The Young & the Restless has been a comfort-watch for generations, holding audiences for more than five decades. Since its debut in 1973 on CBS, the soap has produced over 13,000 episodes and built Genoa City into a world that feels real to millions. But as new stories rise and old ones fade, the cast constantly evolves. Veteran performers like Eric Braeden, Peter Bergman, and Melody Thomas Scott provide stability, while newcomers bring fresh sparks. Still, 2025 has turned out to be a painful year for fans, with seven major characters exiting, leaving viewers stunned and emotional. Here’s a rundown of the departures and how each one reshapes the show’s future.

7. Jermaine Rivers as Damian Kane
Jermaine Rivers made an immediate impact when he arrived as Damian Kane—a shady manipulator who caused trouble from almost every angle. Although his time on the series was brief, he managed to stir up chaos quickly. His storyline came to a swift and dramatic end in July 2025 when Damian died after being struck by a knife during a heated confrontation. Rivers later expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling his short tenure a memorable experience. Fans are already speculating about whether Y&R might revive him in classic soap fashion, but for now, Damian’s chapter has officially closed.

6. J. Eddie Peck as Cole Howard
J. Eddie Peck returned to the role of Cole Howard, a character tightly connected to the Newman family. His reappearance introduced old romances, lingering tension, and new emotional arcs. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in early July 2025 when Cole was diagnosed with a rare lung disease. Despite efforts to save him, the character passed away quietly in the hospital. The show offered no extended farewell scenes or funeral, leaving many viewers frustrated at the abrupt ending. Peck’s warm and grounded portrayal of Cole made him a fast favorite again, and his departure leaves a noticeable gap in the Howard family storyline.

5. Conner Floyd as Chance Chancellor
Conner Floyd has portrayed Chance Chancellor since 2021, giving the character a heroic but sensitive edge across nearly 270 episodes. His depiction of the honorable police officer won both respect and affection from fans. But summer 2025 marked the end of Floyd’s run on Y&R, as he decided to move on to a leading role on Days of Our Lives. His new gig begins airing in spring 2026, but that leaves Chance’s fate in Genoa City uncertain. The show might write him off on an extended mission or recast the role, as has been done multiple times before. Supporters are proud of Floyd’s career leap but saddened to lose such a strong presence.

4. Ray Wise as Ian Ward
Ray Wise has long been praised for his chilling performance as Ian Ward, one of the Newman family’s most sinister enemies. First appearing in 2014, Ian returned in 2024 to deliver more calculated psychological warfare. His final showdown arrived in January 2025. In a tense confrontation with Victor Newman, Ian was shot and killed, seemingly ending their years-long feud once and for all. Wise appeared in over 90 episodes as the twisted cult leader. Although soaps often reverse deaths, the current storyline suggests Ian’s end is permanent—at least for now.

3. Linden Ashby as Cameron Kirsten
Linden Ashby first stepped into the role of Cameron Kirsten in 2003 and returned in late 2024 for a brief but intense arc. His comeback revolved around unfinished business with Sharon and the Newman family. Cameron’s kidnapping of Faith Newman sparked a dramatic rescue and ultimately led to Sharon stabbing him in self-defense. Even after death, Cameron appeared in haunting visions, giving Sharon one last warning of danger before fading away for good on January 27, 2025. Ashby’s performance remained sharp and unsettling until the final moment, firmly closing the book on Cameron’s long, dark storyline.

2. Colleen Zenk as Jordan Howard
Colleen Zenk joined the cast in 2023 as the calculating Jordan Howard, a villainess who teamed up with Ian Ward to torment the Newmans through manipulation, abduction, and cruel mind games. Her downfall arrived on January 24, 2025, when she realized escape was impossible. In a shocking moment, Jordan took her own life by drinking poison at the Newman ranch. Zenk later shared that she wished the character had received a more grand, dramatic exit, but her fierce performance ensured Jordan left a lasting impression.

1. Allison Lanier as Summer Newman
Allison Lanier took over as Summer Newman in 2022, bringing intelligence, passion, and emotional depth to the character. She quickly became a standout as she navigated complicated family dynamics and professional rivalries. In May 2025, Lanier announced her departure on social media. Her final episode aired on May 2, with Summer leaving for Italy to embark on a new chapter. The show has not yet recast the role, though it’s almost certain that Summer will return in some form, given her importance to the Newman family and several ongoing storylines.

These seven departures have left an undeniable mark on Genoa City, impacting both long-term story arcs and fan favorites. The big question now is whether fresh characters and new plots can fill the void. Viewers will have to keep tuning in to see how The Young & the Restless evolves after such an emotional year of farewells.