The Young and the Restless has captivated audiences for over half a century. Since its debut on CBS in early 1973, the soap has aired more than 13,000 episodes, building a world that feels as familiar to fans as their own hometown. Genoa City might remain constant, but the faces that bring its tangled relationships and shocking twists to life are always changing. Veteran stars like Eric Braeden, Peter Bergman, and Melody Thomas Scott continue to anchor the show, while newer cast members inject fresh energy. But 2025 brought a wave of farewells, with seven notable actors ending their runs—each departure altering the show’s landscape in dramatic ways.
7. Germaine Rivers as Damen Kaine
Germaine Rivers brought a sly charm to Damen Kaine, a master manipulator who seemed to leave trouble wherever he went. Though his time on the show was brief, his character’s schemes stirred up more than enough chaos. His exit wasn’t subtle—Damen was killed in mid-July 2025 after a heated confrontation ended with a knife hurtling straight toward him. It was a sudden and unforgettable close to a character who barely had time to fully blossom. Rivers expressed gratitude for the experience and fans have wondered whether the writers might someday resurrect the villain—after all, this is a soap—but for now, Damen’s chapter is closed.
6. Jay Eddie Peck as Cole Howard
Jay Eddie Peck’s return as Cole Howard was a warm surprise for longtime viewers. Cole, deeply connected to the Newmans, brought with him ties to past romances and unfinished family business. His 2025 storyline took a heartbreaking turn when he was diagnosed with a rare pulmonary illness. By early July, his battle came to an end and Cole passed quietly in a hospital bed. Viewers were stunned—not only by the suddenness of his death, but by the absence of an on-screen funeral or emotional farewell. Peck’s gentle, grounded portrayal reinvigorated Cole, making his departure all the more painful and leaving a permanent void in the Howard family tree.
5. Connor Floyd as Chance Chancellor
Connor Floyd created a standout version of Chance Chancellor, playing the dedicated, big-hearted cop since 2021. Nearly 270 episodes later, Floyd had become a fan favorite, admired for balancing toughness with vulnerability. In summer 2025, he shot his final scenes, announcing a major career move—he had accepted a leading role on Days of Our Lives, set to debut in spring 2026. As for Chance, his future is now uncertain. Writers may send him off on an undercover assignment or recast him, as they’ve done in the past. Either way, fans are feeling the sting even as they celebrate Floyd’s next big opportunity.
4. Ray Wise as Ian Ward
Ray Wise delivered a chilling performance as Ian Ward, the manipulative cult leader and longtime Newman nemesis. First introduced in 2014, Ian resurfaced in 2024 to rekindle old grudges. His final episode aired in January 2025 during a dramatic showdown with Victor Newman. Ian attempted to strike first, but Victor fired back—literally—and ended their feud once and for all. Over 90 episodes, Wise shaped Ian into one of the show’s most nightmarish villains. A future resurrection is always possible in daytime TV, but for now, Ian’s deadly fate stands.
3. Lyndon Ashby as Cameron Kirsten
Lyndon Ashby originally brought the sinister Cameron Kirsten to life in 2003. After a long absence, he returned in late 2024 for a short but intense arc meant to close the character’s story. Cameron kidnapped Faith Newman in a twisted final act, only for Sharon and Nick to pull off a daring rescue. Sharon ended Cameron’s reign of terror with a fatal stab. Even in death, he lingered in Sharon’s mind, appearing in visions as she faced new dangers. On January 27, 2025, his ghost finally faded away. Ashby’s chilling presence made Cameron unforgettable, but his saga reaches a definitive conclusion.
2. Colleen Zenk as Jordan Howard
Veteran soap actress Colleen Zenk joined Y&R in 2023 as the scheming Jordan Howard. Jordan paired up with Ian Ward to unleash a series of psychological attacks and abductions targeting the Newmans. Cornered and out of options, Jordan took her own life at the Newman ranch via poison on January 24, 2025. Zenk later admitted she wished for a more theatrical exit—something akin to classic Hollywood villain finales—but her fierce performance made Jordan’s end impactful regardless.
1. Allison Lanier as Summer Newman
Allison Lanier stepped into the role of Summer Newman in 2022, taking over as the grown daughter of Nick and Phyllis. Over her three-year run, she infused Summer with intelligence, confidence, and fiery spirit. In May 2025, Lanier announced her departure online. Her final episode aired on May 2, with Summer leaving for a fresh start in Italy. No recast has been revealed yet, but given Summer’s importance, fans expect a new actress eventually. Lanier’s departure leaves a sizeable gap in the Newman storyline.
These seven exits shake up Genoa City in a big way. New blood will inevitably arrive, but for now, viewers are still grieving the losses and wondering what ripple effects these departures will unleash next.
