Greg Rikaart took to social media and confirmed reports that he’ll indeed be exiting from The Young and the Restless (YR) later this year.
“Fourteen years ago, I booked a two-week long gig on The Young and the Restless,” Rikaart wrote on his Instagram page.
“In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined what it would turn into: a career-defining experience that has brought me so much happiness and fulfillment.
“Playing Kevin and watching him evolve over the years has mirrored my own life in so many ways. We both found love, both became dads and we both have more gray hair now than we did in 2003.”
When viewers were introduced to Kevin, he was an Internet predator, who lured an unsuspecting Lily Winters into his web of lies, seducing her, and infecting her with chlamydia.
His story could have wrapped after the beats were played about informing teen viewers and parents about Internet villains, but the Y&R writers expanded Rikaart’s character by revealing that he was Michael Baldwin’s long-lost half brother.
Viewers warmed to Kevin after realizing he’d suffered abuse at the hands of his father, aka “Terrible Tom.”
Still, Kevin had a ways to go before tempering his evil ways. He tried to kill Colleen by setting a fire at Gina’s. He went to prison and, eventually, reformed thanks to support from Michael (Christian LeBlanc) and Lauren (Tracey E. Bregman).
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Kevin developed an unrequited crush on Fenmore’s owner before moving on to romances with Jana and Chloe.
The fan favorite says he’s not sure what’s next for Kevin, but some viewers are already speculating that he may not be Bella’s dad after all and that inevitable revelation may prompt his exit from Genoa City.
Or, perhaps he and Chloe might leave town together and be given a happy ending. There are many possibilities and viewers will want to stick around through the summer to see how Kevin’s story plays out.
“I am sad to leave a place I hold so dear but also really excited about what the future holds,” Rikaart eloquently added.
“I cannot overstate how much gratitude I have to all of you who have been such loud cheerleaders for me. You’ve all enriched my life. So stick around. The journey is just beginning.”
Rikaart’s portrayal of Kevin won him a Daytime Emmy in 2005, as well as subsequent nominations in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
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