Shemar Moore looked forward to reprising his role as Malcolm Winters on The Young and the Restless. Throughout his career, he became a multi-generational icon. He admitted he’s humbled by this reality, recalling a touching interaction he had with a fan.
Key Takeaways
- Moore’s career spans over three decades, from daytime drama to primetime procedural dramas.
- His acting career allowed him to bridge the gap between older and younger viewers.
- Moore isn’t just a celebrity; he’s a fixture of their upbringing.
- Despite his “heartthrob” or “tough guy” roles, Moore has a grounded appreciation for his audience and views his long-term fame as a responsibility.
Success That Lasts Beyond The Soaps
In his interview with TV Insider, Moore touched upon his long-spanning career. After his run on Y&R from 1994 to 2002, he moved from daytime to primetime. He starred on Criminal Minds and S.W.A.T., and the upcoming S.W.A.T. spinoff Exiles.
Moore appreciates the opportunities given to him. He’s also grateful for his fans, who span generations. Moore recalled a fan encounter with a young adult who recognized him.
The fan asked Moore why he was at the grocery store, and he admitted he didn’t live too far away.
“‘I need eggs. I need toilet paper and paper towels. What do you mean?’ And he’s like, ‘Dude, you were my childhood with Criminal Minds, and my grandma used to watch you on Young and the Restless.’ And just the fact that generations know me and know my face, and I’ve affected them or family members.”
Moore went on to call it a “humbling, proud feeling.”
Remembering Y&R Alum Kristoff St. John
Moore will make his return to Y&R on Tuesday, April 7. He will reunite with Vivica A. Fox and their fellow castmates. But one person who won’t be there is Moore’s co-star, Kristoff St. John, who played Malcolm’s brother, Neil.
When Moore first started on the soap, he feared getting fired for messing up his lines. But St. John helped calm his nerves. “And he was a big brother to me on the screen. He was a big brother to me and a mentor in real life,” Moore recalled.
His return allows him to reunite with Lily (Christel Khalil) and Devon (Bryton James). But he’s also able to reunite with Fox, who played Stephanie Simmons on the soap. Moore exclaimed that Malcolm and Stephanie’s return is “to celebrate what Young and the Restless has done for us, to really give us momentum in the game for us to continue to pursue our dreams.”
