For over a decade, Thad Luckinbill played bad boy J.T. Hellstrom on The Young and the Restless. Now, Soap Hub hears news about the fan favorite.
According to sources, the popular actor will be bringing Victoria’s ex and Reed’s dad, J.T., back to Genoa City, sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. As of now, it looks like the stay isn’t a permanent one but it is at least a few months.
Luckinbill first joined the show in the summer of August 1999, playing the “bad boy,” who was Billy Abbott’s rival for the affections of Mac. He’d often scheme with Brittany Hodges, who had her sights on Billy.
From Bad To Good
Over the years, J.T. softened, thanks in no small part to his dynamic with Colleen Carlton. At first Brad, Colleen’s dad, wasn’t thrilled about J.T. dating his daughter, but after J.T. saved Colleen from burning to death in Gina’s restaurant (Kevin had set the blaze!) all was forgiven and Brad welcomed J.T. into his daughter’s life.
Character Consistency
Y&R’s younger set in the 2000s went through several recasts. There were multiple actors playing the parts of Billy, Mac, and Colleen. Over time, Brittany and Raul left the show, but Luckinbill’s J.T. was a constant until he left Genoa City in 2010.
In real-life, Luckinbill and Amelia Heinle (Victoria) shared both an on and off-screen romance, which resulted in a real-life marriage and two children. The couple announced a split this past winter, citing irreconcilable differences.
Away From Daytime
Luckinbill, who worked regularly doing guest spots while on Y&R (including a revealing turn on Nip/Tuck), stepped behind the camera after he left daytime. He’s produced several films and his most recent one, Only The Brave, is in theaters now.
It tells the story of the real-life Granite Mountain Hotshots, a group of elite firefighters who risk everything to protect a small down from a wildfire. Luckinbill has a role in the film too, as the character of Scott Norris.
What Will Bring J.T. Home?
No word on what will bring Luckinbill’s character back to the storytelling canvas, but given Victoria’s recent health scare we can imagine it might be related to that.
Luckinbill’s not the only performer who’s found success in other genres to return to daytime to honor his roots. Shemar Moore (S.W.A.T.) reprised his role as Malcolm a few years ago.
The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.
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