‘Young & the Restless’ Casting Shocker! Gina Tognoni Out, Michelle Stafford In
In a shocking casting move, Gina Tognoni has announced that she’s leaving her role as Phyllis on The Young and the Restless.
Daytime Confidential reports that Tognoni’s predecessor in the role, Michelle Stafford, currently Nina on General Hospital, is leaving the ABC soap and will return to the role of Y&R’s fiery redhead.
Stafford originated the role of Phyllis in 1994. She left the part in 1997 and took on a role in the short-lived Aaron Spelling nighttime serial Pacific Palisades. She returned to Y&R in 2000.
In 2013, after winning two Daytime Emmys for playing Phyllis, Stafford left the show and the following year she became Nina Reeves the comatose wife of Dr. Silas Clay (Michael Easton, now, Finn) on GH.
James Patrick Stuart (Valentin) and Michelle Stafford (Nina) on General Hospital (ABC/Todd Wawrychuk)
Tognoni, a two-time Emmy-winner for her role as Dinah on Guiding Light, became Y&R’s new Phyllis in 2014. She won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2017 for her work on Y&R.
Neither Y&R or GH have released statements on the reported casting moves, but Tognoni has confirmed on social media that she was leaving the show.
“Five years ago, I was blessed to embrace the incredible character of Phyllis Summers Abbott,” Tognoni posted. “I am beyond grateful for the creative experience that The Young and the Restless have given to me as well as the amazing relationships I made with the cast, crew/staff, producers, and writers. I love my Genoa City family, which made it easy to give 110% every day. My long commutes always went smoothly before I loved where I worked and the people I worked with!
Peter Bergman and Gina Tognoni in a scene from The Young and the Restless (CBS)
“My special thanks to Sony Pictures Television, CBS and a special thanks to the Y&R viewers for their love and support. I wish Y&R continued success and everything it richly deserves.”
— Gina Tognoni (@ginatognoni) March 31, 2019
The Young and the Restless, Weekdays, CBS
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I was UPSET when Michelle Stafford was replaced by Gina Taglioni. It seemed IMPOSSIBLE that anyone could walk into such a complicated role, but I have to say that, Taglioni not only nailed-it, she expanded the role into something both old and new. It was impressive and fun to watch. Taglioni's natural and down to earth sarcasm have added an intelligence and hilarity to the show it hadn't had before. Sexy. Smart. Complicated. Funny. She really is a TREASURE. I love Michelle Stafford, but I am really sad to Gina Taglioni go. Can they both play Phyllis? : ) Taglioni's official statement was platinum and says a lot about her character. That said, the powers that be at Y&R need to get it together and treat their employees with respect. The dynasty on which this franchise is built has a lot to do with the fiber of the production, and it all counts. Stop all this back & forth. My heart goes out to these actors - what a tough business. Good luck Gina and good luck Michelle too . . .
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I completely agree! She really did manage to make Phyllis her own.
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Gina will be missed. Stafford is a talent, but Gina has made Phyliss her own. Not sure I agree with Sony or CBS Daytime on this decision. Gina's Phyliss is way more fun and sexy.
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No one can replace Michelle - it looks like a hole new person.
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I love the part that Gina Tognoni played as Phyllis, at first i didn't like her because as most will confirm, we missed Michelle Stafford. After a while I thought that she was much better for the part than Michelle. I hate to see her go.
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I really want Gina to play Nina on GH!!!
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I am a fan of Gina
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I will miss Gina as Phyllis she did a wonderful job playing Phyllis I'm sad she is leaving Y&R I think Gina should play Nina on GH she would do a wonderful job playing Nina on Gh.
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i'll miss Gina but Michelle was always Phyllis to me
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I agree. Michelle's Phyllis was likeable. Gina's not so much.
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In quoting Tognoni's post, the writer of this article CHANGED several words (presumably inadvertently), causing the actress to sound less intelligent than she is . . . Such sloppy journalism!
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