Michelle Stafford Honors Christian LeBlanc of Young & Restless

Michelle Stafford recently used social media to pay tribute to her co-star, Christian Jules LeBlanc. The Young & Restless actors share a deep friendship both on and off the screen. Michelle couldn’t let Christian’s special day pass without acknowledging it publicly. Here’s what she had to say.

On Sunday, August 25, Christian Jules LeBlanc turned 66 years old. A legend on Young & Restless, he portrays Michael Baldwin and has been a crucial part of the show since 1991, earning the love of fans and colleagues alike.

To mark the occasion, Michelle Stafford took to Instagram to offer her best wishes. She shared a selfie of the two where Christian is humorously peeking over her shoulder, making a kissy face.

In her caption, she wrote, “Happy birthday to this amazing human! This angel of a man! This great friend! A true light! And most importantly, this killer of cancer!”

In the fall of 2023, Christian revealed he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that forms in plasma cells and accumulates in the bone marrow.

Christian previously mentioned that fans played a pivotal role in catching the disease early. Before his official diagnosis, several people had commented on changes in his eyes. He recalled that one eye occasionally appeared “wonky” due to a tumor in his sinus cavity.

“If I hadn’t gone in for an eye exam, it might have progressed more. It’s a very fast cancer, and that is the danger of it,” he said. After undergoing treatment, he is now in remission.

Michelle further elaborated in her caption, “There are no words that can describe the uniqueness and beauty of this man. His fair and understanding soul. His natural compassion for people separates him from others, truly. He is a true artist. A great friend. A superb human.”

Several other soap stars added their birthday wishes in the comments. Kate Mansi, known for her role as Kristina on General Hospital, commented, “Happy Bday hottie!!!!” Young & Restless stars Lauralee Bell and Tracy Bregman also expressed their love.

Fans are well aware that Michelle Stafford and Christian Jules LeBlanc have acted together for over two decades. When he returned to Y&R in 1997 to reprise his role as Michael, the duo became intertwined in numerous storylines. Michelle, who plays Phyllis Summers, is his on-screen and off-screen best friend, solidifying their bond in real life.