Michelle Stafford got her start on The Young and the Restless in 1994. She’s best known for her role as Phyllis Summers, although General Hospital fans know her as Nina Reeves. Stafford was nominated for a 2025 Daytime Emmy for Lead Actress in a Series.
Key Takeaways
- Michelle Stafford is nominated for a 2025 Daytime Emmy Nomination for Lead Actress in a Series.
- Stafford has received 14 Daytime Emmy nominations throughout her soap career.
- In 2024, Stafford’s character, Phyllis Summers, did whatever she could to keep her son from going to prison for murdering his wife, a crime he didn’t commit.
Stafford’s 2025 Daytime Emmy Nomination
2024 was another dark year for Phyllis — it was a year she was still trying to repair her relationships with her kids after she faked her death. Ultimately, she was able to step up for Daniel (Michael Graziadei), but for one of the worst reasons possible. She supported him, defended him, and stood up for him after his wife, Heather (Vail Bloom), was murdered in cold blood.
Phyllis was determined to frame Sharon (Sharon Case) for Heather’s murder. In her mind, she was convinced that Sharon had killed Heather and then framed her son.
Phyllis was motivated by her hatred for Sharon, especially how she was loved and adored, regardless of her actions. This resulted in several confrontations, showdowns, and shouting matches between Phyllis and Sharon.
She nearly died from a fiery car crash in 2024. Her kids, Daniel and Summer (Allison Lanier), thought they were going to lose her. Daniel was already reeling from the death of his wife, Heather.
Through it all, Phyllis refused to see Sharon’s innocence. And in the end, while Sharon didn’t kill Heather, in her drug-fueled state, she did frame Daniel. And Phyllis wanted to see her pay.
However, it turned out that Ian Ward (Ray Wise) was the one behind the crimes, along with his accomplice, Jordan (Colleen Zenk). Phyllis didn’t realize she was being manipulated by the gruesome twosome, who tried to divert attention from themselves for months but were eventually caught.
Stafford’s Daytime Emmy History
Stafford perfectly portrayed Phyllis’ range of emotions, from her highest highs to her lowest lows. She has fans convinced that she’s spiraling, even though she ultimately regains control.
This isn’t Stafford’s first time being nominated for the Daytime Emmy Awards. She won three times in 1997 for Outstanding Supporting Actress, in 2004 for Outstanding Lead Actress, and in 2024 for Outstanding Lead Actress.
This 2025 Daytime Emmy Nomination is Stafford’s 14th nomination, and could be her fourth in the Lead Actress category if she wins the highly sought-after award.
