Kristoff St. John’s Friend Plays a Special Part In Neil’s Funeral

Later this month, Genoa City residents will gather to pay tribute to Neil Winters, the character played by the late Kristoff St. John, on The Young and the Restless. The show has tapped someone close to the actor to play an important role on the show that day.

TV Insider is reporting that actor Stan Shaw will play the part of the Reverend who officiates at Neil’s funeral. Shaw and St. John had known each other for years, having met on the 1979 miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.

St. John died from hypertrophic heart disease on February 3 of this year. The actor won two Daytime Emmys for his role on Y&R. His first was in the category of Outstanding Younger Leading Actor in 1992. His next win came in 2008 in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor.

As previously reported, Shemar Moore will return for the on-screen services. On Monday, April 29, YR will air a stand-alone tribute episode to St. John, similar to the one the show broadcast in 2013 that honored the late Jeanne Cooper, who had played Katherine Chancellor since 1974.

Shaw’s a veteran performer, whose credits include Criminal Minds; Code Black; Murder, She Wrote; Fame; Hill Street Blues; and many others. A former martial arts instructor, Shaw has a first-degree black belt in judo and jujitsu and also has a second-degree black belt in karate.

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.