'Young and the Restless' News: Michelle Stafford Final Interview on Leaving Soap Opera [VIDEO]

Michelle Stafford opened up about her decision to leave The Young and the Restless after 16 years in the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest.

Stafford announced in May that she would exit her Daytime Emmy winning role of Phyllis Newman on the CBS daytime serial after originating the role in 1994. On screen, her character has been left in a coma after a fall down the stairs. The actress told the publication she would not be surprised if Phyllis returned to the canvas at a later date but as a recast.

 "No one tried to make me stay, but in their defense, I was pretty definite about going," Stafford said.

Stafford made it clear that she would never return to the role that made her a household name on the small screen. She would not feel protective of the character since her mind is made up.

"It doesn't matter because I am done. I'm completely done. And I'm not upset if they recast, I would totally understand," she said.

Stafford offered praise to Y&R and the many storylines that prominently featured her. She cited the affair between Phyllis and Nick Newman as one of her personal favorites. The decision to split the characters because of another affair that Nick had with his ex-wife Sharon took its toll on the actress.

"That was one storyline that I remember going, 'Oh my God. This has got to end. It's f---king me up.'"

Stafford explained she had no interest in resting on her laurels. After so many years of playing the feisty red head, she was eager for a new challenge.

"If I was an actor who phoned it in, it would have been easier to continue to play that character for 15 years. But I'm a crazy person who completely gets into it and brings it home sometimes," she said.

Watch Phyllis fall down the stairs below.