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Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Takes A Look Back At Some Of Phyllis’ Most Memorable Moments

By Michael Fairman

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Photo CBS

This week, Michelle Stafford is back on-screen on The Young and the Restless coming home to play her signature soap opera role of Phyllis Summers.  To kick things off, Y&R and CBS.com put together another one of their look backs, where the actors sit in front of a screen and unrehearsed watch scenes of themselves as their character through the years.

In Michelle’s, she comments and watches her very first Y&R scene and its with Michael Damian (Danny), then another with Lauralee Bell(Christine).  Who could forger the Cricket/Phyllis rivalry over Danny?  Later, we fast forward in time to when Nick(Joshua Morrow) and Phyllis passion ignited and they began their relationship which came to a screeching halt sometime later, when Phyllis caught Nick kissing his ex Sharon (Sharon Case) in Paris.

What fun it was to see Stafford commenting on the footage and getting us all ready for her Phyllis to take on Genoa City again!

Watch the video below. Then let us know, are you excited to see how Michelle’s Phyllis gets into the thick of things?  What was your favorite Y&R storyline of the past featuring Michelle? Comment below.

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It’s so damn irritating with so many viewers and Canadian followers of MFTV that we are unable to view these videos.

hi GramS
You don’t have Youtube in Canada??
youtube is worldwide ..
it is a youtube video.

Well, I was rather partial to Gina Tognoni. However, that said, when did soaps stop announcing the recast? Why, when the recast for GH’s Nina, did we not hear a voice over saying,”The role of Nina will now be played by Cynthia Watros? Or when the recast took over for Y&R’s Phyllis, why did we not hear,”The role of Nina will now be played by Godzilla”? I don’t get it.

About right now I am feeling badly for Gina this is the problem with Social Media I sure hope she is not reading this stuff it’s like they are trying to erase her she gave the job 100 percent she is not the first one however that the original portrayer came back I can name tons of them but still feeling bad for her. I know Case wrote lively words about her and others did also

I agree. The cast and crew adored Gina. I really appreciated her ability
To play Phyllis without imitating Stafford and without chewing up the scenery like Godzilla of Genoa city.

But, Harry, my love—-you hit the nail on the head!! You inadvertently prove my point…Gina destroyed the stuff Phyllis was/is made of!! Gina could never imitate Michelle, the real Phyllis.
As much as I adore Gina, her Phyllis lacked complexity; that innately elusive quirk which comes so easily for Michelle.
There is an ocean between Gina and Michelle–Gina tried swimming , yet she never made it to the other shore.
I noticed that a different light shone on Phyllis ( Gina) in the last few episodes……The old Phyllis was pushing through, preparing us for Michelle….
….the PTB tried injecting Phyllis/Gina with Satan’s naughty potion—- didn’t work for me and it didn’t work for Gina. She never measured up to Michelle’s finess of working the audience with her no-good intentions. Gina was too sedate to be Phyllis.
I was used to Michelle’s portrayal of “spunk”—-
The nuNina ( GH) has a steep and rocky mountain to climb, as well. Here goes another bitter-taste-in-the-mouth. No VAVA-VOOM!!

Harry,
Where have you been? Missed you….
I want to make another point. I think that there are many actors/actresses who take over another’s role and become the “victors”, such as Billy Miller, as Billy Abbott…..JH and MM as Adam Newman—-they were both better than the original.
Sometimes, if we hold an antipathy for the actor/actress himself/herself, we will possibly not give said actors a fair shake. In my case I do love Gina—very much—so…..
Correction: finesse.❤️

@Harry……..On the positive side, at least she’s not chewing up Port Charles anymore!!! Unfortunately, GH still has more than its own share of scenery chompers, and NuNina is a bust….not much of an improvement over our much-loathed original version.

Harry, I think they only did that voice over thing when we didn’t know ahead of time about the recast. I guess they figured with all the news and hype about the switch, that it wasn’t needed, and would give it more of an element of surprise when it happened.

Okay Violet. Like when Joan Crawford filled in for her daughter Christina on The Doctors? Okay. I guess I was trying to be funny with the Godzilla comment. Thud!!!

Harry,
That was funny about Crawford, and to me she WAS Godzilla. So, take your thud back.

Well, that was fun..
Of course, I didn’t know all that, so was fun to see it..

I see Michelle put some red in her hair, a Phillis trait.

Talking of hair;
Michael.. my Gawd! I hope the makeup dept takes that awful rug/hairpiece/wig thing off his head..
it is very unnatural and obvious, not cool, just be natural.
Y&R is overkill with attempting to make the seniors look ridiculously young.

I hope Michelle puts her Phillis mean on..
(the new Nina at GH, I dunno.. time will tell.)

I’m really liking new Adam..

Wish I was enjoying the show again I just feel like I am being taken back in time disappointed but I guess the veteran actors are happy again .

Hi, SusieQ,
I did it again…..posted prematurely…
Yes, it was fun….love Michelle. She lights up my screen; always, regardless her role.
I hope the character keeps her “sort of middle ground”. Sometimes a bad girl, yet other times, a loving, albeit mysterious femme fatale—-something which seemed to have escaped Tognoni. Phyllis is finally home. I’m sure her storyline will bear delicious fruit, yet reap a stormy and intriging outcome. Bring back Ronan!! Who can the Chancellor link be? So many possibilities. Phillip? His son with Nina?
I cannot say the same for Tracy and Cane—what a stupid, boring story—I love seeing Tracy; but please get her away from Cane. He is so superfluous—-definitely not needed. I think he’s kept around waiting for a story to break—-help me, ye soap gods!! I FF whenever he darkens the stage—unfortunately, Tracy gets FFed with him.
I pray these two will not become an item. Sacrebleu!!

Oh, I’ve been out of town. When was Gina’s last day on screen?

Oh hell yes, that was terrific. would love to watch Michelle Stafford play Phyllis the rest of my life, and watching the scenes from the past, could do it all day every day. So happy you are back!!!!

Thank GOD the stars have lined up again! Now, lets get rid of that Billy Abbott impostor!

Hey Timmm,
I Think he’s the best Billy we’ve ever had, except for Billy Miller of course. I just think he’s strong enough to play opposite the likes of Victoria, Victor, Chloe, Adam or anyone else that seems to be on him for one thing or another.

Hey Timmm
Sorry, but I like J.T as Billy. I think, except for Billy Miller, he’s been the only one strong enough to stand up to Victoria, Victor, Phyllis, Adam, etc.characters. The other two were not as good. I hear Billy Miller is leaving GH, so maybe Y&R will woo him back, as they did Michelle Stafford. One can only hope, right?

Say it again, T. Billy Miller, albeit not the original BA, kicked butt as the charmer, the gorgeous, the lover, the indisputable good/bad boy Abbott❤️

I love love love her and her character. So happy you are back.

Sorry not impressed! Gina rocked it in this role for five years I was glued to Y&R only to see her acting skills which just a killer, awesome, great, and she rocked it everyday. The cast fell in love with her and so did many. I am going to miss Gina T dearly. The way these two dump idiots at CBS too away of the best actress of our generation is mind blowing. What are they thinking? How did the TOP executives at CBS let these two fools do this to Gina T. She was rocking the Y&R for five years. To bring back Stafford who said she SHE WOULD NEVER COME BACK and boy here is she is unbelievable. Back to boring on the Y&R it will NEVER be the same without Gina T. period.

CBS you messed up!

So thrilled that Michelle Stafford is back! She is one of a kind! I remember back in 2005, when I gave up on GH and switched to Y&R — I had to replace one addiction with another, didn’t I?!?! — I found Stafford’s acting to be so authentic and enjoyable. GH was lucky to have her for her tenure there, but it’s great to see her back in her iconic role.

PS: Gina Tognoni did an excellent job, as is typical of her acting as well!

Thank you, James….agree with you to the hilt. We understand “Phyllis” and each other, my friend.
I suppose Gina did make Phyllis her own, as many suggest. But, that’s the crux of the matter—-The true Phyllis; the mischievous, yet enigmatic Phyllis; the never-turn-your-back-on-me Phyllis; the love-you-forever Phyllis was lost on Gina. ….I am not disputing Gina’s acting skills; they are as sharp as a tack—-she simply never conquered the character without changing Phyllis’ basic nature.
Besides, compare the two. When Gina, as Phyllis walked into a room, I was not compelled to do a double-take!! Michelle is “Poetry In Motion”!! As my husband said, MS exudes sex-appeal ( LOL), unlike Gina—-
❤️

Celia! Thanks so much for your reply! You have made my day!

So good to see we feel the same about Ms. Stafford — just an incomparable talent. I like and agree with your assessment here. I also share the opinion of you and your husband regarding Ms. Stafford’s sex appeal!

Have a good one, Friend!

I am wondering what happened to our Michael Fairman blog. It took me forever to find anything familiar, and all formatted differently. Someone, please help me to maneuver around here, or is it easier than it looks?

Well, it’s certainly more time-consuming, Violet! Perhaps that is the method to the madness of so many more threads….to make us spend longer hours on this website! It can try one’s patience, that’s for sure, especially when it’s hectic in “realville!” I do try to stop in as often as possible, but sometimes it’s just not realistic to pour over the entire contents in order to keep in touch with one’s favorites! By the way, I did finally reply to your—and others—-responses on the “facial hair inquiry” subject. Hope it posts and gets through to your inbox! Later……

Would you like to know the real reason why she left gh ??? I feel like I have been driven back in time same old same old good luck ! Eric got his way still a washed up actor who is so intimated that he is what he is yesterday’s news they look like a bunch of wrinkling old people ! The old and the useless

I never doubt your astute insights, Kay! You are definitely on to something, although I also think that a certain someone didn’t appreciate the competition at GH from another nameless soap queen who has managed to grab both the spotlight and most of the show’s acting accolades. (Not that I care for her either….) There were also whispers that extreme displeasure with one of the current major storylines factored into the departure, and that makes sense, too, when you ponder the recent hot burner tale being told. Plus, I imagine that the almighty $, not to mention, regaining one’s former position of prominence, played into the decision, as well. As a GH fan who was quite gladdened by this development, the “whys” matter none to me—just the end result—although I do feel for Gina Tognoni’s considerable fanbase and the actress herself. She truly got a raw deal.

My best moment was when Phyllis stalked Cricket and Paul on their honeymoon, showing up everywhere they went, including putting little creatures in their bed.

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’

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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.

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Beyond the Gates

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series

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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.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Marks Unprecedented 16,000th Episode Milestone with New Cast Photo

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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.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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