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The Young and The Restless Michelle Stafford Interview: One Of Soaps Greatest On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination!
Photo Credit: Duffimages.com
There is no question that The Young and the Restless’ Michelle Stafford is one of the most phenomenal actresses in the history of the soap genre! And now this year, Stafford scores her tenth Daytime Emmy Nomination for her role as Genoa City’s fiery Phyllis! Already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner, could this be the year that Michelle adds to her gold collection if she takes home the prize for Outstanding Lead Actress?
On-Air On-Soaps chatted with Michelle in her dressing room at Y&R’s studios at CBS to get her thoughts on the recognition from her peers, what episode she picked when she always has some amazing work to choose from, and how not to let an Emmy win, or never being nominated, define your hard work and performances.
Always a straight-shooter, always humorous, and always someone who understands the human condition, here is our Emmy chat with Michelle! Don’t forget, the 40th annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on Sunday night, June 16th and broadcast live on HLN!
What episode did you submit that landed you in the finals of the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category this year? And, why did you decide to go with that episode?
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
MICHELLE: I actually loved the show because on paper it was very different than how I played it. I always go with what I like, and if I don’t get in, I don’t get in. Like last year, I loved the show I submitted and I didn’t get nominated. And you know, I feel better not getting nominated, or not winning based on integrity, and what I thought was good. I don’t always go with how I think people will perceive it. I liked this because there were a lot of twists and turns in it. In the episode, Phyllis goes after Christine (Lauralee Bell) in the coffee house, and I kind of made it funny. Then I was pissed, and then it was like a ‘screw you!’ It was a rollercoaster ride, which I liked. And, then there are scenes with Nick (Joshua Morrow) where she is hurt over his relationship with Avery (Jessica Collins).
How was it on paper, or written in the script?
MICHELLE: On paper they wanted me to come in a like a bull and lose my mind on Christine. I was like, “Well, you know … she is a lot smarter than that.” The thing was, Phyllis already won. She got off for the crime. So when you already won, you don’t need to throw it to be mad, because you won! I put some gloating in there! Like, “I’m free, bitch!” (Laughs) Phyllis was just making fun of Christine, and Lauralee Bell was awesome in the scene! In fact, she pushed me as Christine, and that was not in the script, and so I pushed her back! (Laughs) It was a good old-fashioned bitch fight! (Laughs) I am so glad though that the writers had these scenes for me to play.
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Who weighed-in on your choices for your Emmy submission? I know Christian LeBlanc (Michael, Y&R) always usually helps you pick, or offers up an opinion to you come Emmy time!
MICHELLE: It was one of those years that I had some really good scenes in episodes, and then two boring ones at the end. Everyone falls into that. I had two really great shows, but then at the end of that I had these two scenes, where I talk about nothing for a long time with somebody. So it was between this one with Lauralee and Josh, or the other episode was with me and Christian going back and forth. I sent it to Christian and I also sent to Nancy Lee Grahn, (Alexis, GH) because she sends me hers. And, she did not look it at it because she was too busy. So it was just Christian. See Nancy! (Laughs) In the end though, I go with my gut.
What do you think about the other ladies in your category this year … Susan Flannery (Ex-Stephanie) and Heather Tom (Katie) for their work on The Bold and the Beautiful, and Peggy McKay (Caroline) of Days of our Lives?
MICHELLE: There are only four nominees in the category, which is shocking! I saw a performance of Susan Flannery’s (Ex-Stephanie, B&B) in scenes with John McCook (Eric, B&B) as I judged Lead Actor. Having just experienced going through cancer with my sister every single day, the way that Susan Flannery reacted was brilliant. I was so relieved to see she did not go to the tears and the histrionics, and I really loved it. I don’t know what she submitted, but this one I loved. These ladies I am in the category with are all amazing!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
We have often talked that the best way to look at the Daytime Emmys is that it’s just a big game, in which you play to win, but in no way does it define you. What advice would you give to other actors or nominees, having been a veteran of these proceedings now ten times?
MICHELLE: I think you can get wrapped up in it. It is a validation of your work, but you put to much credence on it. If you think it means that you’re good, or not good, it can screw with your head, that’s all. I can see if someone is continuously not nominated, like Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B) up until this year. Now, this year she has said to me, “It’s embarrassing.” And I said to her, “No. It’s not embarrassing. You’re in! It doesn’t matter!” So I am very excited for Katherine. She worked so hard and deserves it, and she is a sweetheart. It is a game. It’s not, “I don’t care if I win or lose,” because when I play a game, I play to win.
And … you have lost many times too!
MICHELLE: Oh, my gosh. (Laughs) I have lost so many times. One year I remember I was just pissed! And I wasn’t pissed that I lost. I wasn’t pissed at the person who won, but I was just like, “Really? I got dressed up tonight! God! I had so much going on! I got my hair and make-up done! Geez!” (Laughs)
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
You are always, if not thee, one of the stunners always walking the red carpet on Daytime Emmy night! Is it fun for you to get all dressed up? Or, do you feel pressure that you have to top yourself year after year with the look and the dress?
MICHELLE: Yes, it is totally fun, and it is not pressure. Every woman wants to dress up and look pretty. Every woman wants to look good. And every man wants to look good, right?
Well… some men dress up better than others!
MICHELLE: Yes, but in their mind, they look good! (Laughs)
So Y&R fans, what do you think of Michelle’s choice of submission for the Daytime Emmys? Do you think she has a good shot at winning the Lead Actress prize this year? Would you agree she is one of the best actresses on television? Share your thoughts!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Tamara Tunie Shares Bittersweet Moment of Learning She’s a Daytime Emmy Nominee Following the Loss of ATWT’s Scott Bryce
As many are celebrating their nominations for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30, for some it was a “mixed bag of emotions,” as detailed by first time nominee Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree, Beyond the Gates), who was named as one of the five women in the coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress category.
The Lead Actress nominations were actually announced on Monday on Entertainment Tonight, ahead of the full nomination announcement by NATAS on Tuesday. Sadly, on Sunday night, Tamara’s longtime friend, and former As the World Turns co-stars, Scott Bryce (ex-Craig Montgomery) passed away from cancer at 68-years-old.
Michael Fairman TV first reported the heartbreaking news of Scott’s death, and his beloved son, Jackson took to his Instagram to announce the death of his father, sharing, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”
Photo: JPI
THE LOSS OF ‘AS THE WORLD TURNS’ CO-STAR
Tamara spoke on receiving the recognition from peers while mourning the loss and trying to process the news of Bryce’s death via heartfelt message on her Instagram on Wednesday. Tunie had appeared on As the World Turns as Jessica Griffin from 1986-1995, 1999-2007 and 2009. She crossed paths with Bryce during several of his runs on the show 1982-1987, 1988-89, 1990, 1993-94 and 2007-08.
In her video message, Tunie explained she was at the airport in Atlanta (where Beyond the Gates is taped) and was heading to Pittsburgh for a speaking engagement, but she took a few moments to address these two moments in her life.
Tamara began her video with, “Hey family. I didn’t want to let any more time go by without expressing some of the emotions I had been feeling over the past couple of days. Many of you know that a dear friend of mine passed Sunday night. He was like a brother to me. We were friends for 40 something years and we actually met on the set of As the World Turns, a daytime drama. Monday, a mere 24 hours later, it was announced that I was nominated for an Emmy award for Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama.”
Sharing how the loss of Scott Bryce has deeply-affected her, Tamara added, “So, you can only imagine the rollercoaster of emotions that I have been feeling since Sunday night. I know my daytime soap opera brother is smiling down on me and cheering me on, and I am so grateful for this recognition from my peers. Being nominated for the first time it’s a mixed bag of feelings I have to tell you.”
Photo: CBS
BEYOND THE GATES FAMILY SCORES BIG IN EMMY NOMINATIONS
However, Tamara took some moments to recognize Beyond the Gates Emmy nomination haul, expressing, “I’m looking forward to the next couple of months leading up to the awards as we continue to create great television. I am so proud of the rest of my cast members, not only those who are nominated, but every single person who works on this show and gives a hundred percent of themselves every single time they show up. Our crew, our production staff, the Beyond the Gates family is truly special.”
“To have these 15 nominations is really extraordinary. Thank you family for watching. Thank you for supporting us. Thank you for supporting me,” concluded Tunie.
You can check out Tamara’s emotional video message below.
Now, let us know, are you happy to see Tamara receiving the first Daytime Emmy nomination of her career for her role as Anita on Beyond the Gates? Do you remember when Tamara and Scott Bryce both appeared on As the World Turns? Share your thoughts on Tamara’s heartbreaking words on his passing via the comment section.
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There’s another new face in Port Charles, when on today’s Wednesday, July 15 on General Hospital, Grady Eldridge made his debut as Simon, a new music executive, who is scouting talent for his record label.
According to Soap Opera Digest, Eldridge is on recurring status with the ABC soap opera, and in story, Simon is the A&R rep responsible for signing music acts and he enters the scene as Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) sets up a musical showcase for Trina (Tabyana Ali) and Gio (Giovanni Mazza) who accompanies her on guitar. As the showcase kicks off, Simon arrives.
While his GH role marks his first on daytime, Grady can currently be seen in the final season of HBO’s comedy hit, Hacks. He has numerous credits in primetime including: Doctor Odyssey, The Sex Lives of College Girls and appeared as Max in the recently released in Jennifer Lopez’s movie office romance.
Eldridge joins several other newcomers have joined the ABC soap including: Dean Geyer as Dr. Tristan Roberts (who first showed up on Monday’s July 13 episode), and Troy Lennon Appel as mysterious businessman, Hudson who shows up later this month.
In addition, GH fans will get the chance to see Kayden Brenna Tokarski who takes over the role of Scout Cain, and Kelly Kruger (ex-Mackenzie Browning, The Young and the Restless) who is the recast Serena Baldwin, who debuts on July 30.
So, do you hope Simon sticks around Port Charles? Do you think Trina and Gio will become a major recording act, or will trouble be brewing with this new music executive, and Brook Lynn will spell t-r-o-u-b-l-e? Let us know your thoughts and impressions after checking out Grady on today’s GH via the comment section.
The world of microdramas (otherwise known as verticals) continue to be the burgeoning new form of entertainment storytelling often with romance novel-like soap opera storytelling, and all accessible in bite sized short 1-2 minute episodes on your phone.
After The Bold and the Beautiful’s Brad Bell (executive producer and head writer) land his son Oliver Bell announced that in August they will premiere their first microdrama Hollywood Startlet under their Red Flair Entertainment banner for aTwist (formerly MicroCo), comes word that now WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment is developing their first live-action microdrama series in collaboration with ReelShort, the world’s leading microdrama platform.
This new endeavor brings together WWE’s iconic Superstars, world-renowned creative strategy, and global fanbase with ReelShort’s expertise in premium vertical storytelling to create an entirely new entertainment experience for audiences around the world. Together, the companies are introducing a new way for fans to experience entertainment through mobile-first storytelling, while expanding the possibilities of the rapidly growing microdrama format.
WHICH WWE SUPERSTARS WILL APPEAR IN THE MICRODRAMA?
The initial series will feature WWE Superstars: Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu and Joe Hendry, among others, alongside fan-favorite ReelShort stars Marc Herrmann and Chase Mattson. Production is scheduled to begin next month, with the series expected to premiere this early fall.
“Brand partnerships are evolving beyond product placement. We’re creating entertainment ecosystems where brands, talent, and storytelling come together to build cultural moments that audiences actively engage with and share,” said Sammie Hao, Head of Talent & Business Development at ReelShort.
THE EVOLUTION OF STORYTELLING
“By bringing WWE Superstars into the ReelShort cinematic world, we are creating a new storytelling experience for the WWE Universe, while reaching a fresh audience with premium content on ReelShort’s innovative platform,” said Ben Houser, Head of Original Content and Development, WWE.
ReelShort is the world’s leading microdrama platform, delivering premium original scripted series through fast-paced, mobile-first storytelling. Available in more than 100 countries and reaching more than 70 million monthly active users, ReelShort is redefining how global audiences discover and engage with entertainment through original productions, bestselling IP adaptations, and collaborations with leading creators, brands, and entertainment companies. ReelShort is developed by Crazy Maple Studio, a global entertainment company behind some of the world’s most successful mobile storytelling platforms.
WWE is the global leader in sports entertainment. The company creates and delivers original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, Premium Live Events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion households worldwide in more than 20 languages through world-class distribution partners including Netflix, ESPN, NBCUniversal, USA Network and The CW. WWE is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO). Additional information on WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.
So, what do you think about WWE, getting into the microdrama business? It’s seems like a great way to utilize the WWE superstars and mix them up with some of the top stars in vertical dramas and for consumption for the global pro wrestling fans who will have yet another platform to watch their favorites. Weigh-in via the comment section below.
‘Beyond the Gates’ and NAACP Partner for Contest to Give Winning Viewer a Guest Spot on the 15-time Daytime Emmy Nominated Soap
‘Beyond the Gates’ Tamara Tunie Shares Bittersweet Moment of Learning She’s a Daytime Emmy Nominee Following the Loss of ATWT’s Scott Bryce
‘General Hospital’s’ Amanda Setton Talks Her Reaction, Scenes, and Co-Stars After Becoming a Daytime Emmy Nominee for the First Time (Exclusive)
Grady Eldridge Makes His ‘General Hospital’ Debut as Music Executive Simon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Tells Danny: ‘The Place They Were Holding Me Was Bad, Really Bad’
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Amanda Setton Talks Her Reaction, Scenes, and Co-Stars After Becoming a Daytime Emmy Nominee for the First Time (Exclusive)
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
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As The World Turns4 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
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Breaking News7 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
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Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
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General Hospital7 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
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Beyond the Gates5 days ago‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
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Beyond the Gates3 days ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 15
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General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Rory Gibson Ties the Knot with Alicia Ruelas
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General Hospital1 week agoKelly Kruger Set to Debut on ‘General Hospital’: Why Serena Baldwin Comes Back to Port Charles Revealed
I think she picked the best scene. I remember the confrontation at Crimson Lights. I really hope Michelle wins! I love her to death! I have the utmost respect for Michelle. ❤
I hope Michelle wins. She is my favorite on the show!! Michelle is up there in the Jeanne Cooper category for me. Class Act!! They are my 2 favorite women on the show! Michelle is always stunning on the red carpet! Good luck Michelle!!
sour grapes. sure.
it’s about time the NATAS panel – realize in this day and age of economics… that bringing credibility to the Emmys…is not dumbing down… the one genre that has built daytime.
i’m over the popularity contest and/or lumping all your votes for said persons’ to bring recognition to said show.
Michelle Stafford… thank you for contributing…
where’s Sharon Case.
where’s Finola Hughes.
where’s Kelly Sullivan.
This isn’t your year. Heather Tom won last year…. Susan Flannery.. sentiment – Possibly. Peggy McCay.. Why not… it’s not like the voting is all that.
Evidently the judging panel did not think the others were worthy of an Emmy nomination!
Doug Davidson was one of the judges for Lead Actress and in his interview on this site on 5/12 said “Michelle Stafford day in and day out brings it to the table, I think she is arguably one of the best in the genre”
Michelle has a great chance of winning!
she is my fave on the show..im rooting for her!!
I think she is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think she’s great!!! Love her character! I am hoping Susan wins… but if not Susan… then Michelle!!!
Great interview as usual Michael… thank you Michelle!!!
I’m going for Susan Flannery for the win since this is her last year to be nominated and to win. If I really want to get greedy, I’d have Heather Tom winning with Susan as well…….a tie or as they prefer to say it, “There are two recipients and the first one is…..”. That would be my preference. I saw the same scene too and I just don’t think Michelle will win with that one. The other three actresses have much stronger material than she does. Peggy McKay, Susan, and Heather all had social issue storylines that they were playing. Michelle does not. So, in my mind, she’s a long shot. And as someone said, Susan is the sentimental favorite going in.
WOW! This catagory is packed heavy with talent….I know the scenes which was very good…because you had not only Christine, Nina, Paul, Lauren, Michael in the scene and it was a fun ride. I love her and hopes she does win….
I pick Michelle video for the Emmy before Y&R did I told my Brother his is the video will win the Emmy for Michelle…I just don’t understand why Michelle Sister Finn was left out of the Emmy this year…and Why wasn’t LLB left out Support Actress for the same Video is the Emmy Fix….will watch Michelle was Ann 12 time stright so shye better win she lose 12 times that enough..GO Michelle.
Michelle Stafford is talented. She can swing so much emotion out of a viewer, she can make you want to hug her, so her or just smirk cause you get the joke. I really hope she wins.
I love her portrayal of Phyllis. She projects every emotion to a T. Deep down I think Phyllis is mentally disturbed and Ms. Stafford allows that to come out every now & then. It is not only the vocal aspects of her acting but the way she uses her entire body,,,hands shaking and neck tensing when she is upset. Phyllis is such a complex character and Michelle Stafford has the acting chops to pull off the entire range of emotions that are necessary to bring out the complexities.
Ms. Stafford should take into consideration what she liked about Susan Flannery’s performance: “I was so relieved to see she did not go to the tears and the histrionics”. And lol yes, Phyllis did come in like a bull and lost her mind on Christine,lol. Phyllis came off like a total loon – the writers got what they wanted out of those scenes.
i met Michelle las summer n Vancouver and had a chance for a chat. She is as genuine as in this interview. Her enthusiasm is always so present. At the Charity Tea she attended in Vancouver, she gave up a weekend with her daughter to help promote the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. That was done after her work week and then a flight back to LA. She was totally enthused for the event. I found out following, her sister has now been declared ‘cancer free’ after treatments for the same cancer.
Am hoping for Michelle to be recognized once again for all the stellar acting she brings to Y&R.
Just read that Michelle is leaving Y&R. What a HUGE loss!!!
I wonder if that means Victoria Rowell is coming back. I can’t think of whom else would want to break up Neil and Leslie if not Drucilla.
I love & support MS in any scene she does. She is a consummate pro. Good luck Michelle in both the nomination & your new ventures.
I’ve enjoyed watching Michelle Stafford for years. As for the Daytime Emmys, win or lose, I will always have love for Michelle. She’s truly one of the best.
Michelle is a phenomenal actress. She plays the heavy role so well and with such ease. She doesn’t even appear to be acting and I know she is under alot of lights, cameras, people all around and still makes every scene so believable. Michelle has been one of my favorites ever since she came on the Y&R. I hate to see her leave the show.