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The Young and The Restless Michelle Stafford Interview: One Of Soaps Greatest On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination!

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins

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!

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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.

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Shemar Moore Makes Another Return to ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Malcolm Winters

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When Shemar Moore (Malcolm Winters) made his most recent on-screen return to his old stomping grounds at The Young and the Restless back at the beginning of April. Viewers also know that it has been teased that he was not done taping his most recent return story arc, and that he would be back to wrap it up.

Circle next week on the Monday, June 8 and Wednesday, June 9 episodes of the top-rated CBS soap opera, when Malcolm Winters, who has survived his bone barrow transplant surgery after being diagnosed with aplastic anemia, is back for some important conversations.

This time out, he will reconnect once again with his daughter Lily (Christel Khalil) and is recently discovered biological son, Holden (Nathan Owens). In addition, according to Parade, he will interface with his son’s New York City “travel companion” in Claire Newman (Hayley Erin).

Photo: CBS

THE LEGACY OF MALCOLM WINTERS

Part of the bigger story is Malcolm’s relationship with his ex Dr. Stephanie Simmons (Vivica A. Fox), who happens to be the mother of his child, Holden. Viewers can look for some unfinished business that the two need to settle in the upcoming episodes. Both Moore and Vivica A.Fox first appeared together on Y&R back in 1994 and then some 30 years later just a few months ago.

Shemar Moore made his debut as the younger brother of the late Neil Winters (Kristoff St. John) back in 1994 and stayed with the soap until 2005. A Daytime Emmy win later, and with his first television experience under his belt, Moore went on to major primetime success on CBS’ Criminal Minds. Next, he helped launch and was the centerpiece for S.W.A.T. also on CBS, until it was canceled. Now, he will soon be seen in the new spin-off series, S.W.A.T. exiles.

During a recent conversation for Michael Fairman TV, Christel Khalil shared of working with her TV dad again: “It’s always amazing to have anyone come back that’s been away for a while, but especially, Shemar. It’s all the history with him being Lily’s dad. For me, it’s been 20 years of knowing him. Obviously, I don’t get to talk to him or hang out with him and that kind of thing. So it was just nice just to see him again and have that moment around Neil’s portrait, and to be able to share that together and even talk about that off-camera. It’s just special and feels like family, which is nice.”

So, looking forward to seeing Shemar Moore for a few more episodes as he wraps up Malcolm’s recent story arc and visits with his newly found son, Holden and his ex Stephanie? Do you hope for more emotional scenes that were not played out the first time he was back looking for a bone marrow donor to save his life? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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How ‘The Young and the Restless’ Mark Grossman Almost Became ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Thomas Forrester

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As initially reported by Michael Fairman TV, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation recently held a live daytime drama casting directors panel which featured: Greg Salmon (The Young and the Restless), Marnie Saitta (Days of Our Lives), Christy Dooley (The Bold and the Beautiful), and Kim Coleman (Beyond the Gates).

The four soap opera casting directors traded behind the scenes stories, their process to help actor’s in the audition process, the most difficult and important recasts to their respective shows during their tenure, and the challenges of casting under-five roles, which surprisingly can harder than finding the series regulars.

When the talked turned to a major recast that Greg Salmon had to find it was to fill the shoes of Justin Hartley who exited the CBS soap to star on the NBC drama, This Is Us.  The role of the black sheep of the Newman clan was previously played by Chris Engen and Michael Muhney, before Hartley. Salmon knew they found their man to be the fourth Adam when Mark Grossman entered the picture.

Photo:JPI

THE SEARCH FOR ADAM NEWMAN

Salmon explained, “That was a really tough role to recast. Before Justin, there were two other people who played the part. Adam Newman is central to the show. This is Victor Newman’s son, so it’s an incredibly important character. I remember Mark came in and read with Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) and a few other members of the Newman family. His energy was just off the charts. It felt like this is how Adam should be. Eventually, I think the audience really accepted him. Mark has playing the role for several (7) years now and he’s completely made the role his own.”

However, in an ironic twist, it appears that Grossman came very close to joining Y&R’s sister soap, The Bold and the Beautiful in the part of Thomas Forrester played most recently by Matthew Atkinson, and before that Adam Gregory and Drew Tyler Bell.

THE SEARCH FOR THOMAS FORRESTER

Responding to Salmon, The Bold and the Beautiful ‘s casting director Christy Dooley revealed that Mark Grossman was once in the running for the role of Ridge and Taylor’s son. “He tested for us,” she recalled. “Mark came in and read for the role of Thomas Forrester, and he was my choice for the role,” Dooley shared.

Dooley added, “The role wound up going to Matthew Atkinson. But then Mark came down (the hall) to read for The Young and the Restless.”

Fans of The Young and the Restless know that during his 7-years as Adam Newman, that Mark Grossman has become one of the most popular stars on the show. So it’s difficult to wrap you head around that B&B might have nabbed his first as Thomas, and if so, we wouldn’t have gotten to see him turn out those stellar performances in Genoa City .

So, what did you think of this casting tidbit? Could you have seen Mark Grossman as Thomas Forrester? Glad that Y&R had him firmly as their Adam Newman? Let us know via the comment section and you can check the full daytime drama casting director panel below.

 

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General Hospital

Marc Forget Exits ‘General Hospital’

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The Thursday June 4 episode of General Hospital paved way for the end of the line for Jenz Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) butler/fixer, Pascal (Marc Forget).

In the pick of the June 3 cliffhanger, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) was the hero and stopped the evil-doer from fleeing Port Charles for his part in aiding and abetting his boss with the cover-up of the murder of Professor Henry Dalton (Daniel Goddard) among other crimes.

Today’s episode did indeed mark the final appearance of Marc Forget who joined the ABC soap opera when he debuted back in July of 2025. Viewers met met Pascal when Kelly Thiebaud returned to the soap opera as Britt Westbourne and she was being blackmailed to work on Faison’s final project while at the Five Poppies in Dalmatia.

Courtesy/ABC

A General Hospital rep confirmed to Soap Opera Digest, that the June 4 episode, “Will be the last viewers will see of Pascal for now, but notes that in the world of Port Charles, comebacks are always possible.” So, how did Pascal get written-off the canvas? Here’s what went down:

PASCAL GIVES LUCAS KEY INFORMATION BEFORE BEING DRAGGED AWAY

After Sonny intercepted Pascal on his desperate attempt to get out of town, Sonny informed him hat Sidwell would stop at nothing from trying to get retribution for whoever killed his son, Marco, and promptly turned around and said that he would help Pascal flee the country, only if he turned on Sidwell.

An absolutely terrified Pascal had evidence for Sonny that he could use against Sidwell. However, he feared he would get killed on sight if he tried to retrieve the incriminating photos of Sonny and Laura from the safe at Wyndemere. So instead, Pascal gave the combination to the safe to Lucas (Van Hansis), so he could get the blackmail photos himself. But, did Pascal just set up Lucas to be killed since he loathes him for being the man to win the heart of the late Marco?

In the end, Sonny had one of his henchmen drag Pascal away and whisked off to an airfield to fly away to parts unknown, and hopefully never to be heard from again. But what now? Is Lucas going to end up being pegged as Marco’s killer and taken down by Sidwell if he gets his hands on the incriminating photos for Sonny and Laura? Stay tuned.

So, what did you think of Marc Forget’s run as Pascal? Sad or happy to see the character go? Do you think he will be back down the line? Share your thoughts via the comment section.

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