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Y&R’s Gina Tognoni, Jason Thompson & Amelia Heinle Talk On Philly, Villy, And Each Other!
Photo CreditL JPI Studios
Three of The Young and the Restless most talented actors and fan favorites: Gina Tognoni (Phyllis), Jason Thompson (Billy) and Amelia Heinle (Victoria) chat with Michael Fairman in his latest video offering on The Michael Channel.
Shot on the set of the top-rated daytime drama series inside Phyllis’ apartment, Gina, Jason, and Amelia weigh-in on a myriad of subjects including: what are the chances that Billy will ultimately end up with Phyllis, even though he has currently been hacking into her computer for some vital business intel? Is Philly the eventual end game, or could Victoria get her former hubby back, now that she has made it known that she wants him back? Will Villy end up being reunited?
Recently, Victoria has been suffering severe headaches, leading many to speculate that something is seriously wrong with her. Might there be a clue in this video conversation on where that story is headed, and what is wrong with her?
Everyone in the soap genre knows that Gina, Jason,and Amelia are all powerhouse performers, but you will also find out what they think of each other, participating in social media, and some more entertaining nuggets when watching the video.
After the jump, check out The Michael Channel’s sit-down chit-chat with Gina, Jason, and Amelia. Then, let us know if you are Team Philly, Team Villy, or are you rooting for the characters to wind up romantically involved with other people, and if so whom? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Filly Villy , both pairing are snoozers…..
I agree, rocky83… however, I am not as turned off by Villy as I am of Filly.
Something else that turns me off? Cane’s man-boobies. HaHa!!
JFP told her pet toy Thompson that Billy was a spoiled rich smug arrogant playboy and that how he plays him and he needs to take his sneakers and go
Agreed – Jason Thompson is ill-suited for the role of BIlly Abbott – we need Billy Miller back ASAP!!
Great interview! Drunken Phyllis + headache Victoria + fun-boy Billy = a daytime three-way?
You do come up with great ones, Mister Media. Love it….
Did anyone get the feeling that the women couldn’t stand each other? Everything they said, was kind of said through Jason.
I especially love your idea of a soap talk show, and am surprised that no one has come up with the idea before. I know, I would watch, as others would, I am sure.
THIS is a show that should be on the daytime schedule. A thoughtful interview show that takes the genre seriously and treats the actors like the artists they are. Michael is the perfect interviewer for a show of this type. Forget the cooking and lifestyle shows. A great soap talk show like this would really please the loyal daytime audience. It would also be cheap to produce and promote the soaps. Seems like a win-win for the network and the audience.
Yeeesss!!!!
Loved the interview and I am enjoying the story line…I know so many people are complaining about Y&R being boring but IMO it’s not…I enjoy the character driven story lines but I will admit we do need some more suspense and mystery…I would love for Nina Arvesen to return and to shake up Paul’s world and I would love for Jaime Lyn Bauer to return as Lori Brooks…
Exactly, Kevin C….so well said.
It is not so much that the stories are boring. They are flat, walking a straight line with a safety-net waiting at the end of it. As you said: no suspense, no “be still my heart”.
I admit that I loved Villy when it was Billy Miller and Amelia Heinle who were portraying Billy and Victoria however, after that, I just couldn’t connect with them. I feel that the showrunners just keep forcing Victoria and Billy and just won’t make them grow apart as separate characters but even in the past when Victoria and Billy were together, Billy wasn’t 24/7 Victoria as he is written now.
I loved Philly since 2016, because I felt they connected to each other on a level that they haven’t before because Phyllis of course was recovering after finding out that she was sleeping on Marco, instead of the man who she thought was her husband in Jack. And of course that was Victor fault for bringing Marco in Genoa City in the first place.
I feel what Phyllis was missing from her husband (support, love, understanding) she received from Billy. It seems that Jack just couldn’t read Phyllis pain and even wanted to get Victor off the hook, whereas Billy risked it all for Phyllis and was by her side and that’s why I started loving Philly and I feel in 2017… since Sally Sussman has been in charge, she has sort of messed up their relationship and trying to make it ONLY about sex when it was always more than just that. These two people fell in love.
With Victoria, I just feel it’s time for her to move on from Billy and be with someone else. Like I loved her best in recent memory when she was with Travis, she just seemed more happy and free and it was better to watch.
Sadly right now, I am team NONE OF THE PAIRINGS.
I really like Billy and Phyllis. I think they have magnetic chemistry and just plain sizzle. Victoria makes me want to take a long nap. That kiss, from a week or so ago, was just so boring, forced, and awkward-IMO.
I don’t know, dmr. I respect your opinion. There’s no right or wrong how one feels.
But, as for myself, it’s not a matter of Phyllis and Victoria in regard to Billy.
For me, it’s a matter of Jason Thompson’s Billy and Gina Tognoni’s Phyllis.
Michelle’s Phyllis was sort of evil when she first walked on stage. But she turned the proverbial ugly ( mentally, that is—not physically) duckling into a redeemed, consumate, body-made-to- wear-anything, swan.
Michelle Stafford has that natural beauty and savoir-faire which Gina tries to achieve but fails, nonetheless……Just as Jason Thompson will never attain Billy Miller’s ( as Billy Abbott) boyish mischievousness.
We accepted them both because their personaities made the characters’ personalities shine.
Perhaps Gina and Jason would have made the number one couple in another time on another soap, but not as Phyllis and Billy.
We all have our faves—I, personally do not like either Gina or Jason in these roles. Gina is not the typical sexy, femme fatale ( not even on OLTL, albeit I loved her as Kelly), and I never considered Jason as the hunky stud. He was only ok to me as Patrick ( GH).
Besides, I cannot even picture the original Billy and Phyllis together. Maybe that’s what’s turning me off. There’s an indelible picture of the ‘real’ duo in my brain. LOL.
Oh, sorry, dmr….I forgot.
I don’t like how the PTB are turning back the clock on Phyllis. They are turning her back into the conniving, duplicitous, untrustworthy “B”…..the Phyllis of old.
She is playing devil’s advocate. Never a good idea to engage in double-dealing for the sake of a man. Truth always comes out….and it will bite her in the arse.
I’m rooting for Billy to be donated for medical research and for Phyllis and Victoria to find their brains and good taste.
And it’s not Phyllis’ apartment, it’s Summer’s.
Hahahaha !
Thanks for the sweet interview. Philly are my favorite part of the show. Great build-up in 2016, awesome chemistry and there’s still so much potential to explore. Can’t wait for some drama and fighting because of the Jabot vs B&S war. I also liked Victoria with Benjamin. The character was supposed to be this slimy ruthless businessman but the actor put some honesty and naturality in the portrayal. Could be an interesting addition to the show.
I love Billy and Phyllis together. Victoria is so boring and has zero chemistry with Billy, IMO. That kiss was so forced and so awkward. Phyllis is a woman and just sizzles-brings excitement to Billy’s life! Sick of Brash and Sassy and Jabot “war.” It’s boring.
I couldn’t help but notice the three stars each came from a different ABC soap. I still miss Jason Thompson as Patrick. They really should have made him the star of the show and not Sonny.
Downtownla, I totally agree about Jason Thompson, loved his portrayal of Patrick…I think Jason is a fabulous actor and a lot of people don’t like him as Billy but I do and I think he is doing a wonderful job.
I always felt that Jason Thompson, was not used to his full potential on GH, but on Y&R, he’s given something to dig his teeth into, showing his acting chops, while having two strong women fighting over him.I also love Billy Miller, but like him better on GH, with one woman, he is so loyal and protective of. What drives me nuts is, if he isn’t the original Jason, than where did these feelings for Sam come from?
Y&R REALLY NEEDS TO MOVE ALONG THESE DRAGGED OUT STORYLINES….YOU GET TO A POINT WHERE YOU REALLY DONT CARE WHO BILLY IS WITH! ALL GOOD ACTORS…NEED GOOD STORYLINES… AND ENOUGH OF MOANING JACK!!!!!!!
Jack!!!!! I have never liked Jack, the infant, JK. He needs a binky. Even during his ‘redeemed’ phase, I detested him. Always disgruntled and trying to find a way to rock one of his “victim’s” boat.
He ruined Patty, and got away with it. I wish a healed, mentally stable Patty would return, and stick it to him.
In some instances he’s worse than Victor—both need a massive dose of “grow up” vitamins.
The problem isn’t Gina Tognoni, the problem isn’t Amelia Heinle, the problem is Jason Thompson. He’s just not Billy, not in any way. He always comes off as sneering and petulant and certainly has never shown any remorse for stabbing his brother in the back. Whichever woman is unlucky enough to land him will be stuck with an eternally self-indulgent manchild for a mate.
Let the worst woman win.
It’s all about karma, boes. Jack has stabbed his own father in the back when he slept with Jill, his step-mother.
It’s sick and disgusting to me how these shows have no regard for morality; yet, we see so much ‘holier-than-thou’ going on…it ‘kinda’ blows the mind. Eg: Bobbie and Carly (GH).
It does not excuse Billy, of course…..and, it definitely IS about Gina’s Phyllis. She is no Michelle Stafford, who owned the role.
I doubt if there would have been a romantic liaison if BM and MS had still been on the show. I guess we all have our faves, and although through no fault of theirs, some of us resent th ‘newcomers’ as usurpers. Unreasonable, I know, LOL.
JT is all wrong as Billy, I have said this since day one—-but, Phyllis’ transformation depicted by Gina is worse. I have been lamenting the ‘obscenity’ of her winning the Emmy, when so many others deserved it so much more, in my humble opinion.
You want to tell me why Billy would destroy his fathers conpany these three are the reason I tape and delete! Ugh
Right, Kay. Makes no sense.
Loved Johnny’s first day of school. So blond and cute, could be Billy Miller’s son for real. He does not resemble Jason Thompson in any way, since he plays his bio dad.
Agreed, Violet ( love your name). Thompson has come a long way as Billy, but, I still miss BM.
It is what it is. Sigh….
Something else that bothers me is that Chelsea, Johnny’s bio mom, has completely forgotten she has another son. So weird. How could she live in the same town, frequent the same places, see the same people, and go on with her life? She gave birth to him. How does she love one child and dismisses the other???
Y&R should revisit this wrong and make it right. I would have fought Billy and Victoria tooth and nail to, at least, get visitation rights, come hell or high water.
Also, shouldn’t Connor and Johnny know they are brothers? TPTB should think ahead….these boys will be sorased sooner or later. What then? How to explain the silence?
Celia thanks for your reply. I have thought as you do, many times about Chelsea’s feelings toward Johnny, or lack thereof. There was a night time show a few years ago, One Tree Hill, where two brothers, each not knowing about the other, as rivals, found out they were brothers( same father) and became best friends. I would like to see something like this happen here. Johnny has Katie, and Johnny MAY have Christian, although I am not as convinced as everyone else seems to be that he was fathered by Adam. I do want him to be Nicks.
We seem to be of one mind in this, too, Violet.
I always believed Christian was Nick’s….said more often than not……albeit, we never really know what TPTB will do when they come to the crossroad.
The body language speaks volumes.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.
Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”
Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Marks Unprecedented 16,000th Episode Milestone with New Cast Photo
Today’s Monday, July 13 episode of General Hospital marks it 16,000 episode to air on the ABC television network. It is a remarkable milestone. The previous television record was held by Guiding Light which clocked in at 15,762 episodes before it went off the air on CBS in 2009.
To mark the occasion, the cast, crew and creative team of General Hospital celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony on the Prospect Studios lot in Los Angeles back on Monday, June 1, 2026.
In addition, GH has released a new cast photo taken the day of the on set celebration. Pictured in the photo are front row: Rory Gibson, Finn Carr, Kayden Brenna Tokarski, Asher Antonyzyn, Giovanni Mazza, Braedyn Bruner, Dean Geyer and Nathan Dean.
Featured in the back row are: Tabyana Ali, Eden McCoy, Josh Swickard, Kristen Vaganos, Rebecca Herbst, Dominic Zamprogna, Alexa Havins, Cameron Mathison, Brooke Kerr, Cynthia Watros, Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Jane Elliot, Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Maura West, Donnell Turner, Nancy Lee Grahn, Tanisha Harper, Kelly Thiebaud, Kristina Wagner, Lynn Herring, Chris McKenna, Katelyn MacMullen and Sawandi Wilson.
In addition, the official GH social media handles shared these sentiments along with some other photos from the cake cutting: “Today’s episode of General Hospital is the 16,000th produced since the show’s inception in 1963. It’s a milestone we couldn’t let pass by without taking some time to celebrate as a family (and, of course… eating some cake). 🍰 We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did making it.”
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE 16,000th Episode?
The 16,000th episode will feature Jason Morgan returning to the town of Port Charles, Anna and Valentin (James Patrick Stewart) reuniting, and a new surgeon, Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) joining the staff of ‘General Hospital.’
GENERAL HOSPITAL HOLDS SEVERAL RECORDS
Now in its 64th year, Emmy Award-winning daytime drama General Hospital is currently both the longest-running scripted American drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production.
General Hospital holds the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award a record 18 times. Will they do it again and make it 19 in 2026? Stay tuned for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations tomorrow on Tuesday, July 14 to find out if GH will be going for gold in the category, once again.
The ABC daytime drama series was created by Frank and Doris Hursley and premiered back on April 1, 1963. Frank Valentini is the current executive producer with Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten are the show’s co-head writers.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.
What do you think of the new cast photo marking General Hospital’s 16000th episode? What do you think of the accomplishment to have that many episodes of a television show and its still thriving and kicking? Share your thoughts and congrats for everyone in front of the camera and behind the scenes on this milestone airing.
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘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
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
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’ 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
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
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