“The Young and the Restless” star Kristoff St. John is being remembered as a “sweet prince” by one of his many former co-stars and colleagues who paid tribute following the actor’s passing on Sunday.
“The news of Kristoff St. John’s passing is heartbreaking,” Reads a joint statement from CBS Television Network and Sony Pictures Television, the studio that produces “Y&R”). “He was a very talented actor and an even better person. For those of us who were fortunate enough to work with him on ‘The Young and the Restless’ for the last 27 years, he was a beloved friend whose smile and infectious laugh made every day on set a joy and made audiences love him. On behalf of the Y&R cast and crew, CBS and Sony Pictures Television, we offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones, especially his two daughters, Paris and Lola.”
“My heart is with the family and loved ones of Kristoff St. John. Sending you strength and healing,” wrote “The Young and the Restless” star Alice Hunter. “May he be met with the comforting arms of his beloved son and may their gentle souls rest together for eternity.”
St. John, the actor who played the character Neil Winters on the CBS daytime soap opera since 1991, passed away on Sunday at his home in Woodland Hills, California.
“My good friend and colleague, MY BROTHA, KRISTOFF ST.JOHN , passed away!! No words right now!!” wrote his “Young and the Restless” co-star Eric Braeden.
St. John originated the role of Neil Winters on “The Young and the Restless” and had portrayed him for 25 years, becoming the longest running African American actor to appear on the soap. His other credits include the ABC TV mini-series “Roots: The Next Generation” and the NBC soap opera “Generations.”
St. John’s fiancée, model Kseniya Mikhaleva, asked in a heartbreaking Instagram post, “How did it happen ??? How ??? Why did you leave so early ????” It was subsequently deleted.
His former leading lady, Victoria Rowell, wrote, “You will forever remain joy, love, peace.”
Here are a few of the other many tributes:
My good friend and colleague, MY BROTHA, KRISTOFF ST.JOHN , passed away!! No words right now!! pic.twitter.com/um3RVtQYPh
— Eric Braeden (@EBraeden) February 4, 2019
My heart is with the family and loved ones of Kristoff St. John. Sending you strength and healing. May he be met with the comforting arms of his beloved son and may their gentle souls rest together for eternity ?? https://t.co/9ZistnNghK
— Alice Hunter (@itsalicehunter) February 4, 2019
.@YRInsider has been my guilty pleasure for 20 years. This is just heartbreaking. Kristoff St. John’s character was so revolutionary because he & @victoriarowell represented the only black family on Y&R, the no. 1 soap. Kristoff is appreciated and will be sorely missed. https://t.co/dEeC4Ef5y9
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) February 4, 2019
No!!! This news has truly broken my heart. Kristoff was pure & so kind. I will never forget how wonderful he was to me and everyone else he came into contact with. He was just a good, good man. ?
‘Young & the Restless' Star Kristoff St. John Dead at 52 https://t.co/7JCE8WcXWN
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) February 4, 2019
GM Dawlings! It is with a very heavy heart that I wake up this morning to hear about the passing of my good friend @kristoffstjohn1 who I started off my acting career with on the Soap… https://t.co/vLXTsRpfAp
— Vivica A. Fox (@MsVivicaFox) February 4, 2019
Oh, no… https://t.co/UiyEnNN51r
— Marsha Warfield (@MarshaWarfield) February 4, 2019
Kristoff St. John was one of the kindest most generous men I’ve ever known. I pray he’s found the peace he was seeking. R.I.P. This sweet prince was loved and he will be missed. #RIP @kristoffstjohn1 #KristoffStJohn pic.twitter.com/F9SSfx4cW1
— Jon Lindstrom (@thejonlindstrom) February 4, 2019
So unbelievably heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend Kristoff St.John. I loved him so much! He was such a wonderful man! @kristoffstjohn1 I hope you are dancing with the angels… https://t.co/e7bOVTNAB2
— Adrienne Frantz (@adriennefrantz) February 4, 2019
I met Kristoff St John and walked away encouraged by how generous and kind he was to me, a newcomer in Soaps. I can’t imagine the heaviness those close to him are experiencing. Grateful for his work and all the ways he shared his heart with us through it. #YR
— Marci Miller (@MarciMiller) February 4, 2019
Deeply saddened by the news of Kristoff St.John. I Remember being rocked when I heard about their son a few years ago. My heart goes out to all of you survivors today that have ever felt left in the wake of a loved one’s pain. Sending comfort & support
— Kate Mansi (@KateMansi) February 4, 2019
Stunned and deeply saddened. Speechless. https://t.co/ZssqSHLApp
— Kim Fields (@KimVFields) February 4, 2019
This Breaks my Heart: "Young and the Restless" Star Kristoff St. John Sadly Found Dead.
Kristoff played my Grandson on Roots2, I love this kid. He was a wonder kid, a great actor and an awesome man. I'd spoken with him recently. I'm just devastated! #RIP Beautiful soul, miss you! pic.twitter.com/Vevsvqq38f— Stan Shaw (@StanShaw1) February 4, 2019
My heart aches for brother Kristoff St. John. Good laughs working together, great chats when our paths crossed even teased you about getting your Young and the Restless dressing room for a few days working the show last year. “Must be the Brothers room” Wishing u peace bro??#RIP pic.twitter.com/oFHbn6FTUa
— Kent Faulcon (@kentfaulcon) February 4, 2019