Melody Thomas Scott is an American actress best known for her role as Nikki Newman on the long-running soap opera The Young and the Restless. She joined the show in 1979 and has become one of its most recognizable characters, earning acclaim for her performances over the decades. Born on April 18, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, Scott began her acting career at a young age, appearing in various television shows and films. In addition to her work on The Young and the Restless, she has made guest appearances on other series and has been involved in various charitable activities throughout her career.