General Hospital
GH's Michelle Stafford Shows Support Of Y&R's New Phyllis Gina Tognoni!
Photo Credit: DuffImages.com
General Hospital’s Michelle Stafford (Nina Clay) threw her support 100% in the direction of her successor in the role of Phyllis Summers Newman on The Young and the Restless, Gina Tognoni! Yesterday, it was revealed that Gina will be taking on the pivotal role of Phyllis on the number one soap opera.
Stafford tweeted: “Thx 4 the #GH love 2day Tweeps! Now I want u 2 give love 2 @ginatognoni who will now be playing the role of #phyllis on #YR she will be awesome!!!”
While some long time fans of Y&R were envisioning a return of Stafford to the role she made soap famous, she is now firmly at ABC, and Gina will be seen this summer when Phyllis wakes up out of her coma. When Phyllis awakes that will spell trouble for Sharon (Sharon Case) and her “secret” in Genoa City and more!
What did you think of Michelle’s acknowledgement of Gina landing her former daytime role? Share your thoughts below!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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That’s nice of Michelle Stafford offering her support to Gina Tognoni.Michelle probably knew eventually Y&R would recast Phyllis but since it was her choice to leave Michelle may not want to the fans taking it out on Tognoni.
I don’t want the old Phyllis and I don’t want a new Phyllis but I do want daniel and Daisy and Amber back
Ummm HUH…Daniel I see but those other two need not darken the hallways again as far as I’m concerned.
Oh good god, those characters (Daniel and Amber) are literally the two worst characters I have ever seen in the 33 years I’ve been watching “Young and the Restless”!!!
You ARE joking, aren’t you?
Phyllis was a killer and a liar we do not need that mess again
I loved Amber and Drucilla
I don’t want Phyllis to return. Take Chelsea away and bring us back Drucilla please
I don’t want any Phyllis to return
No! I don’t think Phyllis needs to come back. Leave Sharon alone already
Pay back is a bitch, Lol. I hope Phyllis kills Sharon, when Phyllis wakes up from her coma. Gina will be great in the role of Phyllis. Gina has won 2 daytime emmys, and that lady can act. Michelle who? Lmao.
Don’t know any of Gina’s work but to me she looks young to be playing Phyllis (of course I know the character is supposed to be maybe as much as ten years younger than Michelle Stafford is). What other soap roles has Gina played?
Stefano…AGREED!!!!! Dude…I have been such a fan of Gina Tognoni ever since her OLTL days. To me, that chick can do ANYTHING on-screen…PERIOD!!!!! As for Sharon (as in Newman)…I think that time is running out for her…LOL!!!!!
Take care, Stefano. Peace.
How can you say u hope phyllis kills Sharon> Sharon is just about the only person that keeps me interested after 34 yrs
Sorry but Sharon has been through enough from that monster Phyllis
Yeah leave Sharon alone…I want the old Billy back
Leave Phyllis in a coma. I can’t see why she would return . Time to move on from this story
It’s good to see actors support other actors in the genre. Michelle left because she wanted and needed something new. While we fall in love with one actor playing a certain role, actors WANT to play different characters during their career. So whether we want to or not, we have to accept that MS, BM, and others have moved on. Still wish Sarah Brown was in the role, but certainly going to give Gina a chance.
“… While we fall in love with one actor playing a certain role, actors WANT to play different characters during their career.”
from Y&R : Phyllis, Jeanne, Adam, Billy
from DAYS : Will, EJ, Sami, Nick
that’s A whole LOTTA change
for soaps to remain “current” via the big wigs… rules…. blech!
it does… just smart…. for fans of this genre
trying to support… all the influx… especially the writing and behind the scenes is A whole LOTTA change
even GH has it’s moves…. via bait and hook…. and story ARCS….
I really have to give props tho… that : drum roll !
DAYS of OUR Lives is fairing WELL
It was a classy thing to do!
I agree…
Michelle is a class act. Looking forward to seeing her on GH
I cannot wait to see Michelle Stafford vs…Kelly Monaco duke it out this summer!
From time to time I still watch Y/R but it lacks lately. When they have Patti/Shelia stories it gets sooo good.
Michelle once again shows what a class act she is as a person and actress! This is how everyone should be in the business of daytime.
My fellow Chicagoan Michelle is a classy lady – I think that was very sweet of her!
I love when actors/actresses support one another. I know the new Phyllis will do the part justice. She was awesome on OLTL.
Will Luke attempt to kill Lulu? Before Nina’s story becomes front and center, i hope fauxLuke’s story comes to an end…i believe Lulu will see a picture of the shooter and recognize him as the man in the park with Luke…instead of telling Dante stupid Lulu will confront Luke who will try to kill her…Dante shows up and shoots Luke and his true identity or whatever happened to him will finally be revealed…still hope he is Luke and someone like Helene is using mind control on him. Also, i know its a soap but i dont think Dante really would be allowed to tell Lulu he is doing a drug bust but then the cops in PC are usually stupid!!! And wouldnt the drug unit be doing the bust instead of regular cops? Also, did Anna 4get Patrina car accident that included her grandaughter or do we wait 6 months for them to remember? Back on the subject im enjoying the Nina storyline so far!!!
I cannot believe… that Tracy has gone so far… as to not even believe… that she actually saw… Luke pointing a gun at HER SON ?!?! and not believe NED
that’s aghast… and mind numbing… Ned is pleading with her… believe me
add… in his “supposed” infidelity… with Kiki… Yikes! LOL… i’d actually not believe Luke would want a piece of her
but… it’s going… where?
I wonder what is going to happen to Ava… is she written in to a corner… that Carly and Franco are going to cheerlead and expose Ava for her crimes? or… will they not… because it would make… Sonny an accessory? even thow Sonny doesn’t know… it’s all a big mess…
I really am perplexed that they’d show… Luke… murdering someone…. will this be overlooked by the audience…
wouldn’t bother me some… as I think the audience doesn’t take television as flight of fantasy… a story
be that as it may… it bothers me to watch Jane Elliott’ Tracy behaving in this manner
I will hurl if it’s a “battle” between Michael and Kiki… VS Luke and Tracy for ELQ
I hope Ava survives this new trepidation… I think Fans have come to accept her. but.. I just don’t know… I’ve come to accept and love her with Morgan
too many potholes and asking the audience to distend their belief… in story and the actors
Who really cares what Michelle S. thinks about nu Phyllis? Mind your own business and stick to your GH. I am glad she is gone. I agree Y&R doesn’t need Phyllis any more all she does is have sex with Nick and try to one up sharon, sharon has enough haters..
It seems to me you care what Michelle Stafford or you wouldn’t be posting here.Plus just because she’s now on GH doesn’t Michelle Stafford still doesn’t care about Y&R or her former cast mates.
No I really do not care for MS! Never liked her on Y&R all the years, my daughter however loves her!! I am a Sharon Case fan!!
Sue, here’s a crazy thought–you can like Sharon Case and Michelle Stafford at the same time.
phyllis? totally over the character and Stafford! the character was tired toward the end of her run, she was playing supporting character to jack s addiction and she lost her edge and purpose.
why bother recasting?… there will only be one Phyllis that matters, michelle Stafford!!
Michelle Stafford kudos to you, you are a smart sassy, classy lady. Gina will be really really good as Phyllis. Congrats Gina on your new role, same with you Michelle as Nina Clay on gh. Both ladies are wonderful actresses.
Thinking maybe Billy Miller could’ve taken a cue from Her. Always a classy lady!
I never saw a comment from Billy Miller about his replacement..
Billy Miller made no comments about anything that I ever seen for him to be judged on anything….
Silence is golden.. especially when it comes to riled soap fans..
Billy Miller was cool, he said nothing..
Good for Stafford. I now hope fans and the powers that be will give Gina a fair shake and support she needs and deserves. I hope she is treated better than David Tom was.
Ditto, Harry!
” Stafford to the role she made soap famous,”
that is true.. MS owns Phillis, very big shoes to fill ..
I’ll go with anything/body that might pull Y&R out of the deep boring rut it is in ..
Some characters are replaceable some are not…
I wish Gina well.. seems she will do well.
Y&R is playing it smart with their last 2 biggies to replace..
They have waited a very looooooong time to bring new ones on in hopes the fans will have become disconnected to the powerful owned characters in hopes we’ll be more accepting of their replacements, after 6 months to an year time..
(((MM , no matter how long they wait, even a year, won’t be long enough lol
I think the show did wait to recast Phyllis to give fans time to get used to Michelle Stafford not been on Y&R anymore but they have also have waited to recast because they were hoping Michelle would return.As for Adam maybe the show knew because they had just recasted Billy that doing another major recast at the same time wouldn’t go over too well.With Billy they needed him onscreen because of the story.So they had no choice but to recast right away.However with Adam they can keep him offscreen for a bit and build the story for his return when it happens.
leave Sharon alone Phyllis need to stay in a coma
I am a Sharon Case fan. I hate Phyllis guts!
Rumor is sharon case will be fired soon, she will be replaced with a well known actress.
Class act all the way! Kudos to MS and congrats to Gina, she will be great.
she’s probably wishing her good luck with JFP as a boss, i know i would.
So happy for Ms. Tognoni. One of the most talented actress ever! She created one of the most memorable characters in daytime “Kelly Cramer” and she has the actingchops to take over another!
Never watched Y&R but Ms. T will be worth a look!
I would have been happier if they had just left Phyllis where she is.
MISSING MS – who nailed phyllis, and will always be phyllis… But am willing to give this gina chick a shot since she’s rumored to deliver.
she will. she will be Phyllis, just remember even if MS were here, Phyllis probably would be different cause she is waking up from coma…perfect chance for writers to change any characters personality.
That’s what i said in above post.Phyllis been in a coma for almost a year could be a good thing because it could have changed her personality wise a little.Plus when Phyllis wakes up she’s still suffering some aftereffects from the coma and she’s struggling to get 100% well.Plus i hope the show doesn’t put Phyllis and Jack back together immediately because then the fans can get used to Gina Tognoni playing Phyllis first without her been paired with someone right away.
I think Gina will do a fantastic job as Phyllis! She will bring another dimension like Guy Wilson did for Will on Days of our Lives. Remembering the history of previous actor but adding new maturity and depth. Go Gina!!! (loved her as Kelly on OLTL)
Not sure how this will play out… But having the faith that GT will be a refreshing addition. With all the mistakes they’ve made with recent newcomers so far at least ONE has to be a right fit!
Having been a nurse for several years I can tell you that when someone suffers a head injury as as bad as Phyllis, that when they awaken they do not remember how it happened or anything about it. Very traumatic event. So bringing Phyllis back with the idea this will mess up Nick and Sharon just does not make sense. But then Y&R writes a lot of stuff that doesn’t make sense.
Good for MS! Guess that If michelle stafford spoke out positively about Gina T, then she must thinkk its gonna be a good fit. Can’t wait t see what happens..
BRING BACK MICHELLE!!!!!!
Michelle is happy at GH now. She was unhappy at Y&R just like most fans!
Michelle Stafford is a true credit to her profession as a actress.She will be missed and it will not be the same with out her.
Burgess Jenkins sucks, he is old, has no sense of humor and and the cute smile that got him out of trouble every time. What woman would choose him over any other man if she had a choice? Bring Billy Miller. Y&R casting gives the viewers whiplash. Get a grip!
I have not watched Young & Restless since Michelle Stafford left the show. She, Billy Miller and Michael (Adam) leaving ruined the show. I’m sure there are many more fans who have left Y&R.
I completely agree.
Love me some Phyllis Newman. By far one of my favorites. Was looking FW to having her wake up.
Why the heck didn’t she come back to y&r if she was goin to GH for same type of role!? I love Phyllis (Michelle).
I also agree big loss for Y & R
My name is Linda from Canada…..I wrote some time ago stating that Phyllis had to come back because of her dynamic roll in this soap. Unfortunately she is now appearing in another show so kudos to them for grabbing Michelle. Since her departure the show is so so…..Casey’s so called twin, Cult Leader blah blah blah. As far as I can see this new Phyllis has very big shoes to fill and from what we’ve seen so far she looks far too timid. The fire has left Y & R unfortunately and I know alot of viewers past and present are a little annoyed so if Phyllis is returning she’s better watch Michelle’s episodes to get a better view on what she is up against or else Phyllis coming back won’t be a big deal at all!!!!! Viewer of the Y & R for as long as its been on!!!
I have been with Y&R since they first premiered and I have put upwith a lot of casting changes. When you replaced Billy I was really pissed, but I managed to adapt…… but replacing Michelle with this lipless transvestite looking woman (sorry to insult the transvestites!) who looks like she is mad at the world! And what the hell……she doesnt even have red hair! It would have been better to just let Phyllis die at the bottom of the staircase. As far as Im concerned PHYLLIS IS DEAD!!!!!
I am not happy with the recent changes. The show needs to come up with some new writers or something. I wish Michelle luck, but will miss her.
I was so upset that she left! So far, I am not happy with the replacement, only in so far as I do not see Gina”S looks or personality reflextive of the vivacious Phyllis. However, she has been in a coma so she hasn’t had much chance yet. Gut feeling not good.
i agree with Char regarding the new Phyllis. MS played a sassy, sexy, beautiful woman on fire! Not trying to be mean but in this role looks like a mean tomboy and Red should have beautiful red tresses! She needs to get rid of the dark, short hair and makeup herself to look very feminine and sexy like Michele. I hear she is a wonderful actress and saw pretty pictures of her so I am not giving up on her yet! Boy do I miss MS and her sizzle!
I miss Michelle Stafford on Y&R. She should have returned instead of going to GH. She played that part so well. I agree that Drucilla should return.
Michelle Stafford IS Phyliis. Y&R should BEG for her to come back…
There is only one Phyllis and one only and that’s ms. That’s just like replacing victor Newman impossible! Miss you ms…come back please!