The Young and the Restless’ Michael Graziadei Opens Up About Daniel’s Mindset After Heather’s Death

On The Young and the Restless’ special episode that focused on Sharon, it seemed that she killed Heather and dumped the corpse. Fans continue to debate whether or not Heather is truly dead, even though Daniel identified her body. His portrayer, Michael Graziadei, discussed what’s going on in Daniel’s head, especially since her death impacts their daughter Lucy.

Her Death Made Sense Storywise

As everyone in Genoa City reels from Heather’s (Vail Bloom) death, Graziadei took a deep dive into Daniel’s mindset with Soap Opera Digest. Knowing that Bloom had a meeting with Y&R executive producer Josh Griffith, he asked what it was about and was shocked to learn Heather would be killed off. “It did make sense to me [from a dramatic perspective],” he explained, praising the actress for continuing to give an amazing performance right to the end.

Daniel was the one who had to inform everybody, including Lucy (Lily Brooks O’Briant), about the tragic turn of events. Despite this, he held it together. Graziadei explained after all that, “It’s not until he’s got a moment alone that [his emotions] really just kind of [took] over.” Although he’s losing a scene partner he adores, he’s never experienced losing a partner in real life. “I don’t know where I’m drawing from, to be completely honest!”

READ THIS: Check out upcoming twists on Y&R.

Truth Will Out

In the aftermath of Heather’s tragic death, Daniel has become a suspect. As a result, Graziadei feels that his character’s mindset is that the truth will eventually reveal him to be innocent. Despite the turmoil, he felt that Daniel “Does have this calm that he is able to maintain, somewhat, through it.” Sharon (Sharon Case) is framing Daniel for the murder, and Graziadei believes, “For Daniel, it is 100 percent unnerving. I think it is 100 percent terrifying because he knows that he didn’t do anything.” (Find out how Sharon framing Daniel could implicate Lucy.)

Even though Daniel and Heather tried to avoid a mentally shaky Sharon, they kept bumping into her by accident. Still, they had no idea that she was (seemingly) the perpetrator. Graziadei also feels that Daniel has no choice but to prove his innocence. Otherwise, Lucy will end up without parents if he gets sent up the river. He enjoys all the drama and the range of emotions he’s had to convey, remarking that “Daniel’s not having fun, but Michael is!”