If you’ve spent any time at all in Genoa City, you know the name. Lauren Fenmore is basically the oxygen of the The Young and the Restless. She’s the fashion mogul with the fire-red hair who’s seen it all—from being buried alive to ruling a retail empire. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine the show without her.
Tracey E. Bregman has been playing Lauren since 1983. That is over four decades. Think about that for a second. Most TV shows don't even last four years, let alone forty. But Lauren isn't just a legacy character; she’s the blueprint for how you evolve a "mean girl" into a powerhouse matriarch without losing that sharp, dangerous edge.
Lauren Fenmore Young and the Restless: The Legend of the Redhead
Most fans today see Lauren as the sophisticated owner of Fenmore’s Department Stores. She’s poised. She’s wealthy. She’s the wife of the sharp-tongued Michael Baldwin. But let’s be real: she started out as a total nightmare. When she first hit the screen, she was the rebellious teen singing with Danny Romalotti. She spent most of her time making Traci Abbott’s life a living hell.
The rivalry with Traci was legendary. It wasn't just typical soap drama; it was personal. Lauren was insecure and used her beauty as a weapon. Eventually, though, she grew up. She went from being the girl everyone loved to hate to the woman everyone wanted to be.
What really happened with Sheila Carter?
You cannot talk about Lauren Fenmore without mentioning the woman who tried to end her. Sheila Carter. This wasn't just a feud; it was a decades-long war that crossed over between The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.
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It all started over a man, of course—Dr. Scott Grainger. Sheila was the obsessed nurse who drugged Scott, got pregnant, and then performed the ultimate soap opera sin: the baby switch. She swapped her own deceased child for Lauren’s healthy son, Scotty.
- The Fire: Sheila kidnapped Lauren and her own mother, Molly, and tried to burn them alive in a cabin.
- The Stalking: She followed Lauren to Los Angeles, haunting her for years.
- The "Death": Lauren actually thought she killed Sheila in 2007. She shot a woman who looked exactly like Phyllis Summers (because of plastic surgery, obviously) thinking it was her nemesis.
Even now in 2026, the shadow of Sheila looms. Whenever Lauren walks into a room, there’s that tiny bit of "is she really gone?" tension. It’s what keeps the character grounded in that high-stakes soap reality.
The Michael Baldwin Era: A Love Story for the Ages
In a town where people change spouses like they change clothes, Michael and Lauren are an anomaly. They’ve been together for roughly 20 years. That’s a lifetime in daytime TV.
What makes them work? They are both former villains. Michael was a literal stalker back in the day, and Lauren was the town bully. They found each other and decided to be better people together. Well, mostly better. They still have that "we’ll bury you if you touch our family" energy that fans adore.
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They’ve survived a lot. Lauren’s affair with Carmine Basco, Fenmore’s drug addiction issues, and the constant threat of some long-lost relative showing up to claim the department store throne. Through it all, they’ve stayed the gold standard of Genoa City couples.
The Business of Being Fenmore
Fenmore’s isn't just a store; it’s a plot device. It’s the reason Lauren is always in the mix with the Newmans and the Abbotts. Whether it’s a merger with Jabot or a hostile takeover attempt by Victor Newman, Lauren is the one holding the keys to the kingdom.
In recent years, we’ve seen her take on a mentor role. She’s helped Nikki Newman through her struggles and acted as a steady hand when the rest of the city was falling apart. But don’t let the business suits fool you. Lauren Fenmore still has that spark. She’s still the woman who once submitted nude photos of Paul Williams to a magazine just to be petty.
Why we are still watching in 2026
The reason Lauren Fenmore on The Young and the Restless stays relevant is because she’s human. She’s flawed. She makes terrible decisions sometimes, but she loves fiercely. Tracey Bregman brings a warmth to the role that makes you root for her even when she’s being a bit much.
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Wait, did you know?
- Tracey Bregman was the first-ever winner of the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actress.
- She actually lives in Malibu and is a total equestrian in real life.
- She’s one of the few actors to play the same character on two different shows simultaneously for years.
Keeping up with Lauren: What’s next?
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on all things Lauren, you’ve gotta watch the small details. The show is currently leaning into more legacy-driven plots. With the 20th anniversary of her marriage to Michael just behind us, the writers are looking for the next big challenge for the Baldwins.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Crossovers: Lauren often pops up on The Bold and the Beautiful for fashion-related storylines. If you only watch Y&R, you might miss some of her best scenes with the Forresters.
- Follow the History: If you’re a newer fan, go back and watch the 80s highlights. Seeing Lauren as a rock star gives so much context to why she’s such a tough negotiator now.
- Check Social Media: Tracey E. Bregman is super active on Instagram. She often shares behind-the-scenes clips that give you a look at the "real" Lauren.
Lauren Fenmore isn't just a character on The Young and the Restless; she's the heartbeat of the show’s history. As long as there’s a Fenmore’s department store standing, she’ll be the one running the show.