Interviews
The Gina Tognoni Interview – The Young and the Restless

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Love Gina and cannot wait!! Loving Michelle as Nina too.
I LOVE GINA SHE IS MY FAVIRETE ACTRESS EVER SHE’S GOING TO DO GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT
I hope Gina stays on the y and r for a long time.She is foxey
AWESOME INTERVIEW!!!! I am so excited that Gina is taking over the role of Phyllis Newman; I was a HUGE fan of her work as Dinah on GL.
Me too… I loved her on GL…. I was really upset when they said Phyllis was leaving the show…. but when I saw her on the other soap one day… Made me really mad she would leave the top Soap on tv to go there…. I am so excited for Nina to play this part now….
I am so looking forward to Gina’s take on Phyllis starting next Monday! It’s going to be fun to watch!
If this story plays out in real life (not reel life) I doubt Phyllis will remember anything before falling. After a severe head injury like that most cannot immediately remember what caused the accident, if they ever remember. I have never seen Gina in anything but will give her a go. I still can’t stand nu-nu-Billy. He has no chemistry with anyone. The other one who needs to go is Stalker Stitch. What a creep.
Stitch isnt a stalker, he is the good guy u will soon see. Burgess has great chemistry with Melissa who plays Chelsea. Gina is a terrific actress. Watch and learn.
I totally agree,can’t stand Stitch either.And we all know that in the soap world,they don’t always do what is reality. Phyliss could wake up and remember everything all at once.
Susan, I just call nu-nu-Billy, Old Bill now. Much more fitting for a man of his years.
It’s funny everyone mentions the new billy as being old.truth is he is younger then Victoria.He is 40,she is 41
The one character I REALLY want to see leave town — PERMANENTLY — is IAN WARD! He is Satan personified! I can’t STAND him! He totally creeps me out! I usually don’t support Victor’s schemes, but ANYTHING he can do toward accomplishing that goal is just FINE with me! I heard a suggestion that they should kill off Ian and there’d be a “Who Killed Ian?” storyline. I know that’s SO cliched, but there’d be plenty of suspects! Sounds good to me! :^) You’re right, Susan. New nuBilly doesn’t have chemistry with anyone — I’m still getting used to him… Read more »
While I found her boring on OLTL I will give her a chance. My fear is that, like with many recasts, the actor attempts to make the character “their own” and suddenly the character you’ve known and loved is a virtual stranger. Presently I don’t know who this Billy is. But he’s not the Billy I’ve enjoyed for years (even with David Tom).
I haven’t seen Gina’s acting before, but unlike other recasts, Gina sounds like she “gets” what Phyllis is about. She seems to value what this character’s past brings to her future. While I’m sure the character might change a bit over time as she continues in the role, this interview goes a long way toward making me feel excited and hopeful that this is going to be a perfect recast (and I agree that it’s time to rest the role of Billy). Good luck and welcome, Gina!
I agree with recasting Billy. David Tom would have been good if they had given him time to settle back into the role. Billy Miller is going to be the new Jason on GH. Michelle Stafford and Billy Miller to GH. JFP killer of soaps, is doing her job. T he only story that interest me now is Nick, Sharon and Mariah. I love Joshua Morrow. His smile lights up the screen. Sad to see what was once a great soap decline in ratings. While they boast they are #1 this is true. But, there are only 4 soaps left.
This newnuBilly seems to me is actually oooooollllllllddddddddBilly. In that he’s been SORAS’d like 25 years! Its like having Peter Bergman playing the part of Billy, but without the good acting. Don’t like this version of Billy at all. Maybe now we should call him Old Bill. He and Victor can get together and tell Victoria how to run her life. They’ll finally have something in common. (For the record, I really don’t blame the actor. I blame casting, writing and production for this debacle. I thought David Tom was warming back into the role and doing fine.)
I hate David Thom as Billy! So glad they recast that role. He just didn’t work. The new ( old) Billy is o.k. but they could have done a better pick. Also don’t like Gina Tognoni as Phyllis but I’ll keep an open mind and we’ll see what happens.
I disagree about Burgess Jenkins. For a former prime-time actor I’m astounded that his acting skills are so poor.
LOVE her from OLTL. I don’t watch Y&R, but will check it out now.
I love Gina, and will be delighted to see her again. GL was my favorite soap for years.
There’s no doubt she has the acting chops to portray Phyllis.
Lovely Lady! I really wondered about her age but with the new hair cut and PB looks dam good for 60 she will probably make it work. She has a couple of things working for her that Maura West did not playing the Dianne character she is not having to play a love interest for Victor/EB because he is 30 years her senior and they will not be showing Daniel so she does not have to deal with that issue. Wish her the best I just hope they do not waste her talent and throw her with Dylan. Let’s be… Read more »
Gina Tognoni is not 60! Who are you talking about?
@Kathleen PB stands for Peter Bergman/Jack he just turned 61 I think. Sorry I confused you Gina is only 40 and I was concerned she was going to look to young next to Peter Bergman/Jack.
I loved her on G&L. Looking forward to supporting her . I am a Phick fan and can’t wait to see what happens! go Gina.
she is amaaaazing! thrilled about this and pumped to see her on Y&R. Phyllis can’t wake up soon enough!
I loved Gina when she played Dinah on GL…..and will enjoy seeing her as Phyliss,never really liked Michele Stafford that much anyway…so I am glad for the change.
ME TOO!!!!
Me THREE! Never liked MS; loved Gina as Dinah. She’s gonna kill it!!!
I remember Robin Stasser so annoying as Christina Karas on All My Children but she was totally transformed and hit the ground running as One Life’s Dorian. My instincts tell me that although Gina’s Kelly Kramer was ehh (sorry) she has “grown up good,” indeed and is gonna kick a… and take names on Y & R…this is her time!
Her stint on Dinah on Guiding Light worked so well, I hope she channels Dinah during her portrayal.
I can’t wait for her to debut as Phyllis. She is an amazing actress. I loved her as Dinah on GL.
Did not care for MS, did not like her acting. Welcome Gina, nice to see the change.. That being said U better take it easy on Sharon or she will kick your ass!! LOL
as if…
I was a fan of MS as Phyllis. That said, she was really phoning it in for a long time and I welcome the change. I think Gina will be great. (I’m a Sharon fan too)
I love this interview, and absolutely adore Gina. Her being cast as Phyllis on The Young and the Restless is going to be good; while she wasn’t my top choice of actress (Sarah Joy Brown was), I have a strong feeling she’s going to really connect with the audiences and her fellow cast mates. I hope the drive of Phyllis returns; during Michelle’s final years the fire of Phyllis kind of disappeared. I’m excited about her joining, from the video of her and Joshua and Hunter, there seems to be a great familiar connection there. Gina and Hunter even look… Read more »
Another great interview. Loved her as Kelly on OLTL. She can really generate great chemistry with both male and female cast members, so I don’t think fans will be disappointed. It’s always hard when you are in placed in the role as a recast of a classic soap role, such as Phyllis. I am really looking forward to having Phyllis back in G.C. and I think Gina T will be awesome.
Break a leg, Gina!
I think Gina is a perfect fit to replace Michelle. I loved her on Guiding Light and she played a great role in Guiding LIght. Congats Gina wake up soon as we have missed you. You will be accepted as the Y&R fans don’t worry about that. I only watch CBS Soaps so get out of that coma and start some trouble Y&R needs it. Good Luck!
I feel like Gina will fit in well. As for the Billy character…David Tom was much too young for the mature “Billy.” The current actor is better, but certainly hasn’t successfully “replaced” Billy Miller. Maybe “resting” the role is called for while they search for a more acceptable actor and at the same time perhaps have something happen to “Billy” that changes his personae before he comes back to Genoa City. If Josua Morrow ever leaves we are in deep trouble….same sort of charismatic actor as Billy Miller but more so.
So happy that she will be playing the new Phyllis. I remember when she was Dinah on GL. Ooh yes, they have the right one. It’s on now!!!! Welcome Gina!
Glad you are back have watched O.L.T.L. for over 20 years and Young and Restless longer. My mom and dad had watched it before me. Good Luck you will be put in the line of fire.
Being a 20 year fan of Y&R it’s always hard when someone leaves or is replaced . It’s takes time to think of them as That Person they’ve replaced. I’ve seen 3 Billy’s in this time and you just go along with the story line. It took me awhile for me to get to like the Phillis character but when I finally loved her, she went into a coma . Now another persons coming in. It’s like trying to replace Edith Bonker. That person was the character ….. And that’s how I feel about the people on Y&R. You could… Read more »
Gina really did do a great job on GL as Dinah. I totally feel she will ROCK this character on Y&R.
On another note, I had heard a rumor that Stitch and Kelly’s mom actually set their dad on fire and Stitch took the blame and confessed to protect their mom. And nobody not even Kelly knows, and that is why she is so mad that their mother took Stitch’s side and supported him, just a rumor though.
ITS DEFINITELY GOING TO GET STEAMY QUICKLY IM GUESSING WITH THE SUMMER PATERNITY COMING OUT….GOOD LUCK GINA
I loved Guiding Light and loved watching Gina on that show! She is one of my absolute favorite soap actresses! I am a die hard fan of Y & R too and have always love Michelle Stafford. I was sad that she left the show, but when I found out who they case new in the role, I was so happy! I knew Phyllis would be back, better than ever, and I was ecstatic that I would get to see Gina’s work again! Y & R hit a home run here and I call it early: Gina will win another… Read more »
i am willing to give you a chance but RED left some mighty big shoes to fill. And Please make your hair the same shade of red. Thanks. and good luck.
Yes her hair needs to be redder!
Teri
This new Billy is a horrible choice! He’s waaaay too old looking and he is a terrible actor. Nobody can sufficiently replace sunnyboy Billy Miller!
Blech!
What happened when you met Y&R legend Eric Braeden (Victor) for the first time?
GINA:
I met him the other day, and he is like an icon! And in that voice of his, he went, “It was so nice to meet you!” (Gina screams) I said back to him, “You are so cool!”
honestly
seriously
???
hold on… this is the truth
Victor needs to go
if so much at Y&R is new…. to hold on to Victor has no resonance…. no reason… dull
MTS’ Nikki…needs to celebrate and MOVE
if it’s with Meredith Baxter Burney… then so be it… a one upsmanship… womanhood… would hold
that last picture… in the red dress
is fire : comeuppance : fearful… : lasting
go their
Patrick so glad to see a post from you I was beginning to think something had happen to you. Concerning Eric Braeden maybe he will remember her name in 10 years. I believe he said that is how long it takes for him to recall your name.
Great recast. Gina you’re perfect for this role. I loved Dinah! Good luck to you. As far as the new/ old Billy is concerned, people need to lighten up. Billy Miller moved on. So should Y&R. Yes he was special, but give this one a chance. So he’s stoic and not at all silly, but what’s going on in the story doesn’t call for comedy either. I wish you both Blessed long lived success.
Welcome Gina! I have watched Y&R since the beginning and I think you will fill MS’s shoe’s nicely. I can’t wait to see where the story goes! I just heard that Michael Muhney wrapped up the movie he was filming a couple of days ago, so I have a feeling Phyllis coming out of the coma is going to affect Adam’s storyline as well. I think once Phyllis reveals that Sharon changed the paternity test results, Summer is not going to be able to handle the stress of her life being turned upside down yet again and will take off.… Read more »
I am so so excited to see Gina take on this role. I have never even seen her work before. But this interview was like looking at cookies and cakes through the window of a bakery. I can hardly wait for her to bring Phyllis’s character back to us.
Gina has big shoes to fill, but I think she’s up for it. I’m just glad Phyllis is finally waking up, I miss her. My only thought is, maybe her hair could be a bit more on the red side. Good luck!
Phyllis’ hair wasn’t exactly red when she slipped into a coma, though. So they probably are keeping it a darker hue right now to keep something the same.
NO ONE can take Michelle Staffords place, just like no one can take Billy Millers place!!!!!! I’ve been watching for 40 years, I saw the first show! Some people you can’t replace and they are the ORIGINALS, Victor, Nicky, Catherine ( deceased), Paul, Lauren, Jill, Michael, Nicholas, and BILLY AND PHYLLIS.
You are making a big mistake!
If the cast doesn’t get better than this Billy, get Adam back, get the real Phyllis back and Billy Miller I’m afraid your #1 spot will fall!
I don’t think “Y&R” has to worry about losing its #1 status. I’m gradually warming up to Burgess Jenkins’s Billy, although I don’t think he’ll ever completely replace Billy Miller.
Another actress playing Phyllis? Yeah, I know it’s going to take some getting used to, but if any actress can do it, I think it’s G.T.
BTW, Jess Walton is NOT the original Jill, she’s a recast, but she IS the best. I remember when she first came into the role I took to her immediately, and I don’t think I’d ever done that with a recast before.
This Jack is not the original Jack either but he’s been there so long now he cannot be replaced. ☺️ It will be very hard to replace Phyllis but I guess we’ll see. This Billy just doesn’t fit the bill, no pun intended. Billy Miller had it all, looks, personality, charisma. This guy does not ,nor did David Tom even tho he use to be Billy! Billy Miller is just awesome. MM wasn’t the original Adam either but did fit the part sooooo well! Hard to see someone else being Adam. Good looks was not what Adam was about, it’s… Read more »
Shemar Moore is coming back? Nice thought, but I doubt it. He’s still on “Criminal Minds.” Besides, why would he ever go back to daytime when he’s been in primetime for so long, now. That’d be like going back to dial-up when you’ve had broadband! :^)
I’ve watched GL’s Gina Tognoni as “Dinah,” and she truly made the show! The 2 Daytime Emmies she has won are a small example of Gina’s depth of character! I watched GL from 1979-the very end, and Gina was def one of the most exciting actresses I’ve ever seen,& she was a recast back then as “Dinah,” and she cleaned the floor (so to speak) of the former actress who played Dina,so well that whenever “Dinah Marler,” is spoken of -it’s with Gina’s name! She will rock this role! To those that don’t know her yet-give her a chance, cuz… Read more »
I hated to see Michelle go but if anyone can do great as a recast its Gina. She is
an awesome actress and certainly seems to know Phyllis. Hope everyone gives her a shot.As for new billy. David toms was better than him tooo old looking for part. They will never sucessfully replace billy or micheal(adam)…….
She could be a good fit as phyllis time will tell but for the billy recast they should have write him off since billy miller left the series. I am willing to give her a chance in playing phyllis as she can.
I was also devastated when Michelle left, and I was disappointed that she signed on with a show that isn’t on Y&R’s level of excellence, for an invented role that was pushed on the GH audience. However, just like with Billy Miller, leaving was Michelle’s choice. Longtime viewers like me will remember that there was chaos in the late 80’s when Brenda Dickson was fired and Terry Lester left. Both Jess Walton and Peter Bergman took over the respective roles and they were quick hits with the audience and critics. Even on GH, Laura Wright was able to make lightning… Read more »
I agree with everything you said. David Tom may look to young, but he was familiar and I enjoyed seeing him on screen. This guy is too old to be Billy. No question about that. People who are long time viewers know that Billy is supposed to be younger than Victoria. He was a mid-life birth to Jill and John. I have to use my FF button everytime this NuBilly is on screen. I cannot stand to look at him. He does not look the part. He may have some chemistry with MCE, but he has none with the Abbotts… Read more »
I am so glad Phyllis is coming back she put the fire in the show an i think they need to offer the old Billy more money an let him come back he was amazing .
Am looking forward to Gina T as Phyllis; I think she has what it takes to make the role her own… and the latest Billy is more enjoyable than David Tom (and I’m surprised that I feel that way, but David T was ‘colorless’ as Billy after Billy Miller ‘made’ Billy Abbott ‘his’ character); just sayin’!! Looking forward to lots of Phyllis intrigue… and what are they doing to make Neil a ‘wimp’ and marrying the chick who is HOT for Devon (Brytan)?? I’m sorry to see Devon falling in lust with her, she is so memorable that I can’t… Read more »
I know Gina is going to kill it as Phyllis. If you saw how she played Dinah on Guiding Light then you know she has the look and the chops to play Phyllis. Amazing casting choice there Y&R!
Have been a fan of Ms. Tognoni’s since she first played Kelly on OLTL. Thought she was good in that role but outstanding as Dinah on GL. I have no doubt she will portray Phyllis with the same intensity and talent she has brought to her previous roles. She might, just maybe, convince me to tune in to Y&R again. I only hope they write for her and not make a mess out of Phyllis like they have for everyone else. I watched a few minutes of the show last week and was as unimpressed with it as I had… Read more »
Chaz…VERY EXCELLENT POST!!!!! While I agree with everything you said, I would like to throw in my 2 cents and all. Like… 1. I (also) have been a fan of Gina Tognoni ever since her OLTL days. Furthermore, I am already ROOTING FOR GT to make the role of Phyllis her own. Y-A-Y GINA!!!!! 2. Chaz…RIGHT ON about that Devon/Hilary/Neil SNOOZE-FEST!!!!! Furthermore, that LOOSE CANNON Lily WORKS MY NERVES THE MOST!!!!! S-H-U-D-D-E-R!!!!! 3. Character-wise, The Incredible Hulk (to me) was WAY MORE BELIEVABLE AND DIMENSIONAL than that WALKING STIFF Dylan…LOL!!!!! Yep. 4. If Y&R is actually trying to redeem that… Read more »
With Y&R stumbling on Billy and Adam, I think they got this right. She and Michelle could be sisters and it sounds like Gina will incorporate the character and put her on mark on it.
I love that you all chose Gina. I have missed her acting since her days with Guiding Light. I met her at King Dominion in Virginia quite a few years ago… I think she is the perfect pick for Phyllis. Can’t wait to have her wake up and act.
Gina will do a very good job on young and reckless, I have watched her on guiding light and one life to live, she is wonderful.
I miss Guiding Light (before all of the cost-savings measures took place). I used to watch the show when on school vacation, when it was on at 10:00 a.m. EST. I was sad when the show ended. I watched the last week of the show and thought the writers did a good job at wrapping up the family arcs, storylines, and bringing back veteran actors. I’ve always liked Gina. I remember when she began on OLTL. The best of luck to her.
Gina will do a great job and put her own magic on portraying Phyllis.
Gina is great as Phyllis. Whose coat was she wearing on today’s episode. I want it. Oct 22 2014 please respond. Thankyou
Love the new Phyllis…I mean like, Michelle who????…For me its Gina all the way for Phyllis…Personally I would like to see a Phyllis/Sharon hookup…the animosity they have towards one another..lets just say that if one of them was a man…they woulda slpet together a long time ago….LOL!…Like Gina said Sharon Case is a beautiful woman and so is Gina!!..So really lets get that ball rolling…Nick and Jack can go sulk in a corner…who cares…
I had to watch for a few weeks to see how Gina is as the new Phyllis and she is great. Really connected with her . Keep up the good work. What took you so long Y&R to put her in that character?
Gina is perfect for this role, do not get rid of her.
Gina Tognoni YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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