The holidays and the new year can be a hectic time for many people, including Michelle Stafford. With 2026 now upon us, The Young and the Restless actress decided to start the year off on a peaceful note.
Key Takeaways
- Stafford announced she’s taking a social media break.
- The actress has taken many social media breaks in the past.
- Stafford has been the subject of fan harassment.
Break Time
Stafford is one of the many Y&R stars who is active on social media. The actress often posts about her home life, behind-the-scenes fun on Y&R, and her skin care brand Skin Nation. But in 2026, fans will be seeing less of Stafford online.
On December 29, Stafford revealed in an Instagram post that she won’t be quite as active on social media. “Taking a SM break. See ya next year!!” she declared.
While fans will miss seeing her sweet and often hilarious posts, they don’t blame her for taking a break. “ENJOY Your break Queen!! ❤️ Happy #2026 ❤️🙌🏾,” wrote one fan.
”Good for you and Happy New Year! 🥳😍,” wrote one follower. “I hope you enjoy your New Year! See ya on Y&R ❤️,” wrote one viewer.
This isn’t the first time that Stafford has stepped away from social media. In 2021, she announced a two-week break due to online negativity.
While Stafford returned to social media, the actress often has to deal with harassment. Soap fans tend to have trouble differentiating an actor from their character. Since Phyllis is known as a villain, some fans believe that Stafford is just like her Y&R character.
The actress finally addressed the negativity in December 2025. In a social media post, Stafford called out fans who blurred the lines between her and her character.
New Year, New Possibilities
Stafford is ending 2025 and starting 2026 in a peaceful way. While 2025 had ups and downs, there were many positive moments for Stafford.
The actress received her 14th Daytime Emmy nomination in July. While she didn’t take home the award, she’s a contender for the Lead Actress nods in 2026.
Stafford gave top-notch and gripping performances during Phyllis and Sharon’s (Sharon Case) captivity storyline. Then who could forget her and Danny’s (Michael Damian) emotional scene in the GCAC where she gave him and Christine (Lauralee Bell) her blessing.
Fans will undoubtedly see more outstanding work from Stafford with Phyllis being front and center in 2026. After being double crossed by Victor (Eric Braeden), Phyllis finds herself in the Jabot and Newman war. With Phyllis out for revenge and trying to rectify her actions, Stafford’s got lots of great material ahead.
