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Y&R's Joshua Morrow Chats On Gina Tognoni Being The New Phyllis: "I Just Hope The Fans Give Her A Shot!"
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
The Young and the Restless Joshua Morrow has always been that stalwart performer that delivers and churns out performances time and time again, and is as steady as they come. Morrow recently celebrated his 20th anniversary with the number one soap opera as Nick Newman, who certainly has had his way over the years with the gals in Genoa City, and butts heads often with his rich and powerful father, Victor (Eric Braeden)!
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Joshua last week during Y&R’s on-set celebration for their Daytime Emmy victories for a little catch up, and to get his thoughts on the upcoming debut of Gina Tognoni as the recast Phyllis, last played by one of Morrow’s all-time favorite scene partners, Michelle Stafford.
Plus, Joshua shares his excitement that three of his favorite scene partners took home some gold at the 41st Annual Daytime Emmy ceremonies: Hunter King (Summer), Amelia Heinle (Victoria), and Billy Miller (Ex-Billy) and more! And he reveals if being part of the Newman clan 20 years later ever gets old. Here’s what Mr. Morrow had to tell us!
On Monday August 11th, Y&R fans will see Gina Tognoni on-screen as the new Phyllis. What do you think about Gina coming on to the show, especially given what you and Michelle Stafford had created as the sizzling duo, Phick?
Courtesy/IMDB
JOSHUA: I am very excited. Gina is very talented. The read she gave when we tested her was outrageously good. I am nervous for her, because those are some big shoes to fill, and I just hope the fans give her a shot. It’s nothing that we did. This is a change that was made by Michelle Stafford. She wanted to go and try something else, and we have to respect her decision. I just hope the fans understand and give Gina a shot. Those are some big ass shoes to fill and I love Michelle to death! Apparently, she is doing a great job over at General Hospital, but it’s time for fans to accept, and be willing to watch someone else try it. …just for the good of everything.
You just celebrated your 20th anniversary with Y&R! When was it actually? Do you feel like an old man, err, soap veteran now? (Laughs)
JOSHUA: It was a couple of weeks ago. I do feel like an old man, but it sounds cliché; but literally time went by in a blink of an eye. I truly can’t believe I have been here that long. I never once said, “Oh, I have been here a long time.” It just still feels fun and new, and I drive in to work with a huge smile on my face. I love this job, and I love this show and this medium.
You don’t ever take pause and go, “What the hell are they writing for me?” (Laughs)
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
JOSHUA: I do, because I am competitive. I see guys getting stories, but it’s not my job. It’s not my job to pull up and say, “I want to do this, and I want to do that”, or “You need to do this or that.” I am very, very blessed. I never take for granted this amazing job that I have, so I will tell any story they want me to tell.
I always say you are the unsung hero of this show. I feel like you always deliver rock solid performances.
JOSHUA: I am never going to be this splashy award-winning guy, but I’m steady. I show up and do my job and I get my scenes in one take. I think, and I would like to hope that everyone likes working with me. I love being Nick and I like I said, I am not going to be the guy that everyone is talking about, but I feel I am very efficient at what I do, and I love doing it, and I think it shows.
You went on The Talk to celebrate and represent Y&R, along with some of your cast mates, in honor of their Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Drama Series last Monday!
Courtesy/CBS
JOSHUA: Yup! They needed a real titan of the industry to show up, and I did it with all the respect and pageantry I could really muster. I did a great job. (Laughs)
What did you think of Hunter King winning the Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actress? You were in her Emmy-winning scenes!
JOSHUA: The day she shot that scene, I instantly tweeted on Twitter: “This girl won an Emmy today, just watch.” And she did … she hit a home run, and she is unbelievably talented. It brought a tear to my eye when I got home that night and saw on Twitter that she had won. I would have liked to have seen her win, because I love that girl so much. She is a great kid and special.
What about your on-screen sis, Amelia Heinle winning Supporting Actress?
JOSHUA: And Amelia … my favorite person on the planet! I was very surprised and so happy for her. She works her tail off, and then of course, my homeboy Billy Miller! I would jump into a trench for that dude, I love him and to watch all that happening I was like, “Wow! What a year!”
I felt the same way. So many people I am close with won Emmys this year.
Courtesy/NATAS
JOSHUA: Yes, and it was so nice. I don’t do the Emmys, but this was the year that watching those three people win really would have meant a lot to me to see it happen live with them.
You don’t like to participate in the Emmy process.
JOSHUA: Yeah, it’s just not my thing. I don’t have a soapbox or an issue, but I would rather go play catch in the yard with my kids. I was at a baseball tournament with my middle son in West Covina, California till late last Sunday night, so I was doing that.
So, what do you think about Joshua’s comments about Gina Tognoni? Even though you know that Gina has big shoes to fill replacing Michelle Stafford who is so identifiable in the role, are you willing to give another two-time Daytime Emmy winner in Tognoni, some time to win you over with her take on the role? What do you think about Joshua celebrating 20 years in GC as Nick Newman? Can you believe its been two decades already? And, what did you think of his heartfelt thoughts on his castmates Emmy victories? Weigh-in!
I don’t think she has anything to worry about. She’s a brilliant actress, who wouldn’t welcome such a lovely talent.
Being a lovely good actress does mean she can replace Phyllis 🙂
Both new Billy’s are handsome and good actors, but not near being Billy ..
time will tell .. 🙂 we will see ..
NIO NO NO I do not think we need a Phyllis back on the show. Her story ran out
One of the “new” Billies is not so new, as David Tom was actually the original Billy. This latest guy? Handsome? Seriously? Does not fit the role and he looks much older than one would expect Billy Abbot to look. Nonetheless, you are right ; no one will ever be en par with Billy Miller. He is a natural.
Agreed!
I am looking forward to GINA.. I welcome her !!!
Yes me too Katherine, looking forward to Gina Tagnoni as the new Phyllis. I loved Gina as miss Dinah Marler on Guiding Light, she was terrific as Dinah. She has 2 daytime emmys, for her work on Guiding Light. She is a wonderful actress. August 11th is her first air date. I cannot wait, counting the days.
😀
I really loved Gina on GL, I liked the two previous Dinah s, but she made the part her own. I think she will be great as Phyllis. I like all of the actors who play Billy. I thought Billy Miller might have a role in a movie or night-time TV, I could see that coming for him.
Oh, man. I wish GH had Gina, because I’m not getting Michelle Stafford at all.
Lol! AGREED!!!!!!!!! I watch her scenes and its like “Um…and the point is …………?
I agree, but the sinking ship that is Y&R could use all the help it can get. I hope GT can do Phyllis. I loved GT on OLTL and I guess I am one of the few Phyllis “fans”. By fan I mean she can drive story with the right material.
RE: MS on GH; I’m not a MSt hater by any stretch, but if she gets up outta that wheelchair and kicks it for dramatic effect one more time I’m gonna think she has no other “schtick” from which to draw.
once Michelle Stafford gets “OUT” of the wheelchair…
yeah, she is…. but on the up and up with no go DOA Silas
and moves on
she’ll go ALL out “commando” ( Basic Instinct )
as we know her
I am not getting this Michelle Stafford,as Nina , at all either. Very disappointed; taken aback, actually. Will the real Michelle Stafford please step forward?. I am just going to give her the benefit of the doubt, as I know what a skilled and refined actress she was on Y&R. Perhaps I expect too much.
Oh, I agree. I have been so disappointed with this Nina character & Michelle in the role. She is very annoying-hard to watch. I LOVED Gina Tognoni on GL & OLTL-when the heck is she gonna start on Y&R? Hurry up.
Great interview!
Michelle Stafford shouldve went to Days and played Eve(she looked more that part) and Kassie Depaiva shouldve played Nina on GH…especially if Starr…oops, i mean Kiki turns out to be her daughter and then they couldve revealed Nina had an affair with Franco who really is Starrs…oops again i mean Kikis dad after all…NOW back to main subject…im certain Gina will make a fine recast Phylis just as Gina made a fine recast Dinah on GL…imo!
That would have just been fun! A nod to OLTL and the relations there for the people who used to watch.
I totally agree with you. That would have been awesome to have Kassie as Nina. I love Michelle on the show and she is doing great!
No, Michelle should not have gone to DOOL; too classy.
Plus, neither should Kassie play Eve. What were the writers thinking? She and Patsy Pease are only 4 years apart. I know age matters not in soaps, but that’s really stretching it.
Eve is not the daughter of Kimberly.
I stand corrected, jimh. I see the light AND the irony of your scenario. It would have been fun to watch.
Y&R can not, can not, replace the 3 Icons ..
why they try is stupid, sometimes characters need to be let go and RIP ..
The 2nd Billy stinks as bad a the 1st replacement..
Adam , no matter who attempts to replace him, will stink worse than the others..
OK– Phyllis , don’t think it will work either..
Y&R is no longer Y&R I’m still trying to figure what it is, maybe ’empty box haahaaa!!!
but I watch, last thing of my evening, it puts me to sleep.. LOL ..(seriously ..
Why bother watching at all?
I think GT will work out fine. The reason people are excited is because they are familiar with her work on GL . As for Y&R I am a new covert the campiness of GH was too much for me.
I look forward to new Adam so that story can get moving and I will give Burgess time to make Billy his own for me it is too soon to judge.
Stop watching, and hating on Y&R…..if it puts you to sleep, then find something else to watch…you’re views are obviously not shared by the Emmy voters/they still were awarded 9 Emmys!!!!!! your opinion is trite.
thank you!!! no show is perfect, but Y&R rocks! nunuBilly is a keeper, REALLY looking forward to Gina as nuPhyllis – Stafford wanted off, her decision, I wish her well, but can’t wait for Gina to take over. and yesterday Cady McClain knocked it out of the park with her scenes – i actually rewound them to watch her again!
I agree. We huff and puff about much of what soaps offer us. Some we like, some we do not. Yet, I am grateful there are soaps left to watch. I don’t care who comes and goes, or who is playing whom as long as soaps are still on the air. They all try their best to entertain us. I am sure, knowing her work, Miss Tognoni will be amazing as Phyllis.
Oops; I inadvertently paraphrased some of Harry’s expressions by using the exact same words. Trust me; it was unintentional. I suppose we are of one mind.
Your repetitive comments put us all to sleep.
Go post on the GH threads with your nonsense.
su0000 is a very knowledgeable reluctant fan of YawneR. What’s wrong with using YawneR as a sleeping aid?
While I disagree with Miss SU00, I defend her right to express her opinion and I don’t subscribe to the love it or leave it mantra. However, I have to laugh hearing some of you tell her that if she doesn’t like Y&R she ought to turn it off. This is exactly what she tells disgruntled fans again and again.
Having said that, Gina will be amazing as Phyllis. Truth be told, Stafford seemed unmotivated as Phyllis the last couple of years as Phyllis. Like Billy Miller was during the last couple of months of his tenure, I think she was phoning it in. I URGE fans like SU000 to give her a chance as Phyllis. Loyal and rabidly defensive Billy Miller fans did not give David Tom a chance, hence his very premature ousting just when he was finding his stride. Almost all soap stars are replaceable. Susan Lucci and Tony Geary are two notable exceptions to this rule. These actors are people too, they need to make a living just like the rest of us and this is how they do it. So to you ardently faithful Stafford fans, take a deep breath, open your mind and let Gina fill those shoes.
Says who? Gina will be fine as Phyllis. She is a long-time soap actress with lots of fans. Don’t watch if you don’t like it. FYI: Cannot is one word.
I agree Brenda, Gina will knock it out of the ballpark.
PS, I apologize for my badly written comment which was full of careless mistakes. I wrote it in haste.
VICTORIA ROWELL IS THE ICON
Victoria Rowell is a washed up celebrity, I used to like her. But not anymore. She is a diva, and never got along with her cast mates on the Young and the Restless. Everyone was happy, when she left the soap.
Angelo…YES…THANK YOU!!!!! Furthermore, Y&R DOES NOT want her back…period.
Peace.
Hey Angelo, are you saying that it was ok for her to get spat on?
Two on Y&R cannot be replaced That would be Michael Muhney and Bill Miller. Now this Gina Tognoni is an Awesome actress, I watched her on as the world turns. She has as much to offer to the character Phyllis as Michelle Stafford did.
Joan…I don’t think that Gina Tognoni was ever on ATWT. But, then again…I could be wrong. Who knows. And, yes…as an actress GT is A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!!! Gina Tognoni is THE REAL DEAL!!!!!
Take care, Joan.
I’m looking forward to Gina as Phyllis! She’s a great actress and I think she’ll do well in the role, but obviously I would have much preferred Michelle Stafford coming back. However, she’s rocking it on GH as Nina! She can go from zero to psycho in seconds and it’s great, I’m loving it!
Michelle is the bomb! Loving her as Nina. Folks, it was her decision to leave Y&R and in her place we are getting an equally talented actress. Can’t wait to see her as Phyllis!
Michelle Stafford is great, she can over-do it sometimes, you haven’t lived until you had to endure her miscarriage screaming scene. lol
But over all, she owned that role, hope Gina can do it justice. Pretty sure they will use the coma as an excuse as to why she doesn’t have the same personality at the old phyliss. I would rather see that than have Gina do a bad imitation of phyliss.
Looking forward to her and the new Adam. I do miss Billy Miller though.
Hey Sammie, I miss Billy Miller too. I really miss his interpretation of Billy Abbott.
I agree! She’s fun to watch, huh?
I’ll be happy to give her a chance.
Frankly, after the Stafford trainwreck, they could have recast with a hand puppet and it would have been an improvement. So getting Gina Tognoni in the role is a win for the fans.
I agree with you Boes, Gina will do great as Phyllis. THE woman can act, she has won 2 daytime emmys as Dinah on Guiding light. To the haters out there, that don’t like Gina, don’t watch, you guys are miserable.
Boes, I agree. I think Stafford is a one note actress. Her tone of voice is always the same as well as her mannerisms. When Nina gives Sam the what for, I half expect her to say Sharon instead of Sam. I do not get the Stafford mania at all.
Alexis…girlfriend…I HEAR YA’!!!!! Y-E-S!!!!! As a BIG FAN of Gina Tognoni, I have every confidence and all that GT will AWESOMELY ROCK AND ROLL as Y&R’s new Phyllis. As I may have mentioned in a previous post (or whatever), on-screen-wise, Gina Tognoni can do ANYTHING…that’s how TALENTED she is!!!!! HOLLA!!!!! Bottom Line Here: This is gonna ROCK!!!!! I can’t wait!!!!! YAY!!!!!!
Thank you Harry. Never got the Stafford worship.
Btw, I think Cassie DePavia (new Eve, Days/Blair OLTL) would have been a better Phyllis (age wise) and Gina T the new Eve on Days.
I agree that GT will be a refreshing change. MSt was really phoning it in at Y&R for a long time before she quit.
MBmomof3…Y-E-S…Gina Tognoni will be a refreshing change as the new Phyllis!!!!! As for Michelle Stafford…I’m sorry but MS’s time at Y&R is over. Bottom Line Here (at least for me anyway): TEAM GINA TOGNONI!!!!!
Take care.
Gina has nothing to worry about because whatever role she plays she is fantastic , her fans love her .She is very special and she deserves to be doing what she does best and that’s acting. Good luck Gina.
Sheryl I could kiss you lol. Totally agree with your comment, Gina I love her so much. She is a wonderful actress, Loved her as Kelly on oltl, but I loved her, even more on Guiding Light as Dinah Marler. Gina will rock as THE nu Phyllis. The casting department on the Young and the Restless. were blown away of Gina Tagnoni Audition, she aced it. She could read the phone book to me, and I would still love Gina. lol. Good luck to you Gina, I will be watching.
Nick is a great guy ..he’s is handsome guy .. he’s is agreat father…and I love him on Y&R.. you are doing a Great Great Great Job !!!keep up the great work !! :-):-)
Gina is good I think she will be fine. She isn’t my fave soap actress and doesn’t wow me but she did win two Emmys. Michelle stafford is good too I’m liking her on gh.
I liked Michelle, but am up for the change, and think Gina will be good.
Maybe I’ve just become immune because of the new people lately,
lol, but I definitely want to give Gina a fair chance.
I think she will do a great job. She’s a great actress. Some fans don’t like change. So it won’t matter who is in the role. I’m a fan, but they need to take fan comments wth a grain of salt. Lots of agendas and opinions. 😉
No matter how good she might be, Gina Tognoni is going to have an uphill battle because the writing on this show isn’t doing anyone any favors.
Alan, you are so negative. lol. Gina will be just fine, She has won two daytime emmys on Guiding Light. Young and the restless, won many emmys this year. What soap are you watching Alan? lmao.
I agree with you, the writing has become very slow-paced, boring, and is overall pretty subpar compared to the writing on other soaps. But, I’m sure Gina will be able to easily make the part her own. I’m looking forward to her debut
Looking forward to Gina’s take on “Phyllis”. She will be Great!
yes me to, Gina will kick ass, as Phyllis.
Joshua is the sweetest man. YR has been lucky to have him for 20 years. I welcome Gina to the role of Phyllis and wish her nothing but the best.
I’m going to do as JM asks, and give her a shot. I’m a fan of Y&R, and yes, I have my favorites, but it’s the show, not any one particular actor or actress that I am most loyal to. If it can go on and still be entertaining without Jeanne Cooper, then it can go on without anyone.
I hope she’s better than the latest Billy recast. Now I don’t even like the character anymore. They should have left well enough alone.
dont understand why the new heads at y n r are replacing characters who are defined by the actors playing them? billy, phyliss and soon adam? for fn sakes let the characters rest to come back another day!!! the actors always return.lol!!
with such a rich stable of characters why not bring back old loved characters. Nina!!! Ronan!! bring back janna for kevin( his best partner imo) ! Dru and Olivia!! Kyle( the first one) Gloria!!! Collenn!!( adrianne leon)
and im sure thrs a lot more i cant think of.. the writers need to think out of the box and out of their asses!
I love Joshua Morrow and I think he has the best smile in daytime. Whenever he smiles he lights up the whole scene. As far as Gina, I think she will do a good job. I love Michelle on GH. Nothing wrong with actors deciding to move on and try something else. Think about it. How many of you have stayed in the same job for 20 years. Most employers are lucky if someone stays for 5 years.
Joshua Morrow is not much of an actor. He’s one of those clichés about daytime, where performers are hired for their model looks instead of their skills. He’s lucky those looks have kept him in a job.
So true. Morrow hasn’t acted since those scenes in which the REAL Cassie died. Ever since then, he’s phoned it in. Cute, but no actor.
So true. He has been propped up by Sharon Case for years. I wish they had killed Phyllis off but Gina is a marked improvement.
He has a very sensible attitude about the business he is in– you come to work, you act professional by being prepared and doing what you are asked to do– you go home, leave all the office politics and gossip behind and be with your family. He is a team player without being a suck up — so no he might not win the gold lady, but I bet he has won a lot of respect by fans, and co-workers alike.
As for Gina– not familiar with her work— Phyllis was never one of my favorite characters so it will interesting to me to find out whether if it is the way they wrote her or the way MS played her that grated on me so. I am always willing to give a recast a chance, some recasts given time work out better than original– like Peter Bergman– never thought anyone could replace Terry Lester as Jack, but look how that turned out. Even MM was a recast, as well Miller—
and sometimes the problem with recasts is not the actor but the writer, most often the writer who created the character is gone, and each new writer has a new idea on how the character should be and what kind of story to put them in—– if the story is engaging the viewer they are less likely to take issue with the new actor.
Joshua Morrow has such an ease and natural confidence about his person
that’s hard to be : in this industry
the gift of gab with interest
kudos to him for plying his trade
i say this… because … at least for television stars… it’s early to bed early to rise… and reading scripts…. no time for a personal life. to be oneself
he had all his charisma before he started in this genre
it’s not his fault or doing… that I dim the Newmans… as interest for; has waned
well put.
Gina is probably the only actress who can even come close to filling Stafford’s shoes.
She can read the phone book aqnd Id watch, which bodes well for the current writing regime at Y&R. The phone book is more interesting than what Im seeing on screen.
Gina is great and is going to do a wonderful job.. So Happy she got the part!
I love Gina, she’s a fantastic actress & should do very well on Y&R!
You can have the Phyllis back anytime from GH.You got the 100 times better of the deal. Send Gina to GH and you can have MS back. MS makes my FF finger itch and work like crazy. Its just like Phyllis is on GH
Gina will be fine. Michelle wanted to leave and so did Billy. Thats it, you can twist it, turn it, it still will look the same. Whether they hated JFP, hated CBS, hated their salary, or wanted to do new things, embrace the change and lets move forward. Michelle has taken a new job and I’m sure Billy will be soon. DONE!
MF : please post when Eileen Davidson debut is : again
Ashley will return in September.
Gina will be great, she always is. Now they just have to get the right Billy. Is John Paul Lavosier available?
Oh, wow! What a great thought . Lavosier would be ideal as BA.
I’d like to see JPL on one of the soaps again but I can’t agree he’s right for Billy Abbott.
Outstanding thought about JPL! He would’ve nailed it. Imo.
What is this about “ass shoes” to fill, Michelle Stafford is simply an soaps actress and anyone who can act can do as much and even more. Let the new actress come and do what she has to do, the character of Phillis is just a skank killer any one in kindergarten can play that if wanted.
I agree 100%
Don’t get me wrong…I think it’s AWESOME NEWS about Gina Tognoni joining Y&R!!!!! But…in terms of all of the ENDLESS D-R-A-M-A that’s STILL going on behind-the-scenes on the Y&R set…I hope that Gina FULLY KNOWS what she’s getting herself into. Most of all, in terms of dealing with THAT SOAP-ZILLA Jill Farren Phelps, I wish Gina Tognoni well…Gina herself is gonna need it!!!!!
Deuces.
YES jaybird, looking forward to Gina Tagnoni as the New Phyllis. Gina is a wonderful actress, but Jill Farren Phelps better watch her step, if she fires more actors soon, I will call Kathy Griffin to finish off the witch, has been, soap killer. lol. I still don’t trust Jill Phelps. they need to fire her now.
Claudio…A-M-E-N!!!!! I gained a whole new RESPECT for Kathy Griffin…I mean…the way that she shut down that insufferable JFP was BEYOND AWESOME!!!!! To me, it was perfect timing and all on KG’s part. Most of all, seeing JFP babble on and on on that stage was BEYOND RIDICULOUS!!!!! Bottom Line Here: Jill Farren Phelps is fooling NO ONE!!!!!
But look what Jill was able to pull of at the Emmys. Don’t get me wrong, I’m completely anti-JFP – if Y&R fired her today it wouldn’t come soon enough. She has and is still ruining Y&R, a show that I’ve loved for years. But, it doesn’t look like JFP will be fired anytime soon because Y&R cleaned house at the Emmys, and the industry clearly seems to be backing Jill 100% – which baffles me after her hack jobs and train-wreck tenures on other soaps, and now on Y&R
It baffles me too, Jimmy. Hilary B Smith (Nora from OLTL) said that JFP is a real powerhouse of an executive, so maybe that is it.
But all I know is she is the grim reaper of soaps. She’s like that cat who lived at the rest home. When the cat appeared in a patient’s room and stood by their bed, that patient died. JFP is that cat and the soaps are those patients.
Jimmy…I agree. But, dude…we gotta have patience…patience that that JFP will someday (and hopefully SOON!!!!!) be PINK-SLIPPED from Y&R. A certain K-word known as K-A-R-M-A!!!!! Most of all, when they’ve had enough of her at Y&R, I HOPE AND PRAY TO GOD that JFP DOES NOT make her way towards the other 2 remaining soaps on the air (aka B&B and DOOL). SHUDDER ALL AROUND!!!!!
Take care, Jimmy. Deuces.
Ultimately it will be the ratings, not the Emmys, that determine whether JFP stays or goes. She’s got friends at Sony, but if the ratings tank, even that won’t save her. If the ratings stay OK, what the fans say or think won’t matter.
I can’t explain the love some actors have for her; some absolutely adore her, and others just can’t abide her. She’s a very divisive person, it would appear.
I would have to say, on balance, she has some real strengths as an executive producer, but her weaknesses more than outweigh them. I can’t say she’s really done much of anything to turn things around at Y&R after almost two years there. It was in bad shape when she got there; it’s possibly in even worse shape now, and certainly isn’t in better shape.
I can’t remember if Gina T. was at One Life to Live when JFP was there. I’m pretty sure she was. If so, she knows first hand what she’s getting into. If not, I would think she certainly has friends from here OLTL days who could tell her.
But truthfully, if you are an actor and want to work in soaps, you probably don’t have the luxury of turning down a role anymore because of who the boss is. There just aren’t that many soaps left, and the parts don’t come along all the time.
I like Michelle Stafford a lot; on screen, she’s a force. But so is Gina, and I’d say Gina has a wider range, so I’m hoping the writers and JFP will capitalize on that and give Phyllis some additional dimensions.
Go Gina! Happy to know the phyllis story willl move on. Love LOVED MS, butttt its bbeen enough time to bring someone new in and since michelle decided to leave y&r for gh :@ , I’m welcoming Ms. Tognoni with open arms.. Just hope her acting is/ was same level as michelle stafford…
We have been told Michelle decided to leave. I don’t know why as we loved her so much. However, as it was her decision and not another mess up by Jill what’s her name then I think I have to give her replacement a chance. I just hope she realises she has big shoes to fill.
Reports I’ve read said that MS left because of JFP. They did not get along and had differences about Phyllis’s story line. I feel we could all understand that…MS has a strong personality and JFP is a lowdown, conniving b—h who could drive anyone away if she wanted you gone. JFP was even responsible for an actress’s death on GH.
Darlene…the (now) deceased GH actress that you’re referring to (I think) is Anna Lee (who played Lila Quartermaine). Anyway, Anna Lee was in her 90’s when she was fired by that WRETCHED JFP back in 2003. Darlene…to me, that was (and always will be) the W-O-R-S-T thing that JFP has ever done as a so-called Executive Producer. Treating elderly people like that is ALL KINDS OF WRONG!!!!! JFP also fired the VERY FABULOUS Stuart Damon (who played Dr. Alan Quartermaine). Then, from there, JFP (in general) got rid of basically the ENTIRE Quartermaine family on GH. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I hope that Gina Tognoni knows what she’s getting herself into. Bottom Line Here: Jill Farren Phelps will emotionally run over just about ANYONE to get what she wants!!!!! BEYOND SICKENING!!!!!
Darlene…take care, ma’am. XOXOXOXOXO
Jaybird, love Anna Lee. I can’t believe that evil Jill was so mean to that dear, gracious beautiful woman–even the queen of England admired Anna Lee.
Not only that, even the impossible to please Bette Davis said Anna Lee, who played her neighbor in Whatever happened to Baby Jane, said Lee was a good actress.
Harry…I think that EVERYONE loved Anna Lee. I know I did. What I loved and admired most about Anna Lee was that she was so soft-spoken, graceful and (most of all!!!!!) classy. As far as I’m concerned, she W-A-S GH!!!!! To me, she STILL IS GH and ALWAYS WILL BE GH!!!!!
Harry…I did not know that Bette Davis once gave a compliment to Anna Lee about being a good actress. W-O-W!!!!! Dude…check this out: I once read somewhere (several years after Bette Davis passed away) that (as an actress) Bette Davis did not compliment people that she worked with all that often. I guess that Anna Lee really impressed Bette Davis. Good…GOOD FOR ANNA LEE!!!!! Again…W-O-W!!!!!
Take care, Harry. Deuces.
I think JFP can be held accountable for the wretched (cold, callous, heartless) way the matter with Anna Lee was handled, but as I recall, the decision was ABC’s, not JFP’s. I think a kinder, more sensitive person might have found a better way to handle things, but what broke Ms. Lee’s heart, apparently, was being dismissed from a job she loved when she had been assured previously that she had a job for life–and that’s on ABC, not Phelps. Even if it had been handled more compassionately, there was no way anybody, no way any executive producer of GH, was going to make that right.
(Geez, did I almost, kinda sorta, defend JFP? How did that happen?)
Michael…the words ‘defend’ and ‘JFP’ in the same sentence…HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Anyway, dude…P-L-E-A-S-E don’t scare me like that!!!!! Thank you.
Peace.
Lets see SU OOOO I get it. U dont like change. But it happens and if u would open ur narrowmindedness, u might just maybe see some great acting by others than ur old favorites. U have to be willing to change. Things cant stay the same in the soap world. Gina isnt Michelle but she can act her butt off. Quit comparing and just WATCH!!!!
Gina Tognoni worked with JFP at OLTL for several years. She’ll be fine. It’s the other actors who should be concerned because Gina is an incredibly captivating talent. The likes of Joshua Morrow have coasted by on their good looks and relatability but Gina Tognoni actually hones her craft & acts her ass off.
I want to watch the shows Y&R, B&B the application will not let me on my phone the CBS.COM
Cant watch shows Y&R B&B it just shows emmy awards the app
CBS.com
I like Gina as an actress but the Phyllis character has never been on my radar as a favorite character. The only character on the show I even half way liked her with is Jack and I waited for years for it to come out that Summer was Jack’s daughter but the writers wrecked that storyline for me ‘and Jack’ and decided Summer would be Nick’s to keep Phyllis in his story and to short change Jack and Sharon AGAIN. Nick and Sharon belong together as a couple. Somehow the fauxCassie needs to be a twin or something to make that a family again. Whereas I guess the dirtier the character the more you get to see them, I hate what the writers have done to the characters of Sharon and Jack so they always come up sucking air. If is wasn’t that I like a few of the other characters, like Paul, Victor and Nicki, I wouldn’t have hung on as long as I have but if Nick’s character gets back with Phyllis I think my days of watching daily will be cut to a weekly maybe. When Michelle Stafford was on Y&R it was the Phyllis show and now that she has moved over to GH it has become the Nina story only, if possible, a meaner and darker character but still the same ole conniving “phyllis”. Stafford is a good actress but not so good she overshadows the abilities of other actors on the shows. Guess I could start recording and just skip over her character but it wouldn’t take long to watch the rest of the episode.
I so agree with you where Jack, Sharon and Nick are concerned.
TRUE fans will give her a shot; the haters and nay-sayers will write her off as another “newbie”, because all they can do it bitch and whine!
I need Nick to have a story that is strong; it’s clear Shick 3.9999999 is ending in the coming months, and it’s sorta sad since this is the first time ever that I have enjoyed them together.
Thanks for another great interview! I’m a Nick fan and enjoy Josh Morrow in the role. He seems like a very nice, down-to-earth guy too.
Too bad he had to serve up the Stafford worship, but I guess the last time he spoke about his true onscreen love …Sharon, Stafford threw a fit.
Seriously? I’m a Shick fan all the way. I liked Phyllis with Jack even if MS didn’t.
Yeah. And, absolutely gorgeous too.
Debster, what do you mean age wise? You think Michelle Stafford is too old to play Nina? Kassie is 5 years older; or do you think Michelle is too young? I am a big fan of Michelle; I know she will deliver.
I am looking forward to Gina as Phyllis.
I’ve only ever seen her work as Kelly on One Life to Live,I thought she was terrific on that show.
4ever Days, I didn’t know that. I have only been watching for the last few years….and, especially not when Eve was in the picture. Thank you for clarifying.
Getting caught up on several YR episodes. Hate Kelly more than ever. Really hate nunewBilly. She’s a shrew he’s too old and boring. David Tom was Emmy worthy compared to Burgess Jenkinzzzzzzzzzzzz.
When a recast is right for the part, the fans accept them. Gina is perfect for the role of Phyllis. New Billy, not so much.
I am ecstatic that GT has been cast in the role of Phyllis. I was/am a MS fan but I am familiar with Gina’s work from Guiding Light and she is more than capable of delivering for this role.
NunuBilly – while I find him to be competent there’s just something I’m not connecting with. Maybe it’s his hint of a southern accent or his hairstyle or he just doesn’t fit “my” physical image of Billy Newman. Someone mentioned higher up in the posts about JPL playing the role and I think that would have been an excellent recast. Rex from OLTL and Billy A. had similar characteristics and personality traits and a zinging sense of humor that comes out at inappropriate moments. We need someone who “gets” the character of Billy.
Cassie D. on Days – doesn’t interest me because the writing over there has run me off, even to the point of removing the show from my Dvr. I may return when they bring in the new EJ in the fall, I think.
And finally I think MS is just finding her footing. This is a new character and she’s tdying different things. It’ll click one day. I’m confident it will because she has great acting chops and has shown that she can deliver. I’ll be patient with her. I like the dynamic she shares with the girl who plays her nurse. She could be a funnier side-kick if her acting was better but maybe in time.
And finally (see what I did there?) anyway speaking of one note acting Kelly Monaco’s monotone voice is putting me to sleep. And I’m done.
After learning that Gina Tognoni was taking the role of Phyllis, I was ecstatic. I couldn’t think of a better fit. After watching her play Dinah on Guiding Light, I know she will play the best Phyllis. Now bring on Jeff Branson, they were paired in Guiding Light, and you’ll have a huge, hot winner. The chemistry, whew! Loved those two together. Please!!!
i love Burgess Jenkins as Billy Abbott. I think he is the next progression to the role. Billy a little less college charmer, now matured Billy charmer, that has gone through the most painful thing a person can…losing their child. I think Gina Tagnoni is going to be the same. I am happy that she has joined. I loved Michelle Stafford but I think she did the right thing…Phyllis needed a reinvention that sometimes only a new actor can do. It doesn’t mean one is better than the other, just the next progression. I already like Gina and know she will do a great job….as has Cady McClain also. Again, next progression! I think Y&R is back on track
I think Gina will do a wonderful job as Phyllis! Let’s all give her a chance, well that is until she starts in on Sharon, not going to have none of that LOL. I also like BJ as nu Billy he is a very good actor..
GINA rocks! More Emmys in her future! Fingers crossed.
not as phyllis
Gina will never make it as Phyllis-there was only 1 Phyllis and the fans will ot accept another one who doesn’t even remotely resemble her-bad move-cbs should have killed phyllis off
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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As The World Turns2 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
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Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
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General Hospital4 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
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