The Young and the Restless: Tragedy, Triumph, and the Stars We’ve Lost

For over five decades, The Young and the Restless has captivated audiences with its gripping storylines, complex romances, and unforgettable characters from Genoa City. But while the soap opera continues to thrive on-screen, real life has brought painful tragedy for many of the beloved actors who helped shape the show into a cultural institution.

From sudden illnesses to heartbreaking personal battles, the stars of Y&R carried struggles that often mirrored the drama of their characters. Yet, through their pain, they left behind stories of resilience, artistry, and legacies that continue to shine long after their passing.

This article honors these extraordinary performers—their lives, careers, and the indelible marks they made on daytime television.

Jeanne Cooper as Katherine Chancellor

Born October 25, 1928, Jeanne Cooper became a household name at 45 when she took on the iconic role of Katherine Chancellor. On-screen, Katherine was a wealthy, commanding woman, yet plagued with struggles that reflected Cooper’s own real-life challenges, including addiction and heartbreak.

Cooper made history when she asked Y&R writers to incorporate her personal battle with alcoholism into Katherine’s storyline, creating one of television’s most authentic portrayals of recovery. In 1984, she went even further, undergoing a real facelift on live TV as part of her character’s journey—a groundbreaking moment in Hollywood history.

After decades of powerful performances, Cooper filmed her final scenes in 2013, just as the soap celebrated its 40th anniversary. She passed away on May 8, 2013, at 84 years old, leaving behind a net worth of $8 million and a legacy as one of daytime’s bravest trailblazers.

Jerry Douglas as John Abbott

Jerry Douglas, born November 12, 1932, brought warmth and gravitas to Y&R as John Abbott, the moral patriarch of the Abbott family. Joining the cast at 49, he quickly became the heart of the Abbott storylines, embodying loyalty, kindness, and resilience.

Before his soap stardom, Douglas sold insurance by day while studying acting at night. His persistence eventually landed him roles on shows like Mission: Impossible before fate brought him to Genoa City.

Despite health struggles later in life, Douglas remained a cherished presence on-screen, often returning as John’s spirit even after the character’s death. He passed away on November 9, 2021, at 88 years old. His net worth of $5 million reflected a career built on consistency, dedication, and love for storytelling.

Kristoff St. John as Neil Winters

At just 25, Kristoff St. John broke barriers when he debuted as Neil Winters—the first Black man to be featured as a long-term regular in Genoa City. His role spanned nearly three decades and over 2,000 episodes, earning him two Daytime Emmy Awards.

St. John’s performances carried deep emotion, but his personal life was marked by profound tragedy. In 2014, his son Julian died by suicide following a battle with mental illness, a loss that devastated him. Kristoff never fully recovered, struggling with depression and alcohol dependency in the years that followed.

On February 3, 2019, St. John passed away at just 52 years old from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with alcohol as a contributing factor. His estimated net worth of $4 million underscored a career of groundbreaking representation and heartfelt artistry.

Carolyn Conwell as Mary Williams

Carolyn Conwell, born May 16, 1930, played Mary Williams—mother of Paul Williams—across nearly 1,500 episodes from 1980 to 2004. She portrayed Mary with a sincerity that resonated deeply with audiences.

Conwell had already built a successful career in film and theater, with roles in The Boston Strangler and Torn Curtain. But she lived a quiet, grounded personal life, raising three children and keeping Hollywood at arm’s length.

She passed away peacefully on October 22, 2012, at the age of 82. Her $2 million net worth reflected a steady, honorable career built on talent rather than spectacle.

Marla Adams as Dina Abbott Mergeron

Marla Adams, born August 28, 1938, joined Y&R in 1983 as Dina Abbott Mergeron, the estranged mother of the Abbott siblings. Her layered performance earned her a long-awaited Daytime Emmy Award in 2021.

Adams’ career spanned decades, with memorable roles in Splendor in the Grass and The Secret Storm. Off-screen, her personal life was marked by heartbreak—failed marriages and betrayals—but she found joy in her children and grandchildren.

She passed away on April 25, 2024, at 85 after a battle with cancer. Her estimated net worth of $3 million reflected over 60 years of dedication to stage and screen.

Billy Miller as Billy Abbott

Born September 17, 1979, Billy Miller brought depth and vulnerability to the role of Billy Abbott, earning three Daytime Emmy Awards. Before Y&R, he had already made a mark with his intense role as Richie Novak on All My Children.

Despite his success, Miller quietly battled bipolar depression. On September 15, 2023, just two days before his 44th birthday, he died by suicide in Austin, Texas.

He left behind farewell letters and a grieving fanbase that remembered his talent and kindness. His net worth of $3 million was far less than the priceless legacy of hope and empathy he inspired.

Wings Hauser as Greg Foster

Gerald Dwight “Wings” Hauser, born December 12, 1947, played Greg Foster on Y&R. Beyond soaps, he became known for cult classics like Vice Squad and his work as a songwriter.

His career was vast, with more than 100 credits, yet he often lived modestly. Hauser later dedicated his life to conservation work with his wife.

He passed away on March 15, 2025, at 78 years old after battling COPD, leaving behind a $2 million net worth and a creative legacy that spanned acting, music, and writing.

Quinn Redeker as Rex Sterling

Quinn Redeker, born May 2, 1936, joined Y&R in the 1980s as Rex Sterling, a sophisticated yet mysterious figure. Prior to that, he had starred as Alex Marshall on Days of Our Lives.

Redeker’s greatest contribution, however, was behind the scenes: he co-wrote the Oscar-winning film The Deer Hunter (1978), a searing exploration of the Vietnam War’s human toll.

He passed away on December 20, 2022, at 86 years old, leaving behind a net worth of $2.5 million and a dual legacy as both actor and writer.

Terry Lester as Jack Abbott

Terry Lester, born April 13, 1950, became the original Jack Abbott in 1980, shaping the role into one of daytime’s most enduring characters.

By the late 1980s, Lester grew frustrated with reduced screen time and eventually left. He later starred in Santa Barbara and As the World Turns, before returning to theater work.

He passed away on November 28, 2003, at only 53 years old, from complications related to AIDS. His net worth of $1.5 million belied the cultural impact of his career.

Other Beloved Stars We’ve Lost

• Bo Kazer (Brock Reynolds) – Passed in 2014 at 63, remembered as Katherine Chancellor’s gentle son.

• Michael Tylo (Blade Bladeson) – Passed in 2021 at 72, a beloved soap actor and later a professor.

• James Houghton (Greg Foster) – Passed in 2024 at 75, both an actor and Y&R writer.

• Sharon Farrell (Florence Webster) – Passed in 2023 at 82, a versatile actress who overcame medical hardship.

• Roscoe Born (Tom Fisher) – Passed in 2020 at 69, remembered for his chilling villains.

• Jeffrey Deuel (Dave Campbell) – Passed in 2024 at 81, who traded fame for teaching and simplicity.

A Lasting Legacy of Talent and Resilience

The actors of The Young and the Restless lived lives as dramatic and heartbreaking as the storylines they portrayed. Some fought illness, others faced personal demons, and many left us far too soon. Yet through it all, they gave us unforgettable performances that enriched television history.

Their stories remind us of the humanity behind the characters, and the price often paid for lives lived in the spotlight.

Though gone, these stars remain eternal through the memories of fans and the countless hours of storytelling they gave to the world.