The Curtain Falls”: 10 Most Talked-About Actor Exits from The Young and the Restless — Over the decades, Genoa City has been home to countless memorable characters, but just as often, fans have had to say goodbye to the stars who brought them to life. Some departures were amicable, others shrouded in controversy, but all left a lasting mark on the legacy of daytime television. One of the most unforgettable exits came when Christel Khalil temporarily left her role as Lily Winters, breaking the hearts of devoted viewers who had watched her grow up on-screen. Then there was Michael Muhney’s sudden and shocking dismissal as Adam Newman, a move that split the fandom and sparked countless online debates. When Doug Davidson, who portrayed Paul Williams for more than 40 years, was written out without a proper farewell, longtime fans felt betrayed, mourning the quiet disappearance of a legacy character. Similarly, the exit of Gina Tognoni as Phyllis Summers in favor of Michelle Stafford’s return created one of the show’s most polarizing moments, pitting viewers against each other over who truly embodied the fiery redhead. Meanwhile, Justin Hartley’s exit as Adam before he catapulted to primetime fame in This Is Us left many wondering what could have been if he had stayed. On the other hand, Mishael Morgan’s decision to leave as Hilary Curtis and later return as Amanda Sinclair was both emotional and groundbreaking, showing her deep connection to the Y&R family. Daniel Goddard’s exit as Cane Ashby was another blow to fans, especially after more than a decade of on-screen romance and redemption arcs that defined his story. Melody Thomas Scott and Eric Braeden, the pillars of the show, have seen countless co-stars come and go — but none hit harder than when Jess Walton stepped back as Jill Foster Abbott, one of the show’s fiercest icons. Eileen Davidson’s multiple departures as Ashley Abbott also remain a sore spot for viewers who admired her strength and sophistication. And of course, the death of Kristoff St. John, who played Neil Winters, left not just a hole in the storyline but a deep wound in the hearts of his colleagues and fans worldwide. These exits, whether due to creative decisions, personal choices, or real-life tragedies, have shaped The Young and the Restless in ways that still echo today. Each goodbye was a reminder that in Genoa City, no one is ever truly gone — because their stories, memories, and emotional impact continue to live on through the show’s history and the fans who will never forget them.