5 Shocking Things To Know About Roger Howarth’s Explosive Return To Daytime As Y&R’s Matt Clark

The daytime world is still reeling from the bombshell casting news that dropped in late 2025, confirming soap opera veteran Roger Howarth has joined the cast of CBS’s *The Young and the Restless* (*Y&R*). After months of speculation following his exit from *General Hospital*, Howarth’s arrival in Genoa City was one of the most anticipated events of the year. The initial mystery surrounding his character was finally shattered in a shocking Halloween episode reveal, confirming he is not a new face, but the return of a notorious, decades-old villain.

As of December 10, 2025, the dust has settled on the character reveal, and Howarth is officially playing Matt Clark, a name that sends shivers down the spine of veteran *Y&R* fans, especially those who follow the tragic history of Sharon Newman. His casting marks a major crossover event and promises one of the most intense, high-stakes storylines the show has seen in years, pitting the beloved actor against one of the show’s most iconic heroines.

Roger Howarth: A Soap Opera Legend's Profile & Career Highlights

Roger Howarth is one of the most decorated and recognized actors in the world of daytime television, known for his ability to portray complex, often morally ambiguous characters. His move to *The Young and the Restless* is the latest chapter in a storied career that spans over three decades.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Full Name: Roger Howarth
• Date of Birth: September 13, 1968
• Birthplace: Westchester County, New York, U.S.
• Major Roles:
  • *One Life to Live* (1992–2003; 2011–2013): Todd Manning (Daytime Emmy winner)
  • *General Hospital* (2012–2023): Todd Manning, Franco Baldwin, and Dr. Austin Gatlin-Holt
  • *As the World Turns* (2003–2005): Paul Ryan
  • *The Young and the Restless* (2025–Present): Matt Clark
• Awards: Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series (1994) for his role as Todd Manning.

The Shocking Reveal: How Roger Howarth Became Matt Clark

The anticipation around Roger Howarth’s *Y&R* debut was intentionally built up by the show's producers. He was initially introduced under the alias Mitch Bacall, a seemingly harmless, yet mysterious, figure who began working at Crimson Lights. This kept fans guessing whether he would be a new love interest, a corporate rival, or perhaps a long-lost relative of a Genoa City mainstay.

However, the mystery was abruptly solved on the October 31st episode. In a chilling sequence, the character was revealed to be Matt Clark, a villain whose name is synonymous with one of the show’s darkest storylines. This reveal was a classic soap opera twist, confirming that the character's friendly demeanor was merely a calculated facade.

The name "Matt Clark" was first blurted out by Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) when she recognized the man who had been tormenting her, confirming the true identity of the man known as Mitch Bacall. This shocking return immediately sets the stage for a terrifying new chapter for Sharon and the Newman family, bringing a decades-old nightmare back to the surface.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

The Dark History of Matt Clark and Sharon Newman

To understand the gravity of Roger Howarth’s new role, one must look back at the original Matt Clark storyline. The character of Matt Clark first appeared in Genoa City in 1994, originally played by actor Eddie Cibrian. He was introduced as a high school senior who quickly became obsessed with Sharon Collins, who would later become Sharon Newman.

The storyline took a horrific turn when Matt raped Sharon. This event is a foundational, traumatic moment in Sharon Newman’s character history, shaping her relationships and struggles for years to come. The storyline was highly controversial and impactful, cementing Matt Clark as one of *Y&R*'s most sinister villains.

Matt Clark returned to Genoa City in 2000, played briefly by Russell Lawrence and then Rick Hearst, continuing his campaign of terror against Sharon and her then-husband, Nick Newman. His past actions created a deep and lasting rivalry with Nick, who has always sought to protect Sharon from Matt's manipulation and violence. Matt's return with Howarth in the role is not just a recast; it is a deliberate and terrifying revival of a traumatic history.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Why Roger Howarth's Casting as Matt Clark is Perfect

The decision to cast Roger Howarth as the returning villain is a stroke of genius for several reasons, leveraging his extensive history in the genre and his proven ability to play complex, dark characters.

• The Todd Manning Factor: Howarth is most famous for playing Todd Manning on *One Life to Live*, a character who was also a rapist and a dark, brooding figure who later underwent a complicated redemption arc. This history gives Howarth immediate credibility in playing a character with a sinister past who is capable of deep malice.
• Master of the Mystery: After his lengthy run on *General Hospital* as Dr. Austin Gatlin-Holt, Howarth is adept at playing characters with hidden agendas and layered secrets. The initial "Mitch Bacall" alias perfectly utilized his talent for subtle, unnerving performance.
• A New Level of Threat: Howarth's intensity and gravitas elevate Matt Clark from a past threat to a current, high-level antagonist. The emotional weight he brings to the role ensures that the new storyline with Sharon Newman will be taken seriously and resonate deeply with viewers who remember the original trauma.
• Soap Opera Crossover Appeal: Howarth's move from *General Hospital* to *The Young and the Restless* is a major event in the soap world, bringing his massive fan base (the "Howarth Hounds") to *Y&R*, guaranteeing a significant boost in viewership and buzz.

The Future of Genoa City: What Matt Clark's Return Means for Sharon and Nick

Roger Howarth's arrival as Matt Clark signals a major shift in the dynamics of Genoa City. His primary target is clearly Sharon Newman (Sharon Case), and his return is likely motivated by a deep-seated desire for revenge or a continued, twisted obsession. The storyline is set to explore the long-term psychological impact of trauma on Sharon, forcing her to confront the demons of her past.

Furthermore, the return of this villain will inevitably pull Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) back into a protective role, potentially reigniting the classic "Shick" dynamic as they face a common enemy. Matt Clark's presence is a direct threat to the happiness of the entire Newman family, including Sharon's daughter, Faith Newman, and her current relationships. The character is a known master manipulator, and fans should prepare for a storyline filled with psychological games, intense confrontations, and shocking plot twists as Matt Clark begins his new reign of terror in Genoa City.