Michelle Stafford from The Young and the Restless Pays Tribute to Her “Favorite Actress.” Who is it? Gena Rowlands, the most cherished star of Hollywood, drew her last breath on August 14. She was 94 and battling with Alzheimer’s—just like her unforgettable character, Allie, in The Notebook. Gena was an icon with over a hundred credits to her name. Let’s see what Stafford has to say about the big loss of Tinseltown.
Michelle Stafford Honors Her Idol
Hollywood veteran actress Gena Rowlands had an impact on many, including Michelle from The Young and the Restless. And let us tell you, Rowlands was a major inspiration for Stafford. The Y&R star shared, “Rest in Peace, Gena Rowlands, my favorite, favorite, favorite actress forever. My very favorite.”
Additionally, Michelle recalled watching Rowlands in A Woman Under the Influence and thinking, “I wanna do that.” Let’s be honest, it is rare for an actress to leave such a lasting impression. Stafford described Gena as “consistently beyond spectacular,” praising her as a “true original, understated yet sublime.”
Furthermore, she believes the late Hollywood icon was “head and shoulders above her contemporaries,” acknowledging her incredible depth and beauty. So, it’s crystal clear that Rowlands’ performances left an unfading mark on those who had the pleasure of watching her. Unsurprisingly, other actors echoed Stafford’s sentiments.
Tracey E. Bregman from the CBS soap simply said, “Loved her,” while Finola Hughes from GH responded to Stafford. She wrote, “Beautiful, Michelle.” It seems Gena’s impact was truly felt across the industry. While Rowlands didn’t make her mark on daytime soaps, she did make waves in primetime television. The late actress appeared as Adrienne Van Leyden in Peyton Place for 39 episodes.
In addition, her film credits include The Skeleton Key, Hope Floats, Best Friends for Life, and Unfortunate Circumstances, among others. It’s astonishing to see how some stars manage to touch so many lives and careers. Gena’s legacy is undoubtedly a testament to her talent and the respect she earned from her peers.
We remember Rowlands and send our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and everyone who admired her. Don’t miss out on more The Young and the Restless celeb updates at Soap Opera Daily. Please share with us which of Gena’s roles you’ll always remember as your favorite.