Susan Lucci’s Secret to Standing Tall: The Platform Heels That Defined Her Lifetime Achievement Night

At the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles on December 15, 2023, Susan Lucci brought classic soap-opera glamour to the red carpet in a sparkling orange-and-silver gown paired with towering peep-toe platform heels.

Best known for playing Erica Kane on All My Children, Lucci leaned into the kind of polished, leg-lengthening styling that has long defined her red carpet appearances, using sky-high heels, shimmering embellishments, and a dramatic slit to balance the gown’s flowing train.

Susan Lucci stuns in a strapless orange and silver gown with intricate beading, a tulle train, and a high slit, paired with matching peep-toe heels at the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Among the evening’s highlights was Susan Lucci, renowned for her role as Erica Kane in All My Children, receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Honor.

Susan Lucci Turns Heads in a Sequined Orange Gown and Platform Heels

On the red carpet, Susan Lucci dazzled in a strapless orange-and-silver gown featuring intricate beading, sequins, and a tulle train.

Her floor-length gown featured a high slit, offering a glimpse of her toned legs, paired with matching orange peep-toe sky-high platform heels that elevated her petite frame.

Adorned with silver jewelry, including a chain bracelet, ring, and dangling earrings, the Devious Maids star exuded elegance and grace.

Radiating confidence, she showcased a dazzling smile, with her hair elegantly styled in voluminous waves that beautifully complemented her flawless makeup.

Susan Lucci and Cameron Mathison’s All My Children Reunion on the Red Carpet

Susan took photos with various attendees, including Cameron Mathison, her former co-star from All My Children, Jennifer Nettles, and Adam Sharp, the President and CEO of NATAS.

Standing beside her towering former All My Children co-star Cameron Mathison, who is 6’2” (188 cm), Susan Lucci — who stands at 5’1” (154.9 cm) and wears a US shoe size 6 — once again demonstrated why sky-high platform heels remain one of her signature red carpet styling tools. The added height helped balance the dramatic proportions of her floor-length gown while creating a longer, cleaner silhouette in photos.

Reunion on the red carpet: 5ft 1in (155 cm) tall Susan Lucci shares a smile with her towering 6ft 2in (188 cm) former ‘All My Children’ co-star Cameron Mathison, at the Emmy Awards (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Inside Susan Lucci’s Lifetime Achievement Honor at the Daytime Emmys

Recognizing her exceptional career, Susan Lucci received the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Honor at the 2023 Daytime Emmys.

Achieving fame through her portrayal of the iconic Erica Kane from 1970 to 2011 in All My Children, the American actress garnered 19 nominations in the Outstanding Lead Actress category before securing her first win in 1999.

Presenting her with this prestigious honor, Shemar Moore, who had also awarded Susan her first Daytime Emmy, made a memorable announcement, exclaiming, “The streak is over!” as he unveiled the long-awaited recognition.

Susan Lucci styled her embellished orange-and-silver gown with shimmering satin peep-toe platform pumps in a soft coppery apricot tone, adding extra height and elongating her petite frame on the red carpet at the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

During the awards ceremony, the actor praised Susan’s remarkable career, stating, “She’s been in TV series as well as film and stage… she’s been ranked as one of the 50 greatest television stars of all time, and I couldn’t agree more.”

A tribute video included clips from her children, All My Children alums Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, and friends Andy Cohen and Carol Burnett.

Susan Lucci Shares an Emotional Tribute to Her Late Husband

In a touching moment, Susan Lucci honored her late husband, Helmut Humer, during her acceptance speech. With her son, Andreas, in the audience, she described the award as “the icing on the cake” and felt her husband’s presence.

A triumphant moment for Susan Lucci as she receives the Lifetime Achievement Honor at the 2023 Daytime Emmys, celebrating her iconic role as Erica Kane (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

She told her son, “It means so much to me to have you here with me. I feel your dad’s presence here with us tonight, too.”

Susan said as she accepted her trophy, “How lucky am I to dream my dreams of becoming an actress and grow up and have my dreams come true? There were obstacles, and there were roadblocks — they were wannabe obstacles and roadblocks — but tonight’s a night to celebrate.”

Susan Lucci Celebrates Her Daytime Emmy Honor on Instagram

After the event, Susan Lucci shared the joyous moment on Instagram, posting a photo holding her well-deserved statuette.

She captioned the image, “A night to remember!!! The Lifetime Achievement Award!!! What an honor—and thrill!!! THANK YOU @daytimeemmys @cbstv.”

Why Platform Pumps Work So Well With Long Dresses

As Susan Lucci’s Daytime Emmys look shows, platform pumps are a practical red carpet choice as much as a glamorous one. A long gown can easily feel heavy or overwhelming, but a platform heel adds height, keeps the hem lifted, and helps balance the volume of the dress without the steep pitch of a traditional stiletto.

The hidden lift is especially useful with floor-length gowns: the shoe may only peek out as the wearer walks, but it quietly lengthens the silhouette, improves proportions, and gives the dress a cleaner fall.