Erika Alma Hermina Slezak
Llanview Presence
Victoria Lord Davidson (1971 to present)
At a Glance
On March 17, 1971, Erika Slezak made her television debut on One Life to Live. She has been honored with a record six Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress -- in 1984, 1986, 1992, 1995, 1996 and 2005 -- for her portrayal of Victoria Lord Buchanan.
Victoria Lord, often referred to as Viki, is a woman of great character and is a well respected member of the community. She has faced many battles, triumphs and devastating losses throughout the years. One of Viki's ongoing and toughest challenges is the multiple personality disorder that she has battled most of her life. In 2000 she faced another life-changing illness when she discovered that she had breast cancer, the storyline for which brought the show the first CDC Sentinel for Health Award. In 2003 Viki decided to take on a new challenge - the presidency of Llanview University -- and with longtime nemesis Dorian Lord (Robin Strasser) back in town, her life is anything but calm. Then in May 2004, Viki faced yet another life-threatening challenge - heart disease - a theme for which First Lady Laura Bush taped a PSA.
A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Ms. Slezak was admitted to the prestigious school when she was only 17, one of the youngest students ever accepted. But honors in the world of the arts are a tradition in her family.
Her father, the late Walter Slezak, starred in many films and Broadway hits, among them Fanny, for which he won the Tony Award. Erika's grandfather was the world-famous operatic tenor, Leo Slezak, who sang in Vienna and Berlin, as well as at New York's Metropolitan Opera.
Born in Hollywood, Ms. Slezak learned to speak German at home before she learned English. For high school she attended the Sacred Heart Schools in Greenwich, CT, and Philadelphia, PA.
When did Ms. Slezak first decide she wanted to act?
"I can't recall a time when I didn't want to act. When I was a sophomore in high school, my father talked to me about training for a career in acting…One thing my father did for me was not discourage my ambitions. But he made sure I had no illusions about the acting profession, explaining that it was going to be harder for me because I had a famous father. I would have to prove myself more than others and, as usual, he was right."
Before making her debut in television on One Life to Live, Ms. Slezak established solid credentials in the theater. She was a member of the Milwaukee Repertory Company for three seasons, where she starred in everything from Shakespeare to Noel Coward, and she acted for another season at the Alley Theater in Houston.
Ms. Slezak is the only Slezak of her generation to pursue an acting career. Her sister, Ingrid, is an attorney and her brother, Leo, is a pilot.
Ms. Slezak and her husband, actor Brian Davies, have two children, Michael and Amanda. The family lives in a suburb of New York.
Acting Portfolio
TELEVISION
Full circle
Jean Roberts
1996
One Life to Live
Viki Lord Riley Buchanan Davidson
1971 to present
Awards and Acclaim
Daytime Emmys: Winner, Outstanding Lead Actress (1984, 1986, 1992, 1995, 1996, 2005)
Daytime Emmys: Nomination, Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series (1983, 1988)
Daytime Emmys: Pre-Nomination, Outstanding Lead Actress (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008)
Soap Opera Digest Awards
: Nominee, Outstanding Lead Actress (1986)
Soap Opera Digest Awards: Nominee, Outstanding Heroine (1988)
Soap Opera Digest Awards: Nominee, Outstanding Lead Actress (1989)
Soap Opera Digest Awards: Nominee, Favorite Supercouple (with Clint Ritchie) (1989)
Soap Opera Digest Awards: Nominee, Outstanding Heroine (1990)
Vital Statistics
PLACE OF BIRTH: Hollywood, CA
DATE OF BIRTH: August 5th, 1946
HEIGHT: 5'5"
HAIR: Blonde
EYES: Blue
MARITAL STATUS: Married, Brian Davies [1978]
CHILDREN: Son, Michael; Daugher, Amanda.
News Statistics
News Archive: Slezak adds to record-setting Emmy count. [May 20th, 2005]
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