The Young And The Restless: The Most Shocking Character Deaths And Beloved Stars We Lost In 2024-2025

As of December 2025, the world of Genoa City continues to reel from tragedy, both on-screen and off. While the soap opera is known for its dramatic twists, the most recent and profound sense of loss comes from the passing of several legendary actors in 2024 and 2025, whose iconic characters have left an indelible mark on *The Young and the Restless* (Y&R). The show often honors its departed stars by writing their characters’ deaths into the storyline, creating some of the most emotional and unforgettable episodes in daytime history. The question of "who died on *The Young and the Restless* recently" is a complex one that spans both fictional plotlines and the real-life tributes to the show’s most cherished cast members. This article explores the most impactful on-screen character deaths from recent years, as well as the heartbreaking real-life losses of the actors who brought them to life, offering a fresh, comprehensive look at the recent farewells in Genoa City.

Genoa City’s Recent Losses: Honoring The Legends We Lost in 2024

The year 2024 saw the passing of several actors whose contributions to *The Young and the Restless* legacy are immeasurable. While some of their characters had already passed away on-screen, the actors' deaths brought a fresh wave of grief to the *Y&R* community, highlighting the characters' enduring popularity.

Marla Adams (Dina Abbott Mergeron)

• Character: Dina Abbott Mergeron
• Portrayed By: Marla Adams
• Real-Life Death: April 25, 2024, at age 85.
• On-Screen Character Death: October 16, 2020.
• Cause of On-Screen Death: Complications from Alzheimer's disease.
• Legacy: Dina was the estranged Abbott family matriarch, the mother of Jack, Ashley, and Traci Abbott. Her final storyline, which chronicled her battle with Alzheimer's, was lauded for its emotional depth and realism, providing a powerful and moving conclusion to her character's journey.

Marla Adams’ passing in April 2024 was a poignant moment for fans, even though her character, Dina Mergeron, had passed away on-screen in 2020. The emotional storyline saw Dina's children, particularly Jack Abbott, rally around her as she succumbed to Alzheimer's disease. Her final scenes were a masterclass in daytime drama, with Jack giving his mother a loving farewell. The real-life loss of Adams in 2024 reminded fans of the powerful impact of the Abbott family's storyline and the exceptional talent of the veteran actress.

Meg Bennett (Julia Newman Martin)

• Character: Julia Newman Martin
• Portrayed By: Meg Bennett
• Real-Life Death: April 11, 2024, at age 75.
• On-Screen Character Death: The character has not been killed off.
• Legacy: Julia was Victor Newman’s first wife and a key figure in the early days of the Newman dynasty. An acclaimed soap opera writer, Bennett also contributed to the show behind the scenes.

The passing of Meg Bennett in April 2024 marked the loss of another *Y&R* icon. Although her character, Julia Newman Martin, was not killed off and was last seen in 2020, her role as Victor Newman's original love interest and her contributions as a writer for the show cemented her place in the show’s history.

Other Notable Losses in 2024

• Tony Todd (Gus Rogan): The renowned actor, who played the role of Gus Rogan in 2024, passed away in July 2024.
• Jennifer Leak (Colleen Carlton #1): The actress, who played the original Colleen Carlton in the 1970s, passed away in March 2024.

The Most Impactful On-Screen Character Deaths on Y&R

When an actor or actress passes away, the show's writers face the difficult decision of whether to recast the role or write the character's death into the storyline. In the case of *The Young and the Restless*, the decision to honor beloved actors by having their characters die has led to some of the most devastating and highly-rated episodes. These are the major character deaths that have fundamentally changed the landscape of Genoa City in recent history.

Neil Winters: The Shocking Stroke (2019)

• Character: Neil Winters
• Portrayed By: Kristoff St. John
• Real-Life Death: February 3, 2019, at age 52.
• On-Screen Character Death: April 23, 2019.
• Cause of On-Screen Death: A sudden stroke/heart attack in his sleep.
• Legacy: Neil Winters was a cornerstone of the Winters family and a beloved figure in the community. His on-screen death was handled with immense sensitivity, as his son, Devon Hamilton, discovered him. The subsequent tribute episodes, which featured current and returning cast members, provided a cathartic and tearful farewell, marking one of the most significant losses in the show’s history.

Kristoff St. John’s untimely death in 2019 led to the emotional passing of his character, Neil Winters. Neil’s sudden death from a stroke was a massive blow to the Winters family, including his children Devon and Lily Winters, and his ex-wife Drucilla Winters. The storyline allowed the show to pay a heartfelt tribute to the actor and his 28-year tenure on the show. The character of Neil Winters remains a constant presence in Genoa City through the memories of his family and the annual Neil Winters Jazz Festival.

Katherine Chancellor: A Peaceful Farewell (2013)

• Character: Katherine "Kay" Chancellor
• Portrayed By: Jeanne Cooper
• Real-Life Death: May 8, 2013, at age 84.
• On-Screen Character Death: September 10, 2013.
• Cause of On-Screen Death: Died peacefully off-screen while traveling the world.
• Legacy: Katherine Chancellor, the grande dame of Genoa City, was one of the show's original characters, appearing for nearly 40 years. Her death, which occurred off-screen after a trip around the world, allowed for a multi-episode tribute where her rival-turned-friend, Jill Abbott, struggled with the loss. Her memorial service was a major event, celebrating the life of one of daytime television's most iconic figures.

Jeanne Cooper’s passing in 2013 was a monumental loss, as she was the longest-running cast member. The writers chose to give Katherine Chancellor a dignified and peaceful end, dying off-screen after fulfilling her lifelong dream of traveling. This narrative choice provided closure for her family, including her son Brock Reynolds and her best friend Jill Foster Abbott, allowing the show to host a beautiful and memorable memorial that honored both the character and the actress.

Addressing Character Death Rumors and Speculation (2025)

In the world of soap operas, rumors of character deaths are constant, often driven by dramatic spoilers or contract negotiations. As of late 2025, there has been significant online speculation regarding the fate of several characters, including one prominent young executive.

The Audra Charles Death Rumor

One of the most persistent rumors in late 2024 and 2025 involved the character of Audra Charles (played by Zuleyka Silver), a power player at Newman Media. Speculation, fueled by dramatic plot hints and clickbait headlines, suggested that Audra might face a deadly fate, possibly faking her own death to frame a rival like Claire Newman. However, as of the current date, Audra Charles is still very much alive and involved in major storylines, including her complex relationship with Noah Newman and her corporate maneuvering. This rumor serves as a reminder that in Genoa City, an apparent death is rarely final, and sometimes, the most dramatic exits are merely a setup for a shocking return.

The Enduring Impact of Death in Genoa City

Character deaths, whether a consequence of an actor's passing or a planned plot twist, are defining moments for *The Young and the Restless*. They serve as a narrative reset, creating new power vacuums, new family dynamics, and new rivalries. The recent losses of actors like Marla Adams and Kristoff St. John have not only led to beautiful on-screen tributes but have also solidified the legacy of their characters, ensuring that Dina Mergeron and Neil Winters remain vital parts of the Abbott and Winters family sagas. These farewells, though heartbreaking, are a testament to the show's ability to blend real-life emotion with compelling drama, keeping fans invested in the lives and losses of Genoa City's most prominent residents.