Kristoff St. John Calls His Role 'Such an Accomplishment' in The Young and the Restless Tribute
Five days after the death of star Kristoff St. John, The Young and the Restless officially aired a tribute to him.
At the conclusion of Friday’s episode, the soap opera aired a clip of St. John, who died Sunday at 52, reflecting on his time on the show portraying Neil Winters.
“It feels like such an accomplishment,” St. John says in the clip. “I’ve been a part of something that will, somehow, be in a time capsule up there. “
A montage featuring his most memorable scenes also played, honoring the late actor for his 18 years on the CBS soap opera.
In his clip, St. John acknowledged his character’s important legacy.
“I’m one of the brothers on The Young and the Restless,” he says. “I’m one of the sons. I’m one of the family members. I was there. Yeah, man. Neil Winters was an integral part.”
The tribute concluded with the same message that aired on the Wednesday’s episode, reading, “In Loving Memory of our dear friend Kristoff St. John.”
On Thursday, CBS announced that the show will tie up his character Neil Winters’ storyline this spring.
“The Young and the Restless will forever value the legacy of Kristoff St. John in his portrayal of Neil Winters,” the network said in a statement.
“Beginning in late April, Y&R will feature a storyline that pays tribute to both Kristoff and his character,” CBS said.
RELATED: Kristoff St. John’s Fiancée Says Her ‘Heart Bleeds with Pain’ as She Grieves Over His Death
On Wednesday, St. John’s final episode aired. It centered on his character’s adoptive son, Devon, played by Bryton James, planning an event that Neil attended. When the entertainment for the event does not show up, St. John’s character saves the day by convincing Ana Hamilton, portrayed by Jamia Simone Nash, to step up and sing.
The two-time Emmy Award-winning actor, who played Neil Winters since 1991, was found dead Sunday in his home in the San Fernando Valley.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a death investigation took place at around 2:05 p.m. for a possible alcohol overdose at the 2300 block of Morea Way. According to TMZ, which first reported the news, the actor’s body was found after one of his friends went to check on him at his home.
St. John’s death came two weeks after he mourned the loss of his son Julian with ex-wife Mia St. John. Julian, who struggled with mental illness, died by suicide four years ago at age 24. On Jan. 21, St. John retweeted someone’s post about losing a child that reads, “Grieving the loss of a child is a process. It begins on the day your child passes, and ends the day the parent joins them.”
“Never a truer word was spoke,” tweeted St. John, who is survived by his fiancée, Kseniya Mikhaleva, daughter Paris (with Mia), and daughter Lola (with ex-wife Allana Nadal). “Thanks for posting this.”
The Young and the Restless airs on CBS at 12:30 p.m ET.
