A pair of major returns is on the horizon at The Young and the Restless. Here’s the soap’s latest comings and goings casting news. Find out which popular stars from yesteryear are heading back to the show, if any newcomers are boarding in contract, recurring, or day-player roles, or if any of your favorite actors or actresses are leaving the CBS drama.
Key Takeaways
- Shemar Moore returns as Malcolm for a multi-episode arc with major story implications.
- Vivica A. Fox is back as Stephanie, reconnecting with Malcolm’s past.
- Melissa Ordway gets increased airtime as Abby alongside Dominic and Devon.
- Matt Cohen returns as Detective Burrow and shares scenes with Nick, Sharon, Noah, and Sienna.
The Week of February 23, 2026
Shemar Moore is heading home to Genoa City as Malcolm Winters. The actor, who originally played the late Neil’s (Kristoff St. John) brother from 1995 to 2005 and has returned sporadically throughout the years, will be back for a multi-episode story arc and has already begun filming episodes as Lily’s (Christel Khalil) biological father. Moore made his last appearance on the show in 2023 for Y&R’s 50th anniversary. Khalil shared a behind-the-scenes photo of Moore’s first day back on the set.
Joining Moore for the story arc is Vivica A. Fox, who’s returning as Dr. Stephanie Simmons. Fox briefly played Stephanie from 1994 to 1995. At the time, her character dated Malcolm. According to an official release from the show, Malcolm and Stephanie’s reappearance “will have shocking and lasting implications for the residents of Genoa City.”
Melissa Ordway gets more airtime as Abby Newman Winters, while Ethan Ray Clark is back as her onscreen son, Dominic. They share scenes with Bryton James’ Devon and Sean Dominic‘s Nathan this week. Ordway recently weighed in on what it was like playing Dominic’s abduction storyline.
Matt Cohen is back on the scene as Detective Burrow. The Genoa City cop interacts with Joshua Morrow’s Nick, Sharon Case’s Sharon, Lucas Adams’ Noah, and Tamara Braun’s Sienna on Thursday, February 26.
