Soap operas are notorious for their ever-changing cast list, and for recasting existing characters, butThe Young and the Restlesshas some characters who have been on the show for decades. The nature of soaps is such that characters can come and go over the years, be killed off, revived, age, leave town, return, be replaced with doppelgängers, and more. The fact is, this is a seasoned part of the narrative process that soaps employ, but that doesn’t mean this is the case with all soap opera characters.
Despite recent examples of characters being recast, there are some soap stars who have been in their respective roles for decades, and are considered legends in the realm of soap operas. Some ofThe Young and the Restlesscast members, in particular, have played the same character over the decades since their debuts on the show, making them among the longest-running soap actors of all time.
10Christian Jules LeBlanc - Michael Baldwin
On The Show Since 1991
Christian LeBlanc has played the role of Michael Baldwin since 1991, a quirky lawyer with a rough upbringing. LeBlanc first played the role from 1991-93, before returning in 1997, and has played Michael consistently since then.
His marriage to in-show wife Lauren is considered one of the most prominent and popular relationships onThe Young and the Restless, and the two are amongthe best soap opera couples ever. For his role as Michael,LeBlanc has won three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Seriesfrom nine nominations.
9Peter Bergman - Jack Abbott
On The Show Since 1989
Peter Bergman has played the role of Jack Abbott inThe Young and the Restlesssince 1989. Considered one of the villains of the show,Jack is known for his long-standing rivalry with Victor Newman, as well as romances with Nikki Newman, Diane Jenkins, and Phyllis Summers. A seasoned soap legend, Bergman actually preceded his role inThe Young and the Restlesswith a decade-long stint playing Cliff Warner on ABC’sAll My Children.
8Jess Walton - Jill Abbott
On The Show Since 1987
Jess Walton has the honor of portraying Jill Abbott, the longest-running and only remaininglegacy character fromThe Young and the Restless’s inception. Jill is known for her rivalry with Katherine Chancellor, considered the longest-running feud in American soap opera history.
Walton has played the role in over 1,900 episodes ofThe Young and the Restless, scooping two Daytime Emmy Awards and a Soap Opera Digest Award for her performance. She also previously appeared on the short-lived CBS soap Capitol.
7Lauralee Bell - Christine Blair
On The Show Since 1983
Lauralee Bell is best-known for her long-term role as Christine Blair, a model turned district attorney, inThe Young and the Restless. She played the character in a main role from 1983 until 2005, with a recurring role in 2006, and, following a break, has reprized the role on a recurring basis from 2010.
Christine also made crossover appearances as the character inThe Bold and the Beautiful —CBS’s sister show that is executive-produced by Bell’s real-life brother Bradley.
Bell received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her work as Christine. However,The Young and the Restlessisn’t her only soap opera credit. Christine also made crossover appearances as the character inThe Bold and the Beautiful —CBS' sister show that is executive-produced by Bell’s real-life brother Bradley.
6Eileen Davidson - Ashley Abbott
On The Show Since 1982
Eileen Davidson is one of the most iconic soap actresses in America, and has portrayed Ashley Abbott, a head-strong and sassy businesswoman who has lightened up in recent years. Davidson’s first run as Ashley lasted from 1982 until 1988, and then joined thecast ofDays of Our Livesin 1993, playing numerous characters.
She returned toThe Young and the Restlessas Ashley in 1999, and has played the role consistently, save for a couple of short departures in which she returned toDays of Our Lives. Davidson has also played the character inThe Bold and the Beautiful.
5Beth Maitland - Traci Abbott
One of the longest-running stars inThe Young and the Restless,Beth Maitland has played the role of Traci Abbott since 1982. Originally intended as a short-term three-month role, Maitland did enough to secure a regular role. She played Beth until 1996, returning again in 1999 for a short-stint, then again from 2001-02, and has been in a recurring role since 2006.
The character is considered to be a fan-favorite, and Maitland has earned a Daytime Emmy Award for the role. Traci also appeared in an episode of sister showThe Bold and the Beautiful.
4Kate Linder - Esther Valentine
Kate Linder has played the role of Esther Valentine for more than 40 years, making her one of the most iconic and legendary stars in American soap operas.Esther is the long-running housekeeper, maid, and confidant of the late Katherine Chancellor, and the character has received critical acclaim.
Linder has played the role of Esther for more than 2,500 episodes ofThe Young and the Restless.She also had a five-episode special guest role inThe Bold and the Beautiful.
3Michael Damian - Danny Romalotti
On The Show Since 1981
Michael Damian has played the role of Danny Romalotti on and off since 1981, with his first stint being 1981-98, then again from 2002-04, 2008, 2012-2013, and 2022-present. Danny is a rock star who has had marriages to Traci Abbott, Christine Blair, and Phyllis Summers. Damian also has a career as a recording artist, and his cover version of the David Essex song “Rock On” became a Billboard Hot 100 #1 single.
2Eric Braeden - Victor Newman
On The Show Since 1980
Ostensibly the lead character inThe Young and the Restless,Victor Newman has been portrayed by Eric Braedensince 1980. Initially a guest character intended to last a couple of months, Braeden’s performance convinced the show to turn him into the defacto lead.
Widely regarded as the most iconic villain in the show, a ruthless, power-hungry man deeply committed to his family. Braeden has attained legendary status for his performance, winning a Daytime Emmy Award in the process.
1Melody Thomas Scott - Nikki Newman
On The Show Since 1979
Considered one of the biggest soap opera icons on American television, Melody Thomas Scott has played the role of stripper-cum-socialite-cum-businesswoman Nikki Newman since 1979. Despite almost leaving the show on a few occasions, and controversies surrounding contract renegotiations,Scott has been a constant presence onThe Young and the Restlessfor more than 45 years. She has also reprised the role of Nikki inThe Bold and the Beautiful, and in an episode ofThe King of Queensseason 3.
The Young And The Restless
Cast
The Young and the Restless is a daytime television drama series that explores the intertwined lives and complex relationships of the residents of Genoa City. Premiering in 1973, the serial centers on the influential Newman, Abbott, Baldwin, and Winters families as they navigate love, ambition, and power struggles.
