Michelle Stafford Opens up About a New Favorite Y&R Scene
There is an exchange between Michael and Phyllis in the Dec. 8 episode of THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS that Michelle Stafford confided is very special to her. “This is probably one of my favorite scenes between me and Christian LeBlanc,” she admitted. “Two friends talking. That’s all, just talking. But it’s so loaded. We are nothing like our characters but this scene between us is rich with history and real to who we are.
“That’s what I love most about Y&R, the history of character,” Stafford continued. “At the core, I think Phyllis is a very sad, apathetic woman who is trying to overcome it at all times. This scene also affects me deeply as I know my very good pal Christian is going through a very challenging time in his personal life. Life imitates art. Art imitates life. Whatever. It’s true, though. This could be my new favorite scene between me and the superlative Christian LeBlanc.”
In the scene, Phyllis and Michael are having drinks together in the jazz lounge and she becomes emotional as she opens up about how she’s trying to be better but her kids still hate her. So Michael cracks a couple of jokes and praises his pal for growing up and at least making the effort to change. Phyllis then confesses her jealousy of other people in Genoa City who were given a second chance while she’s still struggling to prove herself.
Fans and friends filled the comments with praise for both the beautifully written scene as well as the actors in it. “This is lovely,” declared Stafford’s real-life BFF, Finola Hughes (Anna, GENERAL HOSPITAL). “Beautiful. So well acted and relaxed. Oh, to have long scenes again!” GH alum Kimberly McCullough (ex-Robin) added: “You’re so good.”
Winsor Harmon, who recently returned to THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL as Thorne enthused, “You two are captivating! I love and adore you both.” And Stafford’s Y&R castmates Lauralee Bell (Christine) and Melissa Ordway (Abby) let rows of heart emojis do the talking.
It’s a terrific scene and hopefully, Stafford keeps it in mind for next year’s Emmy reel!
