James Hyde’s Nostalgic Reunion Sparks Soap Fan Excitement

It’s no secret that soap fans have been missing James Hyde on their screens. Best known to The Young and the Restless fans as Jeremy Stark, Hyde brought a silver-haired menace that electrified Genoa City during his run. Though it has been two years since his character’s dramatic exit, viewers still talk about his layered performance and speculate about possible back-from-the-dead twists that could resurrect him.

But while Hyde’s Y&R alter ego may be gone (for now), the actor himself just gave fans a reason to celebrate—by reuniting with two beloved co-stars from his earlier soap career.

A Passions Throwback

Before Jeremy Stark, James Hyde was already a familiar face in daytime. He played Sam Bennett on NBC’s Passions from 1999 until the series ended in 2008. For nearly a decade, he was part of the quirky, supernatural drama that earned cult status among soap fans.

This past week, Hyde posted a photo that instantly sparked waves of nostalgia. He reunited with Juliet Mills (who played witch Tabitha Lennox) and Rodney Van Johnson (TC Russell). The trio enjoyed lunch together, with Hyde captioning the moment:

“Had lunch and collaborated with my fellow Passions actors and friends. Stay tuned. More to come.”

Naturally, fans flooded his post with excitement, reminiscing about the late ’90s and early 2000s when Passions was must-see TV. Many begged for some kind of reunion project—whether a spin-off, a web special, or even a one-time nostalgia event.

Rodney Van Johnson’s Soap Connections

The reunion also reminded fans of Rodney Van Johnson’s extensive soap career. Before Passions, he appeared on The Young and the Restless as Trey Stark, and while unrelated to Hyde’s Jeremy Stark, the coincidence in surnames made soap-watchers smile.

Van Johnson has also popped up across the daytime landscape, including Port Charles and most recently The Bold and the Beautiful in 2023 as Attorney Russell—defending none other than Sheila Carter. His presence alongside Hyde reinforces just how deeply connected the soap world remains.

Fans Hope for More

The reaction to Hyde’s reunion post makes one thing clear: Passions still has a fiercely loyal fanbase. Even though a full reboot of the series is unlikely, Hyde’s teasing “stay tuned” has fueled speculation. Could the cast be planning a fan event, a streaming special, or even guest appearances on current soaps?

For now, fans are simply thrilled to see the bonds between the actors remain strong. Hyde and Van Johnson continue to be beloved figures in daytime, and any future collaboration—no matter how small—would be met with open arms.

Final Thoughts

James Hyde may be gone from Genoa City for now, but his career is far from quiet. With loyal fans from both Y&R and Passions, his nostalgic reunion has sparked renewed interest in the stars of Harmony. Whether it turns into something official or remains a fond behind-the-scenes moment, it proves that soap legacies never truly fade.

Question for fans: If Hyde and his former Passions co-stars do launch a project, what would you want to see—a miniseries, a nostalgic documentary, or a surprise crossover?