Who is Brian Hamilton on The Young and the Restless? Everything you need to know

The Young and the Restless is a long-running daytime soap opera that premiered on CBS in 1973. The show has garnered popularity for its strong performances, complex relationships, and ever-changing storylines. The drama revolves around the lives of the residents of Genoa City, covering family feuds and corporate power struggles.

For over four decades, the show has introduced iconic characters and memorable plot twists in its saga of familial curses. One of the lesser-known characters in The Young and the Restless is Brian Hamilton, whose presence impacted the storyline, especially in relation to Phyllis Summers.

Portrayed by Steven Culp in 1995 and William A. Wallace in 2002, Brian Hamilton was Phyllis Summers' lover and father of her son, Daniel Romalotti Jr. Although he gave up his parental rights, Daniel's story remained important to the series, affecting several family dynamics, including his daughter, Lucy Romalotti.

Despite appearing on the show only a few times, Brian is an important figure in the legacy of the show due to his relationships with key characters.

---

More about Brian Hamilton on The Young and the Restless

Brian Hamilton is a character on The Young and the Restless, with all his interactions centered around his affair with Phyllis Summers and their son, Daniel Romalotti Jr. In the early 1990s, Brian had a brief affair with Phyllis, resulting in the birth of Daniel.

Although Phyllis chose to raise Daniel herself, Brian did little to be active in the boy's life. At some point, he renounced his rights to parenthood, granting Phyllis full custody. While Brian Hamilton may not have been a significant player in the show, his interaction with Phyllis added depth to her past and the character development of Daniel as he moved forward.

Though Brian never became a central character in The Young and the Restless, his connection with Phyllis and Daniel creates residual ties to the program's larger storyline. Daniel is now a regular fixture in Genoa City, navigating the complexities of romantic relationships, family problems, and personal struggles.

Brian's decision to walk away from his son and Phyllis subtly influences how Daniel feels about himself and others, especially with issues of abandonment and the need to create an identity separate from his parents.

---

More about the actors who played Brian Hamilton on The Young and the Restless

Steven Culp as Brian Hamilton (1993) (Image via Getty)

Two actors have portrayed Brian Hamilton on The Young and the Restless, each bringing their unique touch to the character. Steven Culp first took on the role in 1995, followed by William A. Wallace, who briefly portrayed Brian in 2002. Both actors have had successful careers in television and film, with notable performances outside of their work on the soap.

Steven Culp, born December 3, 1955, is an American actor known for his roles in both film and television. His film credits include Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993), James and the Giant Peach (1996), The Emperor's Club (2002), and his notable portrayal of Robert F. Kennedy in the political thriller Thirteen Days (2000).

On television, Culp gained recognition for his recurring roles as Clayton Webb in JAG (1997–2004), Jeff Haffley, Speaker of the House, in The West Wing (2003–2005), and Rex Van de Kamp in Desperate Housewives. He also appeared in How to Get Away with Murder as defense attorney Victor Leshner.

William Andrew Wallace, born on October 1, 1953, is best known for his role as Wesley Crusher in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Hide And Q." Beyond his appearance in Star Trek, Wallace has been featured in notable films such as Beverly Hills Cop (1984), The Delta Force (1986), Avenging Force (1986), Born on the Fourth of July (1989), and Solo (1996).

His roles often included collaborations with prominent actors like Ronny Cox, Marc Alaimo, and William Sadler. In 2002, Wallace took on the role of Brian Hamilton in the popular soap opera Y&R, alongside actor Aaron Lustig.

---

Interested viewers can catch the episodes of The Young and the Restless on ABC every weekday.