Home > The Young and the Restless > News & Rumors

Jermaine Rivers Had A Young and the Restless Connection Before He Landed Damian Kane

Jermaine Rivers’ Full-Circle Y&R Moment

The Young and the Restless star Jermaine Rivers with the Soap Hub logo.Jermaine Rivers was meant to find his way to Genoa City.
 Comments

Jermaine Rivers may be a fresh face in Genoa City, but his connection to The Young and the Restless goes way back! Long before he stepped onto the set as Damian Kane, he was already deeply familiar with the world of the soap—thanks to his mother. A self-proclaimed die-hard Y&R fan, Rivers’ mom never missed an episode, which meant he grew up watching the show right alongside her.

A Soap Fan From the Start

A self-proclaimed die-hard Y&R fan, Rivers’ mom never missed an episode, which meant he grew up watching the show right alongside her. So, when Rivers landed the role of Damian, his mom was one of the first people he told. Of course, he had to be careful—she doesn’t use social media, but he still needed her to keep it top secret! “She was like, ‘Are you gonna be the new son?’ She follows it! She doesn’t miss an episode,” he shared in an interview with TV Line.

MORE: Meet the REAL Damian!

From Den of Thieves to the Newman Universe

Rivers’ ties to Y&R don’t stop at just being a lifelong viewer. In 2017, he worked on Den of Thieves, a film directed by Christian Gudegast, the son of none other than Y&R legend Eric Braeden (Victor Newman himself!). On set, Rivers had the opportunity to chat with Braeden, who was gracious and generous with his time. Fast forward to 2025, and Rivers is now sharing the screen with the soap icon. Talk about a full-circle moment!

Becoming Damian 

Stepping into Genoa City for the first time was surreal for Rivers. “I had to compartmentalize pretty quickly because it can mess with your head,” he admitted. Seeing familiar sets from his childhood, like Crimson Lights, made him realize just how incredible this journey had been. But, once the initial awe wore off, it was time to work. “Now it’s time to do your job, have fun, enjoy the moment, and make it real.”

Now, as the real Damian Kane, Rivers is set to shake things up in Genoa City. With his military background, impressive acting chops, and lifelong appreciation for the daytime drama, it’s safe to say he’s bringing something special to the role. Fans better buckle up because his version of Damian is strategic, successful, and shrouded in mystery. “I’m excited for the world to meet the real Damian and to see the story progress,” he told the publication. “It is an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be there, and I have to honor it. It feels like the universe conspired for me to be at the right place at the right time to be placed where I am right now.”

Subscribe Now

Get spoilers, news and recaps in your inbox daily.

Subscribe Now

Get spoilers, news and recaps in your inbox daily.