In a career filled with remarkable performances, one role stands out as a defining moment for Sela Ward—her portrayal of Lily Manning in “Once and Again”. The show, which ran from 1999 to 2002, was more than just a drama about relationships; it was a deeply human exploration of love, loss, and second chances.

Ward’s performance as a divorced mother trying to rebuild her life was praised for its realism and emotional depth. Her portrayal of Lily Manning captured the complexity of single motherhood, midlife romance, and personal reinvention, making her character a beacon of authenticity in television storytelling.

The series followed Lily Manning, a recently divorced mother of two, as she fell in love with Rick Sammler, a divorced architect with children of his own. Their relationship wasn’t the typical romanticized Hollywood love story; it was layered with real-life struggles—ex-spouses, co-parenting, teenage children, and personal insecurities.

Ward’s performance was the heart of the show, making audiences feel every moment of Lily’s joy, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

Sela Ward’s groundbreaking performance in “Once and Again” didn’t go unnoticed. She won:

• The Primetime Emmy Award (2000) for Best Lead Actress in a Drama
• The Golden Globe Award (2001) for Best Actress in a TV Drama

Her ability to capture raw human emotions made Lily Manning one of the most beloved TV characters of the early 2000s.

“Once and Again” tackled taboo topics that many TV shows avoided at the time:

• Dating as a single parent
• The emotional scars of divorce
• Navigating blended families
• Teen mental health and family struggles

Ward’s ability to bring grace and realism to these subjects made the show a timeless piece of television history.

Sela Ward’s portrayal of Lily Manning in “Once and Again” is one of the finest performances in television history. Her ability to bring depth, realism, and raw emotion to the role is what made the show so unforgettable.