Susan Lucci Says Michael B. Jordan Was “Authentically” Wonderful as a Teen Co-Star

More than a decade after All My Children went off the air, Susan Lucci is still holding onto fond memories — especially of one young co-star who went on to become a Hollywood heavyweight: Michael B. Jordan.

During a recent appearance on the I Choose Me With Jennie Garth, the daytime TV legend was asked which actors she most remembers from her decades on the ABC soap. Lucci didn’t hesitate before naming Jordan.

“He was always so wonderful to work with,” she said.

A Teenager With Star Quality

Jordan joined All My Children in 2003 at just 16 years old, playing Reggie Montgomery. His character was the adopted son of Jack Montgomery — longtime love interest of Lucci’s iconic character, Erica Kane — which meant the two actors shared many scenes together.

Even at that young age, Lucci said Jordan stood out for all the right reasons.

He was prepared, professional and respectful on set. He showed up on time, knew his lines and treated everyone kindly. According to Lucci, his maturity never felt forced.

“Not phony baloney,” she said, describing him as authentic and genuine. She called him “a genuinely terrific young man.”

From Soap Star to Superhero

Jordan played Reggie from 2003 to 2006 in one of the show’s more emotional storylines. His character evolved from a troubled teen dealing with violence and instability to a young man finding stability through adoption, basketball and college dreams. The role allowed Jordan to show emotional depth early in his career — something Lucci clearly noticed at the time.

Interestingly, before Jordan took over the role, Reggie was briefly played by Chadwick Boseman. Years later, the two actors would reunite on the big screen in Black Panther, bringing their careers full circle in one of Marvel’s biggest films.

Never Forgetting His Roots

Jordan has previously spoken about how important his soap opera years were. He once admitted he was surprised by how many executives in Hollywood remembered him from daytime television. What he thought would be a small early job turned out to be a lasting advantage.

For Lucci, watching his rise has been especially meaningful.

After spending decades as the face of All My Children, she has seen many young actors pass through Pine Valley. But Jordan clearly left a lasting impression — not just because of his talent, but because of who he was even then.

And as his career continues to soar, it’s clear that the professionalism and authenticity Lucci admired as a teenager are qualities that have stayed with him ever since.