Y&R Star Michelle Stafford Previews the Daytime Emmys

Two-time Daytime Emmy winner Michelle Stafford is set to attend the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards as a presenter. Soap Hub caught up with the fan-favorite on the pre-show red carpet where the actress revealed what category she’ll be presenting and more!

Michelle Stafford Presents at the Daytime Emmys

“I’m presenting Outstanding Culinary Host,” Stafford tells Soap Hub. “I’ve done it before. I [presented this category] with Finola Hughes [Anna, General Hospital, who is nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress in a Drama Series].

Stafford recently recalled on National Best Friends Day when she and Hughes presented the award that she suggested to her pal that they not hold hands when they walk out on stage. So, what did Stafford do anyway as they headed to the podium? “I just grabbed her hand and she was laughing so hard. We both were.”

This year, Stafford’s presenting by herself. Her segment was pre-taped so, Stafford read each of the nominees as the winner, too. (Only the actual winner’s name will be read on-air when the victor is revealed.) “I think it was okay,” Stafford said after she taped her presentation. “I think I did okay. [Chuckles] I seemed to be happier for some [nominees] more than others. I didn’t mean to do that!”

The nominees for Outstanding Culinary Show Host are Valerie Bertinelli (Valerie’s Home Cooking), Giada De Laurentiis (Giada at Home 2.0), Edward Delling-Williams (Paris Bistro Cooking with Edward Delling-Williams), Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa: Cook Like a Pro), Sophia Roe (Counter Space), and Michael Symon (Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out).

Stafford originated the role of Phyllis Summers on YR in 1994. She played the part until 1997 and then, joined the cast of the short-lived primetime soap Pacific Palisades (on which Hughes also starred). Stafford won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1997.

In 2001, she returned to the show and remained on it until 2013. Next, Stafford soap-hopped over to General Hospital where she played Nina and then, returned to Genoa City again, reprising Phyllis in 2019. The actress won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2004.

The 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards airs on Friday, June 25 at 8 p.m. on CBS. The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.