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Paying Homage: Stafford with (from l.) Peter Bergman (Jack), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) and Joshua Morrow (Nick).
On October 18, 1994, Michelle Stafford kicked off her three-time Daytime Emmy-winning run as Phyllis Summers on Young and Restless . (Check out her thoughts on her milestone 30th anniversary here and the star-studded party the show threw for her here .) Over the years, the actress has made an impact not only in front of the camera, but behind it, as well, as proven by the many co-stars who shared their anniversary message for Stafford with Soap Opera Digest .
Lauralee Bell (Christine)
"I know I hit the on-screen rivalry jackpot with Michelle! She’s an amazing actress and every time we work together it’s just fun! On a personal note, she is my buddy and I respect her as a mom, woman, businesswomen and a friend! She does it all and her strength is unmatched! Happy 30th girl! Love you!"
courtesy of Lauralee Bell
Stafford with Lauralee Bell (Christine).
Peter Bergman (Jack)
"Michelle Stafford is a one-of-a-kind force of nature. Her clever, crafty, mercurial Phyllis has made Y&R the successful show that it is today. And Jack Abbott and Peter Bergman have been forever changed by her presence in their lives."
Eric Braeden (Victor)
"I love Michelle. And I love watching her when she works. She never fails to surprise me. She’s one of the most honest actresses that I’ve ever worked with!"
Tracey Bregman (Lauren)
"What do you say about a friend who shows up no matter what. We have shared all of life’s ups and downs together and I’m so grateful I get to do life with such an extraordinary friend, who also happens to be one of the best actresses I ever watched ever!"
Sharon Case (Sharon)
"Congratulations, Michelle! Happy 30-year anniversary. Here's to many more!"
Michael Damian (Danny)
"Bravo and Congratulations ! I absolutely love working with Michelle. Every day is new and exciting with her and completely unpredictable… and that’s what makes acting so exciting and memorable! I love our friendship and off camera banter and I look forward to more exciting times and scenes together in the future! Congratulations again you rock on!
Love you big time,
Michael, a.k.a. Danny"
Eileen Davidson (Ashley)
"Congratulations to the whole package! So much talent, beauty and humor, all in one person and a true girl's girl to boot!"
Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea)
"Michelle is a force !! She is so talented and makes everything so interesting to watch. Phyllis is a legend, and Michelle is a Queen!"
Michael Graziadei (Daniel)
"I LOVE you mom!!"
Amelia Heinle (Victoria)
"Michelle, always a constant. Always authentic, fun, crazy (in a good way), relatable, funny, smart, kind-hearted, good-hearted, nurturing, supportive, clever, ridiculous, (in a good way). Always a dear friend forever."
Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe)
"Before I was on Y&R I would tune in and watch Michelle Stafford and my jaw would just drop. Who is this powerhouse?! Not only was she stunning to watch but she was the most fearless actress with the boldest choices. She doesn't miss a beat and is extremely intentional. When I finally met her I was pretty intimidated, she is a force ! Years later I can say that I am so lucky to have not only been her castmate but now a friend. She is the queen ! Congrats Michelle on this monumental moment."
Courtney Hope (Sally)
"Michelle is an incredible force, and I absolutely love watching her work. She exudes passion and a powerful realness that is unmatched! Happy 30 years!!"
INSTAGRAM/christianjleblanc
Stafford with (from top l.) Tracey E. Bregman (Lauren), Courtney Hope (Sally) and Eric Braeden (Victor).
Bryton James (Devon)
"They really don’t come any better… Michelle Stafford is not only a complete gem of an actor, who brings every bit of her charm, confidence, and intelligence to the work that she puts on screen, but she is also one of the most thoughtful, and kindest people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing since day one on Y&R. There is never a wasted moment on camera, or an ounce of inauthenticity off. Her talent is as immeasurable as her heart, and I am more than honored to call her my friend. Thank you Michelle for giving us all a master class in art and life for the last 30 years and counting."
Christian J. LeBlanc (Michael)
"To make a living as an actor is a gift. To work with a friend doing what you love is the sweetest of miracles!"
Kate Linder (Esther)
"I was there on Michelle Stafford’s first day. It’s so hard to believe that 30 years have passed. Michelle is definitely a force of nature. She is incredibly talented and giving I always enjoy working with her. Happy 30th Michelle and here is to many many more."
Joshua Morrow (Nick)
"Stafford is one of my longest homies. Love her so much and the fact that I have gotten to work with her for as long as I have is just one of the luckiest breaks in my career. She’s a staggering talent and one of the finest actresses I have ever seen in my life and The Young and The Restless wouldn’t be the same without her. She deserves all the trophies all the time!"
JPI
Stafford with Morrow and Sharon Case (Sharon) in 2006.
Lily Brooks O’Briant (Lucy)
"Working with Michelle Stafford has been such an incredible experience. She's an absolute legend on The Young and the Restless , and the opportunity to learn from her has been a dream. Michelle brings so much depth and fire to Phyllis, and her dedication is truly inspiring. She’s been so supportive and welcoming, and I feel lucky to play her granddaughter on screen. Congratulations Michelle on 30 amazing years!"
Greg Rikaart (Kevin)
"I absolutely adore the incomparable Michelle Stafford. When we first met she welcomed me into her fray which is a great place to be. You get to see her stunning talent, generosity, sense of humor and bad ass energy up close and it is all remarkable. I can’t think of another actor who keeps me on my toes quite the way Michelle does. She will zig when you expect a zag. And the kids say she is a queen, she slays and she is the moment. Congrats on 30 spectacular years, Michelle!"
Brytni Sarpy (Elena)
"I’ve known Michelle nearly a decade now, on the GH stage [where Sarpy played Valerie and Stafford played Nina] and now the Y&R stage, and can say, like the rest of the world, her talent is timeless, effortless, and infused with life. And unlike the rest of the world, I can also say, that talent is only matched by her beautiful heart and effervescent soul. Lucky to know her both on and off the screen. What a gem."
Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki)
"1994 was quite a year for The Young and the Restless in large part to the arrival of Michelle Stafford as Phyllis Summers, who turned Genoa City onto its head! Whether she’s fighting with Cricket over Danny or seducing Nicholas away from Sharon (or even occasionally sparring with Nikki), she approaches every performance with the utmost passion and talent. And I just adore working with her!! Congrats, Michelle on this incredible achievement!
Love you tons!
Mel"
Jason Thompson (Billy)
"The biggest compliment I can give Michelle as an actress, and one I appreciate the most, is that when you are working with her, it’s alive. It’s crackling, and you’re never really sure where it’s going to go, so you dig in and go on the ride. It’s a grenade that you are passing back and forth, and it’s always exciting. She’s an experienced veteran who knows the genre and is a pro at telling stories. We are all better when Michelle is on our screen."
Susan Walters (Diane)
"Two of my all-time favorite days as an actor have two decades between them… but both were with you, Michelle Stafford! In 2002, when Phyllis ran over Diane with her car (set up by Diane) and in 2023, when Diane choked Phyllis over a desk (set up by Phyllis). Congrats on 30 years!!"
sean smith/jpistudios.com
Stafford with Susan Walters (Diane) and Peter Bergman (Jack).
Jess Walton (Jill)
"On the subject of Michelle Stafford: there have been many many times when I have stood on stage and watch Michelle do her scenes or been in my dressing room with the monitor on and watched her and I always want to turn to anyone standing around near me and say: 'Wow!…….Did you just see that!?!?' Michelle’s acting skills leave me speechless, always have. And the strength and warmth of her personality are the icing on the cake! Happy anniversary my friend."
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