News
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!
News
Nathan Fillion Recalls Best Advice for a Soap Opera Tag on ‘What What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen
Nathan Fillion, who stars on ABC’s The Rookie, which was officially renewed for its ninth season, and who began his television career on One Life to Live as Joey Buchanan from 1994-1997 was the guest along with actress Geena Davis on Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live on Bravo.
During their conversation, Cohen who is a big fan of soap operas himself, especially All My Children asked Fillion about the incredible pace of acting on a soap. Fillion reflected, “It is extreme acting at a pace that you cannot fathom, and I’m told even since then it’s gotten faster and faster.” The Llanview alum added, “There are very soap operas left. I was in it just as they were starting to decline.”
However, in the buzzworthy moment that has made it to social media, Fillion shared, “I learned one very important thing. We were talking about that slow closeup at the end of a scene,” also referred to as the tag. So, “I complained about how long that closeup was like, “What am I supposed to do?”

Photo: ABC
THREE FACES OF A SOAP OPERA TAG
Fillion recalled, “A lovely man named Michael Knight (ex-Tad Martin) from All My Children (now Martin Grey on GH), I complained about (it to and) how long that closeup was, like, ‘What am I supposed to do?’ He said, ‘You need to make three faces.” Now Fillion made the faces associated with these thoughts in front of Cohen and Geena Davis, while looking straight to the camera. “They are: ‘Did I leave the stove on?’ ‘I did leave the stove on!’ ‘No, I turned the stove off.’ Works for every scene!”

Photo: ABC
ONE LIFE TO LIVE LEADING LADIES
Later, Cohen asked about the leading ladies he got the opportunity to work with on One Life to Live, and mentioned, then Nathan’s on-screen mother, Erika Slezak (Viki), and then Nathan’s on-screen lover Robin Strasser (Dorian).
Nathan explained, “I was in between Erika Slezak and Robin Strasser – the matriarch of the show, the villain of the show, I was torn between them. It was the perfect position to be in. I had a fantastic time.”
You can catch the moments where Nathan and Andy talk about Fillion’s time as Joey Buchanan on One Life to Live below beginning at the 3:08 mark.
So, what did you think of advice Michael Knight gave to Nathan to help him cue into the looks of a soap opera tag at the end of a scene? Did you love the story which saw Joey torn between the love for his mother, and the passionate affair with an older woman, Viki’s nemesis, Dorian Lord? Let us know via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Knew He Hit the ‘Jackpot’ With New Role as Joe Fitzpatrick
First-look photos of Jonathan Bennett’s new General Hospital role of PCPD officer Joe Fitzpatrick have been released, given GH fans a glimpse of what’s to come when the character makes his debut on Monday’s upcoming May 18 episode.
Bennett is coming home to ABC soap operas, after beginning his career as All My Children’s JR Chandler some 25 years ago. The actor/host/producer shared that returning to the rigors of a daytime drama was not on his “bingo” card. However, the minute he heard about the role, there was no question in his mind, he was going to go in, read for it, and make it his!
In preview of his upcoming debut, Jonathan spoke with TV Insider, where he detailed his feelings on playing Joe, “I feel like I hit the jackpot when this opportunity came because the character is something that I really wanted to play. I’ve never read something where I was like, ‘I have to do it,’ and when I read this, I called my agent and said, ‘I’m playing this character.’”
KNEW THIS ROLE WAS FOR ME
Confident that he would nab the role, he clearly was the choice of GH executive producer Frank Valentini too, with whom, Bennett shared is one of the reasons he couldn’t wait to step into the world of Port Charles, “I was very excited to work with the best of the best, like Frank Valentini. He’s a legend.”
The Hallmark Channel and Food Network staple also shared that once his casting was announced, the reaction he received, doubled-down his decision that being on General Hospital and playing Joe Fitzpatrick was the right move at this time in his career and his life.
“The outpouring of love from just the announcement made me really emotional. I was driving home, talking to my husband, and I started having tears roll down my face. It just feels so good to go somewhere where you’re so loved and you feel so supported before you even start. It felt like a weight was taken off my shoulders. I just was like, ‘Oh, this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.’”

Courtesy/ABC
PREVIEW CLIP
In an exclusive clip released to PEOPLE.com on Friday, May 15, GH fans can get their first real glimpse of Bennett in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick. In the scene at the PCPD, Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) asks, “Hey, dispatcher. What’s the story with this arrest?” To which Joe responds, “A call came in from the maître d’ at the Metro Court and he said there was some sort of argument, scuffle happening in the gardens and was concerned things were going to escalate and patrons would get injured. When we got there, it was obvious, things had escalated.”
That exchange leaves General Hospital fans wondering who was in the scuffle? Stay tuned.
So, will Dante put Joe on the case to help keep his son Rocco remain in the clear from shooting Cullum? Will Joe be a good guy, or could he be implanted at the PCPD by Sidwell or Cullum? What about the role that Jonathan Bennett read initially, do you think made it something that he really wanted to play? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
News
B&B Alum Lisa Yamada in Production on New Film, ‘My Boyfriend Is A Demon’
On recent episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful, Dylan (Sydney Bullock) gave herself and the audience quite a scare when it seemed like Luna had popped out from behind the clothing rack and revealed herself to be alive. Only it was a fakeout to B&B viewers, when it turned out not to be Luna, but Remy Pryce (Christian Weissmann) donning a long black wig.
However, there is news about the actress who played the real Luna, Lisa Yamada. The Daytime Emmy winner is busy shooting another film role and this time the movie is already in production,
Yamada is part of the ensemble cast of My Boyfriend Is A Demon that also features notable and newcomers including: Mattias Ferrell (A Very Jonas Christmas Movie), Bailey Sloan (Ragamuffin), Jack Champion (Avatar), Ever Anderson (Peter Pan & Wendy), Vinnie Hacker (Euphoria), Josephine Reitman, David Arquette (Scream), Rosanna Arquette (The Moment), Coco Arquette (Cougar Town), Savannah Lee Smith (Tinsel Town), and Ty Law (Friday Night Lights).

Photo: LYamadaIG
My Boyfriend Is A Demon is written and directed by mishka. In the story, Mary, a lonely, small-town girl who, in an effort to gain the acceptance and friendship of her peers, creates a ‘finsta’ account for a nonexistent, seemingly perfect guy, appearing to be her boyfriend. After apparently manifesting a little too hard, her new beau suddenly shows up at her door. The film is executive produced by Verdi Productions. Ketchup Entertainment and Kinolime.
In a statement, Verdi Productions’ President, Chad A. Verdi, shared with Deadline, “This cast is a perfect balance of veterans from major studio franchises such as Scream and Avatar alongside exciting emerging talent poised to become the next generation of movie stars. mishka’s script connects with young audiences in a way that feels fresh, authentic, and culturally relevant. From the cast to the department heads, there’s been a real sense of fearlessness and creative energy throughout production — the kind of collaboration you always hope to find on a film like this.”
If and when Luna ever returns to The Bold and the Beautiful alive and well remains to be seen. But. as discussed in Michael Fairman TV’s recent interview with Yamada on the red carpet at the BBTV app launch party, Lisa will soon be seen in this summer’s highly-anticipated Prime Video Legally Blonde prequel Elle. Lisa touted My Boyfriend Is a Demon on her Instagram Story.
So, intrigued to see Lisa in My Boyfriend Is A Demon when it’s released? Do you think at some point soon, Luna will for sure pop up and be alive and well and planning revenge on the Spencers and Dylan? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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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.