Courtesy/CBS

It was one of the most sought after roles in the history of daytime for any actress to play. After quite the search to find the successor to two-time Daytime Emmy winning dynamo, Michelle Stafford, The Young and the Restless has found their gal in Gina Tognoni  to step into the shoes of Phyllis Summers!  Soap fans know of Gina’s stellar work from her first daytime role as Kelly Cramer on One Life to Live, to her two-time Daytime Emmy winning star turn as Dinah Marler on Guiding Light.  Now the journey begins for the Y&R audience to see just how the talented Tognoni will put her own stamp and spin on firecracker Phyllis!

And as it written in the soap opera handbook 101 … when one actress is put in a coma to facilitate her exit, but then goes to another soap, only to wake up from a coma as a different character … the original soap has the character wake up from a coma as another actress!  Got it?   But with that, both Michelle Stafford now Nina Clay on GH, and Gina Tognoni now Phyllis on Y&R, both have roles befitting their acting chops!

On-Air On-Soaps had the pleasure of sitting down with Gina at the set of Y&R for one of her first interviews back to the soap fold where we gleaned: just how she landed the primo role in Genoa City, how she views the character of Phyllis, and what she thinks of her new leading men, Joshua Morrow (Nick) and Peter Bergman (Jack). And Gina gives us some subtle, yet definite clues as to what to look for when Phyllis finally awakens for her comatose state.  And let’s be real here … hell hath no fury like a Phyllis scorned!

In addition, Gina addresses the sad fate of her former soap homes, Guiding Light and One Life to Live, plus getting into the groove at the number one soap playing the kickass Phyllis, who fans are just waiting to spring back to life and into action!  The story picks up stream on the Monday, August 11th episode of Y&R when Gina makes her on-screen debut.  And now, here’s our enlightening and entertaining chat with the new Phyllis in town!

MICHAEL:

Was there ever a time you thought: “I would like to be on the number one show, Y&R?”

GINA:

Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins

Yes, yes, and yes! A few weeks ago I stayed in Melody Thomas Scott’s (Nikki) dressing room, which I have to say is epic!  It is incredible.  My whole life I have admired this show.  It is number one for a reason.  It is not only beautiful to look at, but there is just a certain type of class with this show, and I say that in the best possible way.  It was no more evident when I got the job from the phone calls I got from everybody, but especially the phone call I got from Peter Bergman (Jack).  And, can I just say, he was my first call!  Peter is truly the ambassador of The Young and the Restless.  He is truly authentic, and what a gift to be working with him.

MICHAEL:

Did Peter Bergman say to you, “Gina, you don’t know what you have gotten yourself into?” (Laughs)  And then did he say, “You have big shoes to fill!”

GINA:

(Laughs) Actually, it was a kind message congratulating me and saying how happy he was.  I kept that message on my phone for a really long time, because it meant a lot to me.  It’s people like Jimmy Freeman, our associate producer and former show publicist, who call and open their heart and tell you a little bit about the show.  And from there it was the hair and make-up team, directors, wardrobe; it has been awesome and rare.

MICHAEL:

I heard you blew everyone away with your audition tape and screen test!  So what were the scenes that you performed? Everyone kind of wants to know how this all came about that the show ended up choosing you, since this role is so identifiable to Michelle Stafford (Nina GH) who was your predecessor in the part.

GINA:

Photo Credit: DuffImages.com

So, I have loved Michelle Stafford’s work.  I think she is fabulous, and that is why this role is so amazing, because she is fearless.  I identify with that.  With that being said, I was in New York.  I put myself on tape and I sent it to the Y&R casting director, Judy Blye Wilson.  There was a casting call for the role that was open to all.  It was interesting.  I didn’t know if I was going to go back to daytime, or what I was going to do, or what was going to be in my path.  I thought, “You know what?  We are going to try and see if this is the right match.”  So the show called me back and said they wanted me to come out to L.A to screen test.  And when I came out here, I was so open to the fact that maybe this isn’t the right thing, but if it is, it will be.  Then when I arrived here and got to the studio, and being here the day of the screen test, it just felt like Kismet.  It felt right.  So I performed two scenes: one with Peter Bergman and one with Joshua Morrow (Nick).  And initially the scene I sent in from New York was between Phyllis and Sharon.  I love that relationship.  It’s a real fierce relationship.  I felt that I understood that.  I was then happy to see they were going to focus on the two guys here.  I think that was important to see what the chemistry is like.  Peter and Joshua are two different entities, and what is wonderful is that Phyllis has two important men in her life.

MICHAEL:

What was your first impression of Mr. Morrow?

GINA:

Joshua is gorgeous inside and out.  He is a bright light, and he has been here a long time, and he is still so humble.  That struck me, along with Joshua’s ability.

MICHAEL:

Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins

Joshua told me in a recent interview that he wants the fans to give you a shot and a chance to win them over as Phyllis!  What were the audition scenes with Joshua like?

GINA:

It actually was an aggressive scene between Phyllis and Nick that was a fight layered with a lot of passion.  Whereas the Peter scene was about Jack’s trust and how the hallmark of their relationship was that they always had trust.  And with Nick, there is a fire.  Now, Joshua is a beautiful man! (Laughs)  And I am a married woman in real life! (Laughs)  I am looking at him, again thinking that he is just so humble, and yet he is so funny!  I love being around anybody who can make me laugh.

MICHAEL:

So are you aware of the “Phick” fans and the “Shick” fans, and that never the two will meet? (Laughs)

GINA:

I learned about it.  I am like scared of these people! (Laughs)  Let me tell you, I am going to wear horse blinders, because I am NOT going to read what people are saying.   I will purposely not read what people are writing for awhile.  I have to focus on the work.

MICHAEL:

What happened when you found out you had nabbed the role of Phyllis?  How did you find out?  Who told you?

GINA:

Courtesy/IMDB

Let me just put like this: It was completely on facebook and quickly on the Internet. And that happened well before any of my family members knew, and it just shows you the speed of social media.  It got out there fast when it was announced.  I truly, when I left this building for the screen test, knew I was proud of my work.  I had stepped out of my comfort zone.  I pushed it, in my opinion, but I knew that’s what this particular role needs.  As Phyllis, you have to really just go for it!  And, we don’t know the way the fans are going to go with this.  I am like: “Well, I hope they like me.”  I remember after the audition seeing Y&R executive producer Jill Farren Phelps’ face.  She looked happy, but there was still another girl to read for the role.  Everyone gets a fair shot, but the cards went my way.  Now the way I found out was through a text message from a friend who said, “Oh, my God.  I just found out you got the role!”  When I found out I got the part I couldn’t believe it, and I was so thrilled.  Then, I had a moment of: “Oh, my gosh!  How am I going to do this?”  I was concerned how I was going to work out the flying back and forth from the east coast, and the logistics of it all.  As everyone knows, soaps are at an insane speed.  Every day there is new stuff for everyone to learn.  I was used to that stuff, but the travel I had not done.  But what is unbelievable is that it is all working out quite well.  Typically, I will fly in a day before I tape an episode, or if it’s for four episodes, even better.

MICHAEL:

But you had to have a “pinch yourself moment” when it sank in that you were going to be the actress to play Phyllis.

GINA:

I was speechless.   I think I thought, “Wow! Wow! Wow!”  Because in my mind, Y&R is the number one show on the planet!  This is the number one role on the planet, so this is it!  In Jill Phelps’ words: “This is as good as it gets!”  And it’s true.  I am a very lucky girl, but I am blessed.

MICHAEL:

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto

You had worked with Y&R’s executive producer Jill Farren Phelps previously, correct?

GINA:

Yes.  I worked with Jill a million years ago when I was at One Life to Live.  She said to me, “You grew up pretty good.”  And that just meant so much.  Jill is wonderful to work for.  It had been so long since we had worked together, but to get this role was still a fair fight.

MICHAEL:

Michelle Stafford sent you a tweet congratulating you on becoming the next Phyllis. What did you think of her doing that?

GINA:

I think it was classy.  Look, I loved what she did with the role, and I think I identified with it.  Dinah and Phyllis could have been from the same family, in fact, they might be cousins! (Laughs)  I pray that the audience gives me a chance, but what I am going to do with all of my heart is express the spirit of Phyllis.

MICHAEL:

And what is the spirit of Phyllis to you?

GINA:

She loves with all of her heart fearlessly, and she is not afraid of what that looks like, and that is interesting to play.

MICHAEL:

Are you nervous that no matter what you do, you will not be accepted by the Y&R viewing audience?

GINA:

Courtesy/CBS

I think it’s human nature to fulfill people’s expectations, but if you go too far in that direction in your mind, you are toast.  I am excited, but if turns too much to nerves, I watch that and keep an eye on that.  I will say; you need all the strength you can get for this role! (Laughs)

MICHAEL:

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!”

MICHAEL:

And what are your thoughts on your on-screen nemesis Sharon Case (Sharon)?

GINA:

I love Sharon Case.  First of all, Sharon is the most beautiful girl ever.  I have not worked with her yet, but she gave me a hug, and I gave her a hug.

MICHAEL:

Courtesy/CBS

Who have you worked with thus far from the cast?

GINA:

Peter Bergman, Hunter King (Summer) who plays my daughter.  That girl is wicked talented.  I love her energy, and I was drawn to her right away.  Matt Atkinson, who has been great as Austin, the character of Dr. Cutler, and I have worked with Eric Braeden.  Victor came to visit Phyllis.

MICHAEL:

So here you are, two-time Daytime Emmy winner Gina Tognoni, and it’s your first day on set at Y&R, and your first scenes, and you have to pretend that you are in a coma! (Laughs) 

GINA:

My first scenes were me lying in a coma.  I kept thinking, “I hope my hair color is correct and I hope my eyes are not twitching,” and they were!  I got a note that I was twitching a little. (Laughs)  Must have been too much coffee! (Laughs)  But it was fine, and it is actually the best way to get to know somebody – to be able to be there and not talk, but to listen.  So that was all O.K.

MICHAEL:

So you obviously know the story, and there are major issues and bombshells surrounding Phyllis waking from her coma.  First on the list is revealing Sharon switched the paternity test, and Summer is Nick’s bio-daughter.  Please tell me, Phyllis is not going to wake up with amnesia?

GINA:

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto

Well, you don’t know.  You don’t know what place Phyllis has gone to, and what she has seen while she was gone, and we don’t know what she has seen.

MICHAEL:

Well, knowing Phyllis she has probably got a few tricks up her sleeve!

GINA:

Yes.  I will tell you when you talk to anybody who has been in a coma, when they come back … they know they have come back.  They could have either passed on, or come back, and Phyllis is back and there is a reason she is coming back, and that intrigues me.  I think that is fabulous.  There are quite of bit of undercurrents going on here!

MICHAEL:

I think there is a huge revenge element in there, too!  After all, everyone else has moved on with their life, while she was stuck in this coma!

GINA:

Which is interesting, because now she has to get integrated back into her life.  So physically, where is she?  There are all of types of wonderful questions that come up for an actress: is she 100% strong?  So we are going to see a journey, and the audience is going to have to watch very closely, because it’s going to be subtle.  It has to be built brick by brick.

MICHAEL:

Which is so interesting, because Michelle Stafford’s new character on GH was in a coma for 20 years!  You two are the comatose twins!

GINA:

Courtesy/ABC

I love that, and I know!  It’s going to be like Frick and Frack, right?  It’s going to be … who was the best coma patient?  It’s very weird that we both have those storylines, but that’s also what is kind of cool about it.

MICHAEL:

So, as you know, fans were very worried about who was going to take over this role. They had seen so many of their favorites depart The Young and the Restless for one reason or the other over the last year and half, that they wanted to make sure that someone truly capable of performing this role got the job, in their opinion.  What has been the pulse you are getting from fans in their reaction to the news that you the new Phyllis?   On my site, it was extremely positive … which is a rarity these days! (Laughs)

GINA:

Honestly, the manifest I got was: “Oh, we are so happy.”  I know they were happy I was coming to the show.  Now, there will be no negativity! (Laughs)  I don’t want to hear it! (Laughs)  I am a very spiritual girl, so I would not have flown all the way here!  So we are going to embrace that.  When you take on a character, you take on a character, and then you open the door and trust, and have that responsibility.

MICHAEL:

OK, let’s get down to it.  Who do you want to have love scenes with?

GINA:

Courtesy/CBS

(Laughs)  I think I am in great hands with Peter Bergman, or Joshua Morrow!  And then Cady McClain (Kelly) and everyone else is going to hate me for it! (Laughs)

MICHAEL:

Do you know where the character of Phyllis is heading, let’s say, six months out from now?

GINA:

I do not know six months out.  I have never in my career on daytime known story six months out.  Let’s just say that I know there is quite a bit of conflict coming up with Sharon, and a lot of concern over Summer, and then Phyllis fighting her way back and being integrated again.  I know there will be specific things to accomplish for her!

MICHAEL:

Do you want Phyllis to have a knock down drag out catfight with Sharon?  I think many fans really want to see it!

GINA:

I think she needs to step in the ring with Sharon, but I think there needs to be a discussion!  (Laughs) And I think the fans will get plenty of that!

MICHAEL:

You know the entire back-story of the tumble down the stairs that Phyllis took in a confrontation with Sharon?

GINA:

Courtesy/CBS

Yes.  I knew Phyllis took a tumble. There is a debate whether she was thrown down the stairs, or if she fell down the stairs, or if Sharon pushed Phyllis down the stairs.  Of course, Phyllis will probably see it as Sharon pushed her down the stairs!  And, as I said, when people come back to life from this kind of situation they come back with a sense of purpose, and fans will see that.  That will be very clear.  She is back to establish relationships, make some relationships good, to get some clarity on things with Avery (Jessica Collins) and Kelly!  The thing is Jack seems quite happy right now with Kelly, and that relationship is going quite well, and the fans certainly like it.  However, Jack and Phyllis had a connection   He is in many ways Phyllis’ soul mate.  She has two soul mates, the other being Nick.

MICHAEL:

Nick is really Summer’s father.  What do you think will happen when Phyllis realizes this?  I think this will draw her back to Nick!

GINA:

Ideally, yes, in a perfect world.  I think Phyllis has a soft spot for sex with Nick! (Laughs) But also having that soft spot for everything with him … she wants it all.

MICHAEL:

Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

Fans have loved you from Guiding Light, and they have loved you from One Life to Live.  Both shows have now gone, for all intent and purpose, to soap heaven.  Can you share a few thoughts on your experience on Guiding Light?  You had left GL early before the show wrapped.

GINA:

What happened there was my contract was up, and it was time to go.  It was something when I look back at it that almost felt like I left the funeral early.  I wished I had stayed through to the end.  I loved my experience on Guiding Light.  It was amazing, and I loved playing Dinah.

MICHAEL:

Do you think the role of GL’s Dinah prepared you to be able to take on a role like Y&R’s Phyllis?

GINA:

Oh, yeah!  I am sure I will use a lot of strength and fire that we saw in Dina, and yet, Phyllis has a very different core.

MICHAEL:

On One Life to Live you came back to the role you originated of Kelly Cramer, and continued on shortly before the show went off the air.  Can you touch upon your feelings for the show that gave you your first soap break being canceled?

Courtesy/ABC

GINA:

My heart broke for that show.  It felt very unfair that it was canceled.  OLTL fans were so supportive and vocal about the show being canceled; you would think in these days that it would be enough to keep it on the air.  I think for the TV version, Frank Valentini (former EP OLTL, now EP GH) and Ron Carlivati (former head writer OLTL, now head writer GH) did a good job of wrapping it up.  It broke so many people’s hearts to take something off the air that meant a lot to so many.  I feel grateful to be on The Young and the Restless as there is an appreciation here for what we do.

MICHAEL:

What did you think about your final turn playing Kelly on One Life?

GINA:

I feel like Kelly’s storyline was stuck somewhere between first gear and neutral, but here at Y&R I feel thrilled to be working with all five gears with the Phyllis storyline. Case closed! (Laughs)

MICHAEL:

And now in another twist of irony, Michael Easton, your former love interest on OLTL, is now involved with former Genoa City Phyllis, Michelle Stafford, on General Hospital!

GINA:

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Damn him! Damn her!  (Laughs)

MICHAEL:

In closing Gina, what would you like to say to the fans … those that are in your corner, and those who may be your toughest critics, as you begin a new chapter in your soap life as Phyllis?

GINA:

I have so many people rooting for me that I do not take it for granted.  I love that, and I cherish that.  I promise, to the people that I have not won over yet, that I will work very hard to do that.  I will put my heart and soul into this, because I want to, and I have to, and I will do this character justice.  And you be nice!!!! (Laughs)  I plan to go for it with this role.  It’s going to be balls to the wall!