Michelle Stafford’s portrayal of Phyllis Summers on The Young and the Restless has been a defining part of the show for three decades, but her journey almost never happened.
Initially cast for a short three-week stint, Stafford quickly made an impression, securing a long-term role that would solidify Phyllis as one of Genoa City’s most memorable characters.
Now, as she marks her 30th anniversary with the show, Stafford reflects on her time in daytime television and the unexpected longevity of her career.
A Role That Became So Much More
When Stafford first stepped onto the set of The Young and the Restless, she never expected it to become her career-defining role.
Like many actors, she assumed she would transition from one project to another.
“I was always expecting to go from job to job because that’s how the acting thing goes,” Stafford told TODAY.com in a recent interview. “I am continuously stunned that I’ve kept a job, that I continue to act. Not everyone can say that.”
Phyllis was initially introduced as a troublemaker, set to stir up drama and then disappear. However, the show’s creator, Bill Bell, saw potential in both the character and Stafford’s performance. “Because we had the genius Bill Bell, he saw something in Phyllis,” she explained.
That decision proved to be the right one. Since then, Phyllis has become a staple of the show, and to celebrate Stafford’s milestone, Y&R is dedicating a special tribute episode to her character on October 18.
Reflecting on Three Decades of Drama
Through the years, Phyllis has been at the center of some of Y&R’s most intense and scandalous storylines. When asked to choose some of her favorites, Stafford recalled the dramatic affair between Phyllis and Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow), which took place following the heartbreaking death of his daughter, Cassie Newman (Camryn Grimes).
“I felt like it was a very real story and told so well,” she said, noting that the unexpected romance between Nick and Phyllis shocked fans at the time.
Another standout storyline was the early 2000s plot where Stafford played both Phyllis and Sheila Carter—who, in true soap opera fashion, had undergone plastic surgery to look like Phyllis.
“That was really, really fun,” Stafford reminisced, adding that her scenes working closely with Doug Davidson (Paul Williams) and Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin) during that time were some of her favorites.
Most recently, Phyllis faked her own death in a shocking twist, only to return to Genoa City, sending ripple effects throughout the town. “I had a really great time spinning out. Phyllis was truly spinning out,” Stafford said of the storyline.
Currently, Phyllis is wrapped up in the mystery surrounding the suspicious death of her daughter-in-law, Heather Stevens (Vail Bloom), and is ready to fight for her son, Daniel Romalotti (Michael Graziadei).
The Rivalries That Keep Phyllis Fierce
Phyllis’ fiery personality has led to numerous rivalries over the years, which Stafford admits are some of the most enjoyable parts of playing her character.
“Every single (rivalry) is significant to Phyllis,” Stafford shared, noting that the tension between her and Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) has recently escalated due to Sharon’s erratic behavior after going off her medication for bipolar disorder.
The long-standing feud between Phyllis and Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters) has also been one of the most enduring conflicts on the show. Their battle over Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) and past manipulations have kept their animosity alive. “The Diane thing is just pure rivalry. Phyllis couldn’t have children, and Diane used that against her. (This is a) legit button to push for women,” Stafford explained.
Another notable rivalry is between Phyllis and Christine Blair Williams (Lauralee Bell), primarily centered around their shared history with Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian). While Stafford finds most of Phyllis’ rivalries justifiable, she admits that when it comes to Christine, “Phyllis is completely crazy on that one.”
Phyllis’ Love Life: A Never-Ending Journey
Over the years, Phyllis has been involved with several men, including Nick Newman and Jack Abbott, both of whom she’s had on-and-off relationships with. While Stafford acknowledges that obstacles have always kept Phyllis from long-term happiness, she wonders what it would be like for her character to finally settle down.
“If this were a movie, I don’t think Phyllis would end up with anyone, quite honestly,” Stafford said. “That’s the beauty of daytime—it’s just a bunch of middles. There’s never any end.”
Despite this, she would welcome the chance to explore a new, stable relationship for Phyllis. “It would be fantastic to actually have someone in her life that doesn’t bring all these problems. I don’t know if they’ll write that, but that would be fun to play.”
A Deep Connection with Her Y&R Family
After three decades on the show, Stafford has built strong bonds with her castmates, likening them to a second family. The closeness of the Y&R set became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic when production resumed earlier than many other shows.
“The liability of a group working together in close contact like we do, we have to care about each other. It’s a must. We took it seriously for each other,” she said.
The Y&R fans, too, hold a special place in her heart. Stafford credits the show’s devoted audience for keeping it strong through the years, even tuning in to classic episodes during the pandemic.
Looking Toward the Future
In addition to her work on Y&R, Stafford keeps busy with her skincare company, Skin Nation, which she launched after her sister’s battle with breast cancer. The brand focuses on organic and non-toxic skincare, a passion project that has become an important part of her life.
As for her time on Y&R, Stafford never imagined she would reach this milestone. “I never thought I’d be here celebrating 30 years,” she admitted.
Looking ahead, Stafford is taking things one day at a time, grateful for her career and the love from fans. “I hope they’ll stick with us for another 40-50 (years) so I can get to my 40th or 50th (anniversary),” she said with a laugh.
For now, fans can continue watching Phyllis stir up trouble, fight for her family, and navigate love and rivalry in Genoa City—just as she has for the past 30 years.
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