Lauren Koslow is returning to Genoa City, TV Insider reported. The longtime Days of our Lives star will temporarily step into the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless while Jess Walton is unavailable due to a scheduling conflict. The casting marks a full-circle moment for Koslow, whose early soap career began on Y&R more than 40 years ago.
Key Takeaways
- Lauren Koslow will temporarily play Jill Abbott on Y&R
- Jess Walton remains part of the show and will return later
- Koslow’s history with Y&R dates back to the 1980s
Lauren Koslow Returns to Her Y&R Roots
Koslow currently stars as Kate on Days of our Lives, but longtime soap fans may remember that one of her earliest major roles came on Y&R back in 1984. She played Lindsey Wells after former producer Ed Scott reportedly spotted her in acting class and encouraged her to audition.
In an interesting bit of soap symmetry, Koslow frequently shared scenes with Brenda Dickson, who played Jill Abbott at the time. During a 2019 appearance on Dishing with Digest, Koslow joked that Dickson’s Jill was her nemesis.
Koslow later reflected on how important Y&R became in her personal life as well. While working on the soap, she met makeup artist Nick Schillace, whom she married in 1987. The couple later welcomed two children together.
Jess Walton Remains a Key Part of Y&R
While Koslow is stepping into the role temporarily, Y&R made clear that Walton is still very much part of the show’s future. Walton has portrayed Jill Abbott since 1987, after taking over the role from Brenda Dickson following the cancellation of Capitol.
Over the years, Walton became one of the defining faces of Genoa City, earning Daytime Emmy wins for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 1991 and Outstanding Lead Actress in 1997.
Since relocating to Oregon in 2011, Walton has continued appearing on the soap through recurring visits and even remote appearances. According to executive producer Sally McDonald and head writer Josh Griffith, the show looks forward to celebrating Walton’s upcoming 40th anniversary as Jill Abbott.
“We’re extremely grateful to Lauren Koslow for returning to her Y&R roots and temporarily stepping into the role of Jill,” McDonald and Griffith said in a joint statement.
The Bell Soap Universe Comes Full Circle Again
Koslow’s temporary crossover also highlights the long-running connection between Y&R and DAYS. William J. Bell, who cocreated Y&R, previously served as head writer at DAYS before launching Y&R in 1973.
That shared history still continues today. Stacy Haiduk is currently appearing on both soaps as Kristen DiMera and Susan Banks on DAYS while also playing Patty Williams on Y&R.
Koslow’s Y&R episodes are set to begin airing Thursday, June 25. Meanwhile, DAYS confirmed her status in Salem remains unchanged, meaning Kate Roberts is not leaving the Peacock soap.
