The Young and the Restless News: The Secret Behind the YR Masks

During The Young and the Restless classic episode run, the show aired an hour featuring the show’s famous masquerade ball. Now, folks at the show are wearing masks for a different reason and they’ve been manufactured by one of the show’s former cast members!

The Young and the Restless Masks Up

As viewers saw in a post by Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), YR personnel are wearing masks at work as part of safety protocols in light of the coronavirus. They’ve been made by Robert Parucha (ex-Matt) and his company. “Back in March when COVID hit, our apparel company was making face masks for the PPE (personal protective equipment) needs of companies to keep employees safe across the country,” Parucha tells Soap Hub.

“Knowing that YR was shut down due to COVID and thinking of the cast/crew/producers, I thought it would be a nice gesture on my part to make some YR logo masks. I received permission from the show to make 100 masks as a contribution. I value my friends on the show and hope this is a small way to contribute to people staying safe. So glad it’s up and running again for everyone’s sake!”

While there are no more masks with the YR logo available, folks can order logo-free masks from Parucha’s company, Keep It Covered Masks, by clicking here.

In addition to appearing on the show earlier this year at a gala honoring Victor (Eric Braeden), Parucha has popped up on a few classic re-airings of YR. “My favorite was the scenes in the Colonnade Room with Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott),” the actor shares. “Mel always gives so much as an actor and the repartee we shared was classic!”

Parucha reports that he and his family, including wife, Linda, and mother-in-law, Lee, 94, are doing well during the pandemic. “I know so many people in much worse shape so I feel for them and are thankful we have a home to hunker down in,” he says. “I have been able to still work – since we make PPE our company is considered ‘essential.’

“It was great to see everyone at Eric’s party [to celebrate his 40th anniversary] as well as to work on the show again during Victor’s celebration,” Parucha adds. “No matter how long it is that Eric and I see each other, it’s like having a friend where you just pick up where you left off. He’s a very caring person and that comes across anytime we meet. I also enjoyed the fact that Nikki and Matt were able to connect in the scenes we had – there is still a warmth and care that these two characters share which really is what the show is all about – family and relationships.”

Time will tell as to when Victor and Matt will reunite on-screen, but the two actors may team up for a potential business venture away from the soap. Soap Hub will bring details as that comes to fruition. “Eric has a great business sense and I think we would work well together,” Parucha says. “Stay tuned!!” The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.