Who Is Eileen Davidson? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Eileen Davidson, born on June 15, 1959, is a prominent American actress, author, and television personality. With a career spanning several decades, she has gained significant recognition for her roles in daytime soap operas, reality television, and various film projects. As of 2025, Eileen is 65 years old. She is best known for her portrayal of Ashley Abbott on "The Young and the Restless," which has garnered her multiple Daytime Emmy nominations.
| Occupation | Soap Opera Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1959 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Artesia, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Eileen Davidson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Eileen Davidson stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). Throughout the years, she has maintained a healthy physique and is reported to weigh around 130 lbs (59 kg). Her well-maintained body is a testament to her dedication to fitness and self-care. Eileen's measurements are approximately 34-25-35 inches, showcasing her elegant silhouette.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In the realm of relationships, Eileen Davidson has had her fair share of ups and downs. As of 2025, she is in a committed relationship but has chosen to keep her boyfriend's identity private. Previously, she was married to actor Christopher Mayer, with whom she shared a son, and later to former husband and current reality TV personality, Vince Van Patten. Eileen maintains a close-knit family, often sharing moments with her children and grandchildren on social media.
Davidson then appeared in primetime television, but her show, Broken Badges (1990–1991), was canceled. She returned to daytime when she assumed the role of Kelly Capwell on Santa Barbara from November 1991 until the soap's cancelation in January 1993. She next appeared as Kristen Blake on Days of Our Lives beginning in May 1993.
As originally conceived, Kristen was a heroine, who had an Achilles' heel in that the show's supervillain, Stefano, had raised her after the death of her parents. James E. Reilly, who assumed head writing reins in 1993, began to make Kristen more of a villainess.
Reilly eventually developed an outrageous second role for Davidson, having her play Susan Banks, a Kristen look-alike. Reilly eventually penned three more roles for Davidson (Sister Mary Moira, Thomas, and Penelope).
Her character, Kristen, intended to keep her other character, Susan, prisoner on an island, but Susan ultimately prevailed and Kristen remained on the island until she returned to Salem in 2012. All other related characters were last seen in May 1998. Davidson's five roles earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1998.
After a year-long vacation from acting, she returned to her role on The Young and the Restless in March 1999. After a successful return as Ashley Abbott, which included Davidson's second Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress, Davidson was fired from the show.
In December 2006, Davidson told TV Guide that she was fired from The Young and the Restless due to lack of storyline. Her last airdate as Ashley was January 11, 2007. According to co-star Melody Thomas Scott, the firing was protested behind the scenes of The Young and the Restless and was seen as unfair. Scott said: "That was so heartbreaking.
We're still upset about that. That was a blow. Terrible. Eileen Davidson was such a part of the core of the show and such a brilliant actress; beautiful and always prepared. It was crazy.
I'm not the only one who feels that way." In a surprise move a few months later, Davidson signed a three-year contract with The Young and the Restless sister soap The Bold and the Beautiful to once again play her The Young and the Restless character Ashley Abbott at the request of The Bold and the Beautiful executive producer Bradley Bell.
She first aired on March 9, 2007. Ken Corday called Davidson about a week before she was fired from The Young and the Restless to get permission to use a picture of her on Days of Our Lives. The picture, which featured Davidson as Susan, was shown in December 2006.
After she was fired from The Young and the Restless but before being cast in The Bold and the Beautiful, her niece Devon Martt, a fashion designer, approached her about designing clothes together.
Net Worth and Salary
Eileen Davidson's net worth is estimated to be around $3 million as of 2025. Her income primarily comes from her successful acting career, appearances in reality television shows, writing ventures, and endorsements. Eileen's earnings have grown significantly over the years, particularly as she continues to engage with her fanbase through various platforms.
Career, Business, and Investments
Eileen's illustrious career began in the late 1980s and has seen her achieve success in various formats. Apart from her iconic role on "The Young and the Restless," she has appeared in popular shows like "Days of Our Lives" and "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." Eileen is also an accomplished author, with several books to her name, focusing on fiction, memoirs, and lifestyle.
In addition to her acting career, Eileen is an astute businesswoman who has invested in various ventures, including beauty and wellness products. She has embraced entrepreneurship, leveraging her fame to create successful business opportunities.
On June 17, 2014, it was announced that Davidson had signed a contract to return to The Young and the Restless.
Subsequently, Davidson revealed that her Y&R contract was for two years and that it included a stipulation that she could continue doing Days of Our Lives in the future, as well as having the option of taking a break if work became too hectic.
Davidson also joined the cast of the fifth season of Bravo reality television series, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. On November 17, 2014, it was announced that Davidson was back on-set of Days of Our Lives, with a stint set to air in spring 2015. She appeared from April 15–30, 2015.
On June 12, 2017, it was announced that Davidson would return to Days of Our Lives. Davidson returned from November 2–21 as Susan. Davidson also briefly reprised the roles of Kristen and Sister Mary Moira on November 21 of that year.
Davidson stated in 2019 that she had been offered a role on All My Children earlier on in her career, but had turned it down as she could not afford to move to New York with her five dogs.
Social Network
Eileen Davidson actively engages with her fans through social media platforms. Her Instagram account boasts a following of over 100k followers, where she shares glimpses of her personal life, career updates, and promotes her business ventures. Eileen also participates in online Q&A sessions, allowing her fans to connect with her on a more personal level.
In July 2008, Eileen was downgraded to recurring status at The Bold and the Beautiful. She returned to The Young and the Restless full-time as Ashley on September 26, 2008.
In 2012, Nelson Branco announced that Sony Pictures Entertainment wanted Davidson on both The Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives, but that Y&R would not share the actress, leading Sony to terminate her contract with them. Thus, it was announced that Davidson would reprise her role as Kristen Blake DiMera on Days of Our Lives.
Davidson made a brief appearance on The Young and the Restless in February 2013 for the soap's 40th anniversary. In July 2013, it was announced that Davidson made the decision to leave Days of Our Lives after a year as Kristen. Davidson exited the role on-screen on November 13, 2013.
In late November, it was confirmed that Davidson would return for an episode scheduled to air on December 3, 2013.
Education
Eileen Davidson pursued her education in the arts, graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She has often credited her education and early training for laying the foundation for her successful career in acting. Eileen remains a strong advocate for education in the arts, frequently encouraging young aspiring actors to pursue their passions.
Davidson starred in the 2019 comedy film 7 Days to Vegas directed by Eric Balfour released by Gravitas Ventures. The following year, she starred in the Christmas film Middleton Christmas (2020) as Alana D'Angelo, the dean of a prestigious high school. From 2021 to 2022, she starred in the Peacock limited series, Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem.
She also starred in the Christmas film Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas for the streaming service in 2021. Also in 2021, Davidson starred in the thriller film Symphoria written and directed by Catherine Dao. In 2023, she starred in the Netflix romantic Christmas drama film Holiday in the Vineyards.
