News
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Takes A Look Back At Some Of Phyllis’ Most Memorable Moments
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.
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.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
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