Michelle Stafford, born on September 14, 1965, is a renowned American actress, screenwriter, and producer. She is best known for her role as Phyllis Summers on the CBS daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless, a role that has earned her three Daytime Emmy Awards. Stafford's career extends beyond television, as she has also made significant contributions to web series, film, and even entrepreneurship with her skincare line, Skin Nation.
Raised in Montrose, California, after being born in Chicago, Stafford began her career in modeling before transitioning to acting. Her roles in stage productions and television set the stage for her breakthrough as Phyllis Summers.
Who is Michelle Stafford?
Michelle Stafford came from Chicago, Illinois, but later moved to Montrose, California, together with her family. She became interested in modeling and acting at an early age, which made it possible for her to pursue a career in the industry. Stafford’s journey began in 1990 when she appeared on Fox’s short-lived soap opera Tribes. Even though the show got canceled soon, it got her foot in the door.
Exploring details of Michelle Stafford's marital status
Michelle Stafford is not married; however, she is a single mother of two. A gestational surrogate gave birth to Natalia Scout Lee Stafford, her first child, in December 2009. Also born via surrogacy is Jameson–her second child–in October 2015. Stafford has been quite open about her journey as a single mum and shares this story with her blog.
On her website, which contains the subtitle Doing it as a Single Chick, she often talks about the excitement and challenges of being a single mom; giving an honest insight into her own life while advising other single moms on different aspects.
Michelle Stafford's career
Michelle Stafford rose to prominence in 1994 after being cast for the role of Phyllis Summers in The Young and Restless. Originally planned only for a short duration; however; eventual good reception made the show’s producers rectify their earlier contracts with Stafford extending them instead. Once again after leaving the show in 1997 to explore other opportunities which included Pacific Palisades, Two Guys and a Girl, guesting on JAG episodes, among others, before returning to The Young and The Restless in 2000.
The Stafford Project, a web series that comedically portrayed her life and career, was another direction she took besides daytime television success. The series received positive reviews with fans highlighting how versatile an actress and writer she is. Before returning to the role of Phyllis Summers on The Young and the Restless, she starred as Nina Reeves in General Hospital from 2014 to 2019.
Stafford has also had guest spots on hit TV shows like Frasier, Charmed, and Ringer. She was also in Double Jeopardy with Ashley Judd and an indie movie called Durant's Never Closes. She has received many awards nominations over the years, including several wins at Daytime Emmy Awards.
More details on Michelle Stafford
Michelle also has a skincare line called Skin Nation, which was launched in 2016 and claims to feature organic, natural, cruelty-free products. Skin Nation is well-reviewed by fans for high-quality eco-friendly products while Stafford contributes much of the brand’s development and marketing.
Michelle has also gained fame for her philanthropic work where she has supported causes such as the Hollywood Education and Literacy Project, and the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, among others. She earned herself accolades from the National Foundation for Women Legislators for her efforts towards human rights.
