The Young and the Restless star Beth Maitland celebrates her birthday

The Young and the Restless star Beth Maitland is beloved as Traci Abbott. Viewers celebrate every time she's on-screen, and now, it's the actress's turn to celebrate as today is her birthday!

The Young and the Restless, Happy Birthday

"At my age (with another birthday looming), that I still get to do a job I LOVE with people I LOVE practicing a craft I feel meant for is EVERYTHING!!!" Maitland recently posted on Instagram at what appears to be a Y&R photo shoot. "Thank you all for being a precious part of my journey!! @youngandrestlesscbs."

Maitland was born on May 12 in Rapid City, South Dakota. When she was seven, Maitland literally got closer to her dreams of being in Hollywood when her family moved west, specifically to Scottsdale, Arizona. She appeared in many community and dinner theater productions before attending Arizona State University, where she majored in music and theater.

In the late 1970s, the actress relocated to Los Angeles, where she studied acting at the Los Angeles Film Industry Workshop. In 1982, Maitland was cast as Traci Abbott, the youngest child of John Abbott (the late Jerry Douglas) and Dina Mergeron (the late Marla Adams).

Maitland took on many challenging storylines in her early years on the show. Traci battled her nemesis, Lauren Fenmore (played by Maitland's real-life pal Tracey Bregman), as the two fought for rock star Danny Romalotti's (Michael Damian) attentions. Lauren's attacks on Traci's self-esteem resulted in the Abbott heiress dumping a sundae on Lauren's head!

Traci found love when she and former Abbott gardener Brad Carlton (Don Diamont; now, Bill, The Bold and the Beautiful) got hitched. Alas, the couple faced obstacles, including when Lisa Mansfield, Brad's ex-wife, kidnapped him and locked him in a cage.

By the time Brad found his freedom, Traci had gotten a divorce. The couple remarried later, had a daughter, Colleen, only to divorce again. Traci moved to New York with her book editor husband, Steve Connelly (Greg Wrangler). Alas, that union also ended in divorce. In 2010, Colleen was killed off, a story that allowed Maitland to remind viewers what a talented actress she is. The Daytime Emmy-winner got additional meaty material to play when Traci made the agonizing decision to let a dying Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) be given Colleen's heart.

Heart and soul

Traci (Beth Maitland) is the one who could get Victor (Eric Braeden) to back off the Abbotts on The Young and the Restless | Image: JPI

Maitland's Traci has emerged as the heart and soul of the Abbott clan, often acting as peacemaker and voice of reason. Last year, Traci thought she'd found love again with Alan Laurent (Christopher Cousins), only to find out that she'd been duped by his evil twin brother, Martin (also played by Cousins).

Maitland's recent performances with TV sister-in-law Susan Walters (Diane) earned her our Y&R Performer of the Week honors.

Off-screen, Maitland is a proud mom to daughter, Emelia Banninger, a talented musician. Maitland's other acting credits include Mr. Holland's Opus, Criminal Minds, and Plaza Suite.