Leslie Michaelson

Leslie Michaelson
The Young and the Restless character
Portrayed byAngell Conwell
Duration
  • 2010–2017
  • 2019
First appearanceDecember 2, 2010
Last appearanceApril 25, 2019
ClassificationPast, guest
Created byMaria Arena Bell, Hogan Sheffer and Scott Hamner
Introduced by
In-universe information
Other namesValerie Rogan
Leslie Shelby
OccupationAttorney
Legal Counsel at Jabot Cosmetics
FatherGus Rogan
MotherBelinda Rogan
BrothersTyler Michaelson
HusbandBarton Shelby (2014–)

Leslie Michaelson is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Created and introduced by former head writer Maria Arena Bell, the role is portrayed by Angell Conwell, who made her first appearance on the episode that aired on December 2, 2010. Bell introduced Leslie as a high-powered attorney who would air on a recurring status. In December 2012, after two years on recurring, Conwell was placed on contract by executive producer Jill Farren Phelps however, was dropped back to recurring in August 2014, appearing until June 2017. Conwell made a guest appearance on April 25, 2019, to honour Kristoff St. John's character Neil Winters passing, as well as the actor's real life death.

Conwell described the character as "sharp as a tack" and "self-assured". Redaric Williams was later introduced as Leslie's younger brother Tyler Michaelson, and a story arc about their past occurs, revealing that their father Gus Rogan (Tony Todd) was wrongly convicted for the murder of their mother, Belinda, and they changed their names, originally being Valerie and Davis. Conwell's portrayal has garnered praise among critics and viewers; she is described as a "scene stealer", and has earned a NAACP Image Award nomination for her portrayal of Leslie.