Finally, the role of Adam on "The Young and the Restless" has been re-cast. Yes, he is back from the dead. Mark Grossman, who has prime-time credits, takes over the role. He will be the fourth actor to play Victor's son. Reportedly, the original actor quit when he learned he had to do a man-on-man kissing scene. It's called acting buddy. Michael Muhney took over. He was axed when it was suggested that he got a bit to friendly with an unwilling actress. The last actor, Justin Hartley, left to join a new show, "This Is Us," to play Kevin. He was not returning. For several years, Adam had been off the canvas. It was thought he burned to death in an explosion. No body, so no death. No word on when Adam will reappear.
It is very somber on the "Young and Restless" set this week. They are filming their goodbye to the beloved character Neil and the adored actor who played him for over 30 years. Kristoff St. John, 52, died last month. Originally, his death was ruled a suicide, connected to the suicide of his son Julian three years ago. The actor never got over that tragedy. According to the LA coroner, the actor's death was a combination of heart disease and alcohol. Whatever the reason, the loss of St. John was crushing to family, friends and co-workers.
On April 25, the residents of Genoa City learn of Neil's sudden, unexpected death. The town is set reeling. Devon will deal with the loss of his adopted father, Neil, who was his moral campus. Almost always enemies Victor and Jack will break bread and share tears. Everyone will exchange the love they had for Neil. Their day-to-day crises will be put on hold as they all try to deal with this tragedy. Over the next three days, there will be clips of characters interacting with Neil.
Shemar Moore, who played his baby brother, Malcolm, will come to town to comfort the folks he left behind.
On April 29, the tribute will turn to the actor. Cast and crew will share memories and thoughts about the co-worker who was truly a friend. Just like any workplace, some folks are detested, some tolerated and a few loved. St. John was loved for many reasons.
He was a great prankster. He and Daniel Goddard (Cane) loved to prank each other and sometimes joined forces to pull fast ones on other cast members. Bryton James (Devon) played his adopted son. In real life, the actors both began acting as children. They swamped horror and glory stories about being kid actors. Doug Davidson (Paul) always felt better after talking to Kristoff. On and on and on.
Mishael Morgan (Hilary) and Victoria Rowell (Dru) will offer the joy of knowing him and the sorrow of losing him.
Rowell and Sony which produces the show have had a rocky relationship since she left "Y&R" over a decade ago. She sued them, claiming discrimination for black actors. The suit was eventually dismissed. St. John offered solace. He did not question or back up her viewpoint. He remained her steadfast friend. He also managed to stay in the good graces of the "Y&R" brass.
Whenever he a saw a new cast member, extra or full-time staffer sitting alone, he asked the person to join him and his friends for lunch. This story says it all. At a juice bar, he noticed a young woman eating without anyone else and looking anxious. He asked what was going on. She said she was headed to an audition. After asking if she had her audition piece, he requested she bring it over and sat with her for four hours helping her prepare the scene.
St. John was a true mensch. A guy always there for you no matter what, kind, caring. The type of person you hope you are, and who you want in your life.
To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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