Over the years, The Young and the Restless has introduced countless unforgettable characters,
many of whom have left Genoa City under dramatic circumstances. While some have returned for brief appearances,
others have vanished entirely. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic characters and where they are now.
Paul Williams
Paul Williams, played by Doug Davidson, was a household name in Genoa City, often mentioned alongside Victor Newman. Introduced in 1978 as a rebellious young man, he later became one of the city’s most respected detectives. His relationships with Nikki, Lauren, and Christine were legendary, but none lasted. Paul faced intense heartbreak, especially when he was forced to shoot his own son, Ricky, to save Eden Baldwin. His last appearance was in 2020 before he moved to Portugal. While his absence was later acknowledged when Daniel informed him of his daughter Heather’s death, Paul remained offscreen.
Scott Granger Jr.
Scott Granger Jr., the son of Lauren Fenmore and Dr. Scott Granger, had a tumultuous life. Originally believed to have died from meningitis, it was later revealed that Sheila Carter had switched him at birth. After being reunited with his mother, Scott pursued a journalism career, reporting from war zones. He was kidnapped by terrorists in the Middle East but was rescued and returned home in 2017. He later worked for Victor Newman, leading to conflicts with his mother. Scott also played a role in uncovering a human trafficking ring, saving Tessa’s sister, Crystal. His romantic life was just as messy—he was engaged to Sharon Newman but cheated on her with Abby Newman. By 2018, he left for a job in London and hasn’t been seen in Genoa City since.
Dylan McAvoy
Dylan McAvoy, portrayed by Steve Burton, arrived in 2013 as Nikki’s long-lost son, whom she had given up for adoption. Initially believed to be Ian Ward’s child, it was later revealed that Paul Williams was his biological father. Dylan’s time in Genoa City was full of dramatic twists—he was involved with Sharon Newman and Avery Bailey Clark, eventually marrying Sharon. However, he later cheated on her with Alex. Dylan became an undercover cop and faced multiple life-threatening situations, including getting shot and mistakenly kidnapping baby Connor Newman. In the end, he was placed in witness protection and left Sharon behind for her safety. His whereabouts remain unknown, but fans continue to hope for his return.
Liana Love
Liana Love, played by Barbara Crampton, first appeared in 1987 as an obsessed ex-patient of psychiatrist Steven Lassiter. She later became a sensationalist journalist, known for her explosive gossip columns. Her biggest scandal was her brief marriage to Victor Newman, which was later ruled invalid due to his ongoing divorce from Nikki. After their fallout, Liana exposed Victor’s life in her controversial biography Ruthless. She later launched The Liana Love Show, where she aired Victor’s personal affairs on national television. Though she has made sporadic returns to Genoa City, she remains a wildcard, ready to stir up drama at any moment.
Snapper Foster
Snapper Foster, originally played by William Grey Espie and later by David Hasselhoff, was introduced in 1973 as a medical student caught in a love triangle with Chris Brooks and Sally Maguire. As the man of the house, he supported his family after his father abandoned them. He was involved in a major storyline in 1975 when his father died, though it was later revealed that his mother had turned off the life support, not Snapper. After raising a daughter and becoming a foster parent, he and Chris left town. He has made sporadic returns, including in 2024 when Jill mentioned he was treating her in London for heart issues.
Rose DeVille
Rose DeVille, portrayed by Darlene Conley, ran a shady modeling agency that was a front for drug trafficking and prostitution when she arrived in 1979. Her most notorious act was running a black-market baby ring, preying on vulnerable women like Nina Webster. In 1986, she kidnapped Nina’s newborn, sold him, and faked his death. Although Nina later got her son back, the trauma left lasting scars. Rose vanished for years before it was revealed in 2010 that she had died.
With so many legendary characters, fans are always eager to see who might make a surprise return. Which of these characters would you love to see back in Genoa City? Let us know!
