2026 Lead Actor Nominee Christian J LeBlanc

Christian J. LeBlanc is an Emmy Award-winning American actor, artist, and television host, best known for portraying attorney Michael Baldwin on The Young and the Restless. Born on August 25, 1958, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he was raised in New Orleans and earned a degree in ancient history and pre-med from Tulane University before pursuing acting. LeBlanc joined The Young and the Restless in 1991, returned to the series in 1997, and has become one of daytime television's most recognizable stars. His work as Michael Baldwin has earned him multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor. Beyond soaps, he has appeared in As the World Turns, In the Heat of the Night, Cheers, Perry Mason, and numerous stage productions. He is also an accomplished artist and illustrator, with his artwork exhibited in galleries and at charitable events.James has a fun and meaningful convo with his cool cousin!