Susan Walters’ Secret to Diane’s Sass on The Young and the Restless—A Tiny But Mighty Inspiration
Getting into character requires a specific ritual—maybe a deep dive into the script, a moment of solitude, or even a particular piece of music. But for The Young and the Restless star Susan Walters, who portrays the ever-determined and sometimes sharp-tongued Diane Jenkins, it seems her secret weapon to unlocking just the right amount of sass comes from a much cuter, much smaller source of inspiration—her granddaughter, Nora.
Fans of Y&R know that Diane has had quite the transformation over the past few years. From being presumed dead for years to returning and trying to win back the trust of the Abbott family, Diane’s journey has been filled with drama, redemption, and, of course, moments of unapologetic sass. Whether she’s standing her ground against Phyllis, defending her marriage to Jack, or reminding Ashley and Tucker that she isn’t going anywhere, Diane has had plenty of fiery scenes where her quick wit and attitude shine through.
As it turns out, Susan Walters has the perfect little muse to help her tap into that feisty side—a sassy granddaughter for a sassy grandma!
Earlier this week, Walters took to social media to share a couple of adorable snapshots of her granddaughter, Nora, and revealed that she was using the little one’s attitude as her inspiration for the day’s scenes. She playfully captioned the post, “Channeling this sassiness for my scenes today.”
The first photo showed little Nora decked out in the most fashionable toddler ensemble—a pink strawberry hat and matching heart-shaped sunglasses. With one tiny hand placed near her mouth, she gazed from behind the lenses, giving off major Diva in Training energy.
But it was the second shot that really stole the show—and likely sealed the deal for Walters when it came to channeling Diane’s signature sass. In the image, Nora’s expression shifted into a perfectly executed side-eye—the kind that said, I see what’s going on, and I am not impressed.
For any Y&R fan who has seen Diane in action, it’s easy to see why Walters found this particular look inspiring. That piercing gaze, the subtle but unmistakable attitude—it’s the same kind of confidence and command that Diane brings to her interactions in Genoa City.
Diane’s Sass in Genoa City—Why It Works So Well
Diane Jenkins is no stranger to confrontation. Ever since her dramatic return from the dead, she has had to prove herself to nearly everyone in her life. When she first arrived back in town, she was met with skepticism—particularly from Phyllis Summers, who made it her mission to expose Diane’s past misdeeds. The two women have had some of the most intense and snark-filled exchanges The Young and the Restless has seen in recent years, often trading insults and sharp comebacks.
Diane’s attitude isn’t just about survival, though—it’s about confidence. She knows what she wants, and she isn’t afraid to go after it. Her relationship with Jack Abbott is proof of that. Despite facing resistance from nearly everyone in Jack’s circle—including Ashley, Kyle, and even Jack himself at times—Diane never backed down. Instead, she stood firm, remained persistent, and eventually won over the man she had loved for years.
Now that she’s married into the Abbott family, Diane’s sass hasn’t diminished—it’s evolved. She’s no longer just fighting for acceptance; she’s claiming her rightful place. Whether it’s clapping back at Ashley, putting Tucker in his place, or proving to everyone that she belongs at Jabot, Diane continues to show that she isn’t one to be underestimated.
A Family Legacy of Strength and Spirit
It’s no surprise that Susan Walters can bring such a strong-willed, spirited energy to Diane. She clearly has a natural talent for playing dynamic characters. But now, it’s even more heartwarming to know that part of her performance is influenced by someone so special in her life.
Fans often say that actors put a piece of themselves into their roles, and in this case, Walters is adding a little extra sparkle to Diane’s personality—thanks to her granddaughter’s effortlessly fierce attitude.
Perhaps this means we’ll be seeing even sharper retorts and even more commanding moments from Diane in the episodes to come. One thing’s for sure—if Diane continues to serve sass with the same confidence as little Nora’s side-eye, The Young and the Restless is in for some truly iconic moments ahead!
