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Michelle Stafford and Lauralee Bell Discuss The Legendary Bill Bell In Emotional Moments During SINGLE MOM A GO GO!

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/YouTubeSingleMomAGoGo

Courtesy/YouTubeSingleMomAGoGo

The second installment of General Hospital’s Michelle Staffords (Nina) vodcast, Single Mom A Go Go, shared some never-before-known insight into the powerhouse actress’ start on The Young and the Restless as Phyllis and more, when Michelle welcomed Lauralee Bell (Christine) as her special guest.

While the episode continued its theme talking about the struggles, and ups and downs of motherhood, and being a working mom to boot, this particular vodcast became extra illuminating when Michelle and Lauralee reminisced about their time together on Y&R.

In particular, the show contained an emotional moment.  Michelle relived her audtion experience for the role of Phyllis right in front of Lauralee’s legendary father, Bill Bell (Creator, Y&R).  Stafford revealed she had a string of auditions prior to that one where she did not get the part, and when her lucked changed the day she auditioned for then crazy Phyllis, she related to Lauralee that her father saved her life.  And in fact, when Michelle would give her acceptance speeches at awards show, she would always thank Bill Bell first and foremost.  The ladies also discuss how much Bill loved writing for Michelle’s Phyllis, and more.

Watch Michelle and Lauralee chat it up in Single Mom A Go Go after the jump.  Go to timecode 36:27 on the video, if you want to get straight to Michelle’s Y&R casting story.  Then let us know what you thought of the sentiments shared by Michelle and Lauralee on Bill Bell in the comment section below!

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Bill Bell also wrote brilliantly for Days back in the 70s-he is to blame for me skipping school to watch Days back then it was so good i hated to miss an episode-lol…unfortunately, if i was going to school today i wouldnt even skip to watch…it has some good moments here and there but no enough for me to care if i miss an episode but i wont give up on the show entirely because once its gone its gone!!!

That’s true with all the soaps these days. They just can’t figure out how to keep the writing compelling so we’re getting all sorts of lame gimmicks like the network MEGA soap among other things. I am hoping that the new EP for Y&R will turn things around with a new focus on good writing and the other soaps will follow. Though my patience is running thin, if he improves Y&R I just may start watching that and give up on the one I watch now.

I only watch Y&R on occasion-it feels as if this show like the rest of them has run its course but i too hope the new EP changes things around-the British are far better at producing and writing soaps-im addicted to Coronation Street the way i use to be with our American soaps and never miss an episode…they are far more realistic and compelling drama!!!

Where do you watch Coronation Street?

I will have to check out Coronation Street. I am completely fed up with the soap I have watched for the past twenty years.

Hey Michael Fairman,
I am really enjoying your providing Michelle’s show! These are great! And I really enjoy the talk about the “golden age” of soaps. Thank you Michael!!!!

2 things about Michelle: 1. I loved the choices she made as Phyllis. I would expect her to go left and she would go right. 2. I think she shoukd become a writer for soaps. Soaps need people that understand the genre in order to write for it. I think Michelle would be great. Always a fan of Michelle’s. She is a true talent.

I have always been impressed with Mr. Bell. Please read the biography out there. Awesome! He really was a master of this special storytelling. He mentored writers I wish were working today. Y&R was running on all cylinders back in the day >>> compelling characters, respected legacies and histories, slow burn suspense and drama, romance. Special touches like the comforts of Gina’s and the Colonnade Room, the Abbott family breakfasts, the characters that once in a while sang a song. Today it seems everyone is running around but going nowhere, and the recent contrived family bonds to link characters and revise history, and the implausible Victor Newman trial and other downer turns. Surely there are notes or ideas or hints of what to do in Mr. Bell’s archives.

Totally Agree – and Yes, the Biography is terrific. So loved seeing Michelle and Loralee “together again”, too.

Wouldnt it be wonderful to have Bill Bell writing todays soaps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even though I was wasn’t watching Y&R at the time, I loved when Michelle and Lauralee reminisced about their time together on Y&R and especially her first audition with Bill Bell. It was interesting to hear how they are both very different from their characters but everyone always assumes that they are just like their characters.

I agree with you Jim (Leave it to beaver) I think the Young and the Restless has really seen better days. I really hate saying that, being a long time fan since the early to mid eighties when Lauren and Tracy were fighting over Danny (the good old days) How many times can the audience put up with Victor and Nikki divorcing and re marrying, to name one example. I know it must be hard on the writers to come up with new ideas, but like you said I hope the new EP will be able to help. I am hoping that Jill will keep popping up. Maybe that will bring some of the “vets” out a bit. I guess we just have to wait and see

This was awesome! Thanks for sharing. I ended up watching the whole thing.

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‘General Hospital’ Alum Sydney Mikayla Recalls Playing Trina Robinson, ‘I See Her as a Reflection of Black Excellence’

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Sydney Mikayla is featured in the latest edition of Eclair Magazine. The former General Hospital star, where she played the first Trina Robinson became very popular during her run from 2019-2022.  In the spring of 2022, Mikayla decided to step away from the soap to focus on her education and attend UCLA full time.

The actress was replaced by Tabyana Ali, who has continued the life and times of Trina Robinson on-screen since March of 2022. Now in this new interview, Sydney reflects on her time on the ABC soap.

“Playing Trina Robinson on General Hospital has been incredibly gratifying and deeply meaningful to me. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the role actually began as a day player/co-star situation, so just being invited into that space felt like a huge opportunity. I was especially excited to be working alongside such talented actors like Eden McCoy (Josslyn) and William Lipton (ex-Cameron Webber)—people who were already doing such strong, Emmy-recognized work. Being on set with them pushed me and inspired me every single day.”

Photo: JPI

EMMY NOMINATONS AND GRATITUDE

It was back in 2021 and 2022, that Mikayla also landed Emmy nominations in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Performer in a Drama Series.”To then be brought on as a contract player for two years, and to receive two Daytime Emmy nominations, was honestly surreal. It wasn’t something I expected, so I approached it all with a lot of gratitude and a sense of awe.”

However, Mikayla who had her own way of playing Trina, shared what was so important to her to represent to the audience. “On a personal level, Trina means a great deal to me. I see her as a reflection of Black excellence—she’s driven, intelligent, and constantly rising to the occasion. Whether she’s navigating complex family dynamics or stepping into leadership roles like helping run an art gallery, she does it with strength and integrity. She’s also an incredibly loyal and compassionate friend, and that balance is something I really admire.”

TRINA IS DRIVEN AND INTELLIGENT

Summing it all up, Mikayla added, “As an actress, playing Trina reinforced the importance of grounding a character in truth. No matter how heightened the circumstances, what resonates with people is honesty and humanity. Trina taught me to lean into that—to keep characters layered, relatable, and real.”

Now the world is Mikayla’s oyster as she enters a new phase of her life and acting career, she shared, “I am really excited about stepping into more physical comedy—I think that would be so much fun and a great way to bring together my background in movement and performance. I’d also love to explore stunt work and action-comedy, just pushing myself in new, more physical directions as an actress. On the storytelling side, I’m really drawn to creating and being part of projects that genuinely move people—especially in television.”

So, what did you think about Sydney’s comment on how she played the role of Trina Robinson on General Hospital? Let us know via the comment section below.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!

In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?

Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!

Courtesy/ABC

FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS

The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!

Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?

Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.

MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.

Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.

Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

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Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric

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With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).

On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..

In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”

GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW

So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!

FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD

As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and  and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”

Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.

So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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A post shared by Maurice Benard (@mauricebenard)

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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Finn Carr & Dominic Zamprogna as Rocco & Dante

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