While Moore has returned to Genoa City multiple times since his 2005 exit, this marks Fox's first appearance on 'Y&R' since 1995
Cliff Lipson/CBS; CBS
NEED TO KNOW
- Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox are returning to The Young and the Restless this spring
- Moore was last seen in 2023 during a tribute to the late Kristoff St. John, while this marks Fox’s first time on the soap since 1995
- The return of Malcolm (Moore) and Stephanie (Fox) will have “shocking” implications for the residents of Genoa City
A reunion 30 years in the making is set to take place on The Young and the Restless this spring.
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, CBS announced that Shemar Moore is bringing his beloved character Malcolm Winters back to Y&R for a multi-episode storyline this April. But Malcolm isn't the only character returning. Vivica A. Fox, who was last seen in Genoa City in 1995, is set to reprise her role as Dr. Stephanie Simmons.
According to CBS, Moore and Fox begin taping scenes on Feb. 17, and "Malcolm Winters and Dr. Stephanie Simmons' surprising return" will have "shocking and lasting implications for the residents of Genoa City."
CBS
Malcolm and Stephanie were romantically involved during Fox's original one-year stint on the show. However, the doctor's demanding schedule ultimately led the characters to split before Stephanie left town. It's unclear if the two characters reunited off-camera, but it's worth noting that Malcolm was single the last time he made a return trip to Genoa City.
Moore, 55, originally played the iconic Malcolm from 1994 to 2005. As the half-brother of Neil Winters (the late Kristoff St. John), the photographer has deep roots in Genoa City. Moore, who has since starred on Criminal Minds and S.W.A.T., has made multiple appearances on The Young and the Restless since his departure.
The actor returned in 2014, 2019 and most recently in 2023 for the show's 50th anniversary celebration where a portrait of Neil was unveiled as a tribute to the character and the actor. During the tribute episode, Malcolm looked at the portrait and said, "There he is. Besides, y'all know me, when it came to the great Neil Winters, I show up. Whatever it takes."
Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty
As for Fox, 61, Y&R led to her breakout role in the 1996 blockbuster Independence Day. After making her soap debut in Days of Our Lives in 1988, she joined Generations in 1989, where she starred alongside St. John. From there she made guest appearances on several primetime shows, including China Beach, Family Matters and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, before joining Y&R.
The actress was starring on the CBS drama when she auditioned for Independence Day, and her status as a soap star almost led to her being passed over. However, in a September 2025 appearance on the Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe podcast, she revealed that the wife of one of the film's producers went to bat for her after seeing her on Y&R.
“Thank God the producer's wife, Bill Fay, his wife was pregnant at the time, sitting at home watching Young and the Restless, which I was on,” Fox said. The endorsement from Fay’s wife led to her getting called in for an audition.
After six call backs, Fox landed the role, which launched her movie career. Since then, the actress has starred in and produced numerous films, with her latest, the Amazon and MGM film Is God Is, set to be released in May.
LISA O'CONNOR / AFP via Getty
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
As for Moore, in addition to his return to Y&R, he recently wrapped production on the 10-episode S.W.A.T. spinoff S.W.A.T. Exiles.
The Young and the Restless, now in its 53rd season, airs weekdays at 12:30 p.m. EST on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
Read the full article here
