CBS’s “The Young and the Restless” will pay tribute to its late star Kristoff St. John with a storyline set to air later this spring.
“‘The Young and the Restless’ will forever value the legacy of Kristoff St. John in his portrayal of Neil Winter,” a spokesperson for the show said in a statement. “Beginning in late April, Y&R will feature a storyline that pays tribute to both Kristoff and his character.”
St. John’s final appearance on the show aired Wednesday, with a special tribute planned for the Friday, Feb. 8 episode. The planned April rollout allows the writers time to craft the new storyline, as the soap typically tapes episodes four weeks in advance.
Prior to his death on Sunday, St. John had starred on the soap since 1991, making him the longest-running African-American star in the show’s history. For his performance, he earned nine Daytime Emmy award nominations and won twice.
“The news of Kristoff St. John’s passing is heartbreaking,” both CBS Television Network and Sony Pictures Television said in a joint statement following news of his passing. “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.”