't recognise her.
Veronica was horrified to learn that Cole Howard
(J. Eddie Peck
) was researching the shooting of Josh for his new novel
. Nikki mentioned to Victor that Veronica seemed vaguely familiar, and how concerned she was for Miguel who barely knew his new fiancé. Victor suggested she run a background check. Afraid Nikki would recognize her, Veronica resolved that Nikki had to die. When Nikki decided to take a moonlit horse
ride, Veronica took her gun and headed for the stables. Meanwhile, Cole and Malcolm
(Shemar Moore
) compared Veronica and Miguel's engagement photo with Sarah's wanted poster and discovered that they were the same woman. Victor stopped by the ranch just as an old photo of Veronica fell out of one of Josh's medical books Miguel was packing. At the same moment they realized Veronica was Josh's first wife, Cole called and told them that Veronica and Sarah were the same person. Victor and Miguel headed directly for the stables where they found Veronica holding Nikki at gunpoint. Miguel distracted Veronica while Victor wrestled her for the gun. During the struggle, Veronica impaled herself on a hay hook.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
in the CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
The Young and the Restless
The Young and the Restless
The Young and the Restless is an American television soap opera created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell for CBS. The show is set in a fictional Wisconsin town called Genoa City, which is unlike and unrelated to the real life village of the same name, Genoa City, Wisconsin...
. The role was originally played from November 1996 to the summer of 1997 by Tracy Lindsey Melchior
Tracy Lindsey Melchior
Tracy Lindsey Melchior is an American actress, notable for her role as Kristen Forrester Dominguez on the CBS soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful, which she played on a contract basis from 2001 to 2003 with reprisal guest appearances in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. She originated the...
, who was replaced after a handful of episodes by the late Candice Daly
Candice Daly
Candice Mia Daly was an American film and television actress. In the late 1980s and early 1990s she starred in a number of B-movies and cult films such as After Death and Liquid Dreams . She was at one time was engaged to one of her co-stars Brent Huff....
, who played the part until August 20, 1998.
Character history
Veronica Landers, the unstable wife of Dr. Joshua Landers (Heath Kizzier), was presumed-dead when a body was found at the bottom of a lake along with her wedding ringWedding ring
A wedding ring or wedding band is a metal ring indicating the wearer is married. Depending on the local culture, it is worn on the base of the right or the left ring finger. The custom of wearing such a ring has spread widely beyond its origin in Europe...
. However, Veronica turned up alive in Genoa City
Genoa City (fictional city)
Genoa City, Wisconsin is the fictional setting for the long-running American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. The real U.S. village of the same name is otherwise unlike and unrelated to the mid-size city depicted in the series.- Overview :...
Memorial Hospital, having undergone extreme facial reconstruction after a car accident that left her hideously disfigured. She was determined to recover and return to her husband. After tracking Joshua down and phoning him, she was shocked when a woman - Joshua's new wife Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott
Melody Thomas Scott
Melody Thomas Scott is an American actress, best known for playing Nikki Newman on the soap opera The Young and the Restless since 1979.-Early Training:Melody Thomas Scott has been a working actress since the age of three...
) - answered the phone. Devastated that her husband had remarried, Veronica came up with a plan.
Disguised as a quiet, shy woman named Sarah Lindsey, Veronica came to work as Nikki and Josh's new maid
Maid
A maidservant or in current usage housemaid or maid is a female employed in domestic service.-Description:Once part of an elaborate hierarchy in great houses, today a single maid may be the only domestic worker that upper and even middle-income households can afford, as was historically the case...
. For months she spied on her husband and his new wife, who both thought "Sarah" was a fantastic maid. She wanted to reveal her true identity to Josh, but it was never the right time. Soon Veronica stopped taking her medication and became careless and edgy (knocking over and smashing a vase and not showing any remorse to Nikki).
One stormy night, Nikki and Joshua were in bed discussing plans to have a baby. Veronica, who had bugged
Covert listening device
A covert listening device, more commonly known as a bug or a wire, is usually a combination of a miniature radio transmitter with a microphone. The use of bugs, called bugging, is a common technique in surveillance, espionage and in police investigations.A bug does not have to be a device...
their bedroom, heard the conversation and was determined not to let them conceive. Nikki then received a phone call from her son Nicholas
Nicholas Newman
Nicholas Christian "Nick" Newman is a fictional character from the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. He has been portrayed by American actor Joshua Morrow since 1994, but was earlier portrayed by various child actors, including John Nelson-Alden, a son of the show's former writer, Kay...
(Joshua Morrow
Joshua Morrow
Joshua Jacob Morrow is an American actor and former pop singer who plays the role of Nicholas Newman on The Young and the Restless.-Private life:In 2001, Joshua married his longtime girlfriend, Tobe Keeney...
) and she left the house. Veronica saw this as the perfect opportunity and she revealed herself to Josh. Josh was shocked to see her alive, but rejected her advances. A shattered Veronica then shot him dead.
Veronica, dressed as "Sarah", then went downstairs to be faced with Nikki returning home. The insane woman frightened Nikki by talking in riddles and saying that Joshua was upstairs and would be asleep for "a very long time". At first Nikki just thought "Sarah" had been drinking, but after seeing the crazy look in her eyes she demanded that "Sarah" pack her things and get out. When Sarah refused, Nikki went to call the police, but Veronica shot her four times as she picked up the phone.
Nikki was found unconscious and in a pool of blood on her living room floor the following day by Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman
Peter Bergman
Peter Bergman is an American soap opera actor best known for his portrayals as Dr. Cliff Warner on All My Children, as well as Jack Abbott on The Young and the Restless.-Biography:...
). Jack called the paramedics and Nikki was rushed to the hospital. The doctors informed Nikki's family that the chance of her surviving was slim, and her former husband (and the father of her children), Victor Newman
Victor Newman
Victor Newman is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless played by actor Eric Braeden from February 1980 through November 2, 2009 and again from January 15, 2010 to present. The character briefly appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful in 1999...
(Eric Braeden
Eric Braeden
Eric Braeden is a German-American film and television actor, best known for his role as Victor Newman on the soap opera The Young and the Restless and as John Jacob Astor IV in the 1997 film Titanic...
), divorced Diane Jenkins
Diane Jenkins
Diane Jenkins is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. She last portrayed by Maura West from October 8, 2010 to August 1, 2011. Since August 3, 2011, West continues to appear as Diane in flashbacks...
(played at the time by Alex Donnelley
Alex Donnelley
Alex Donnelley was born August 13, 1959 in Frankfurt, Germany. She is an American actress best known for originating the role of Diane Jenkins on the popular daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless. She played the role from 1982–1984, then briefly in 1986, and then from 1996-2001...
; later Susan Walters
Susan Walters
Susan Walters is an American actress and former model, best known for her role as Diane Jenkins Newman in the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless from 2001 to 2004...
) so that he could remarry Nikki on her death bed. Nikki miraculously survived and Victor opted to stay married to her, leaving Diane devastated.
Meanwhile, Veronica was living on the run from the law in a seedy motel
Motel
A motor hotel, or motel for short, is a hotel designed for motorists, and usually has a parking area for motor vehicles...
. Veronica, no longer disguised, ran into Nikki and Victor's butler
Butler
A butler is a domestic worker in a large household. In great houses, the household is sometimes divided into departments with the butler in charge of the dining room, wine cellar, and pantry. Some also have charge of the entire parlour floor, and housekeepers caring for the entire house and its...
, Miguel Rodriguez (Anthony Pena
Anthony Pena
Anthony Pena is an American actor who played the recurring character of Newman butler Miguel Rodriguez on soap opera The Young and the Restless. Prior to joining the soap in 1984, Pena starred on daytime drama General Hospital as Harry Greg. His numerous television credits include guest roles on...
), at a local Mexican restaurant
Mexican cuisine
Mexican cuisine, a style of food that originates in Mexico, is known for its varied flavors, colourful decoration and variety of spices and ingredients, most of which are native to the country. The cuisine of Mexico has evolved through thousands of years of blending indigenous cultures, with later...
. Much to Veronica's relief, he didn't recognize her. After many such meetings Miguel fell in love with her. They began dating and Veronica eventually developed genuine feelings for him. They soon became engaged. He took her back to the ranch and she was relieved that Nikki didn't recognise her.
Veronica was horrified to learn that Cole Howard
Cole Howard
Cole Howard is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. He was played as a child by N.P. Schoch from September 1980 to the fall of 1981. The character returned as an adult when portrayed by J...
(J. Eddie Peck
J. Eddie Peck
John Edward Peck is an American film and television actor, known professionally as J. Eddie Peck.He lived in Joplin, Missouri during the 1970s and graduated from Joplin Parkwood High School in 1976. He attended Missouri Southern State University.Much of Peck's work has been on both daytime and...
) was researching the shooting of Josh for his new novel
Novel
A novel is a book of long narrative in literary prose. The genre has historical roots both in the fields of the medieval and early modern romance and in the tradition of the novella. The latter supplied the present generic term in the late 18th century....
. Nikki mentioned to Victor that Veronica seemed vaguely familiar, and how concerned she was for Miguel who barely knew his new fiancé. Victor suggested she run a background check. Afraid Nikki would recognize her, Veronica resolved that Nikki had to die. When Nikki decided to take a moonlit horse
Horse
The horse is one of two extant subspecies of Equus ferus, or the wild horse. It is a single-hooved mammal belonging to the taxonomic family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today...
ride, Veronica took her gun and headed for the stables. Meanwhile, Cole and Malcolm
Malcolm Winters
Malcolm Winters is a fictional character on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed by actor Shemar Moore from May 1994 to February 14, 2002 and from November 1, 2004 to September 1, 2005...
(Shemar Moore
Shemar Moore
Shemar Franklin Moore is an American actor and former male fashion model. His most notable roles are that of Malcolm Winters on The Young and the Restless from 1994 to 2005, Derek Morgan on CBS's Criminal Minds, and as the third permanent host of Soul Train from 1999 to 2003.-Early life:Moore was...
) compared Veronica and Miguel's engagement photo with Sarah's wanted poster and discovered that they were the same woman. Victor stopped by the ranch just as an old photo of Veronica fell out of one of Josh's medical books Miguel was packing. At the same moment they realized Veronica was Josh's first wife, Cole called and told them that Veronica and Sarah were the same person. Victor and Miguel headed directly for the stables where they found Veronica holding Nikki at gunpoint. Miguel distracted Veronica while Victor wrestled her for the gun. During the struggle, Veronica impaled herself on a hay hook.