'The Young and the Restless' Star Gina Tognoni Visits 'Soap Box' (Video)

Gina Tognoni

Emmy winning actress Gina Tognoni, who plays Phyllis Abbott on The Young and the Restless, was the guest on Thursday's episode of Soap Box with Lilly & Martha.

Hosts Martha Madison and Lilly Melgar asked Tognoni, who previously played Kelly Cramer on One Life to Live and Dinah Marler on Guiding Light, about playing strong characters.

"Dinah at Guiding Light had more of a tendency to be mean sometimes, so I liked getting in there and trying to make her stronger instead of mean," Tognoni explained.

Tognoni assumed the role of Phyllis on Y&R in August 2014, replacing Michelle Stafford.

"When Phyllis came into my life, it was just the right time," revealed Tognoni. "I felt like I get this. I love Phyllis. I love going to work every single day."

Tognoni was recently recognized as "Phyllis" by her doctor after a recent appointment.

"I have to tell you why we love soaps," the doctor explained to Tognoni. "It's because you do the things we wish we could do."

Watch Thursday's complete Soap Box episode below: