Exclusive: Gina Tognoni Joins "The Young and the Restless"
May 22, 2014
by Michael Logan


Look who's coming out of her coma! Suds goddess and two-time Emmy winner Gina Tognoni has won the hotly contested role of Phyllis Summers on CBS's "The Young and the Restless".

The character, originated by Michelle Stafford, has been hospitalized and off the show for a year. A rep for Y&R tells TV Guide Magazine that Tognoni's audition and take on the character was "flawless."

Look for Tognoni to hit Y&R in late summer.



The actress arrived on the soap scene in 1995 as Kelly Cramer on "One Life to Live" and followed that with her Emmy-annointed stint as Dinah Marler on "Guiding Light".

She has also appeared in Crystal Chappell's big-buzz web sudser Venice.

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Gina-Tognoni-Young-Restless-1082142.aspx

Although no one could ever truly replace the beyond-incredible Michelle Stafford in the role of Phyllis, Gina Tognoni is a fantastic actress and I'm sure she will put her own spin on the character. Plus, she's accustomed to playing the bad girl role on soaps!

Certain characters who have been played by one actor/actress for many years just should not be replaced. Show some imagination and create a new character.

Certain characters who have been played by one actor/actress for many years just should not be replaced. Show some imagination and create a new character.

I generally agree, but Phyllis is too critical of a character to leave off canvas for too long. If Michelle Stafford isn't willing to come back, it only makes sense for them to recast the role.

loved her on OLTL and she will rock as Phyllis on Y&R.

Will be interesting to see

Its tough to replace someone as great as Stafford but Tognoni is no slouch herself.