Role Reversal

Y&R’s Gina Tognoni is out as the show rehires Michelle Stafford to play Phyllis.

In a shocking casting move, Y&R’s Gina Tognoni (ex-Dinah, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Kelly, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) is out as Phyllis and two-time Emmy-winner Michelle Stafford (Nina, GH), who originated the role in 1994 and played it until 1997, then again from 2000-13, has been rehired.

Tognoni, who assumed the role in 2014 — and also won a Daytime Emmy for her portrayal in 2017 — released the following statement on Instagram: “Five years ago, I was blessed to embrace the incredible character of Phyllis Summers Abbott. I am beyond grateful for the creative experience that The Young and the Restless has 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 [from New Jersey, where she lives, to Los Angeles, where Y&R films] always went smoothly because I loved where I worked and the people I worked with!”

Tognoni concluded, “My thanks to Sony Pictures Television and CBS and a special thank you to the Y&R viewers for their love and support. I wish Y&R continued success and everything it richly deserves.”

Y&R setsiders report that the show’s new regime of Executive Producer Tony Morina and Head Writer Josh Griffith are hoping to bring a more familiar, back-to-basics feel to Genoa City, and bringing home Stafford is a part of that effort.