The Young and the Restless Star Michelle Stafford Honors 12K Episodes

The Young and the Restless continues to celebrate their impressive milestone of completing 12,000 episodes and now Michelle Stafford, who first brought Phyllis Summers to life in 1994, is sharing her own memories to mark this very special occasion.

Michelle Stafford Honors YR

The actress took to her Instagram account to pay tribute to the show she calls home with a shot from the Daytime Emmys featuring some of her co-stars at the time — which brought back memories of their incredible story.

“Happy 12,000th episode #YR,” she began happily. “In celebration, it’s so funny I found this today and felt it was kinda perfect to post. I love love LOVE Peter Bergman and Susan Walters @susanwaltersashby. I loved this triangle! We laughed together while shooting all of the time.”

The story was a romantic triangle between their characters — Jack and Diane — along with Stafford’s Phyllis. “I was quite emotionally invested in this story. Sometimes too much. 😳 Man, these were beautiful days. Beautiful times.”

The threesome was honored for their story by presenting an award at the annual awards show ceremony. “This was the 2002 EMMYS, I think. I remember there was an actor who was talking about me in an interview after the show aired and referred to my dress here as a ‘doily’. I thought he was just jealous cuz my dress was prettier than his… but looking now, I see his point.”

The photo is meaningful to the Daytime Emmy-winning star for another reason. “I don’t know who I was smiling at but whomever it was I think I really like them…❤️ #YR #12000 #channelingbarbrastreisandcirca1976 #tbt”

It feels like it’s been a long time since Phyllis was in Jack’s orbit. These days she’s back with another former love, Nick (Joshua Morrow). Will their love last this time? It may take another 12,000 episodes to find out! The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.