Kristoff St. John, who played Neil on The Young and the Restless, will be the subject of a new project that will honor his life and contributions to the industry, as well as his battle with mental health.
The Man Behind Neil Winters
Fallen Giant Films, the production company founded by actor and filmmaker Randy J. Goodwin, has officially announced its latest project — a powerful new documentary centered on the life, career, and legacy of acclaimed soap opera star Kristoff St. John.
Titled Kristoff, the film will be directed by Bobby Razak and aims to provide an in-depth and emotionally honest look at St. John’s extraordinary journey, from his early days as a child actor to his iconic portrayal of Neil Winters on Y&R.
The documentary will trace how St. John helped break barriers with his role as Neil, one of the most prominent and long-standing Black characters in daytime television. Beyond his professional milestones, the film will also explore his deeply personal experiences, including his battle with mental health challenges and profound personal losses. Plus, it looks at the lasting imprint he left on both the television industry and the broader Black entertainment community.
During his distinguished career, St. John earned significant acclaim, receiving two Daytime Emmy Awards and ten NAACP Image Awards for his work on Y&R, where he starred from 1991 until his untimely passing in February 2019. His earlier work also earned recognition, including two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performance on NBC’s Generations, and a notable role in ABC’s Roots: The Next Generations.
For Goodwin, the documentary is especially personal. He shared a close bond with St. John, describing him as not just a friend but a brother and former roommate.
“Kristoff wasn’t just an incredibly gifted actor,” Goodwin told Deadline. “He was family. This film is both a tribute and an honest portrait of the remarkable man behind the spotlight.”
Also joining the project is St. John’s ex-wife, Mia St. John — a five-time boxing champion and the mother of two of his children, including their son Julian, who tragically passed away. The documentary is expected to premiere early next year. In addition, a scripted biopic chronicling St. John’s life is currently in development.
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