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Created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell for CBS, The Young and the Restless (Y&R) is set in the fictional city of Genoa City, Wisconsin. The affluent Brooks and working-class Foster families were the show's original cast when it premiered on March 26, 1973. But by the 1980s, new families like the Abbotts and Williamses took their place.
Families such as the Baldwin-Fishers, Winters, and Newmans eventually joined The Young and the Restless. At its core, it is the most enduring rivalry in American soap opera history, involving Jill Abbott and Katherine Chancellor, which spanned four decades.
Since its debut, The Young and the Restless has earned 11 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. At the end of the 2021–22 season, it has remained the highest-rated daytime drama on American television for 34 years.
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This long-running soap opera has captivated audiences for decades with its dynamic characters and juicy storylines. Here is a look at 10 of the best characters who continue to make Genoa City the most dramatic town in daytime television.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and not Sportskeeda as a whole.
Jack Abbott, Katherine Chancellor, and other best characters from The Young and the Restless
1) Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman)
Terry Lester initially played Jack Abbott, a fictional character on The Young and the Restless, when he first appeared in 1980. Peter Bergman took over in 1989.
Jack assumed the role of patriarch of the Abbott family in 2006 following the on-screen passing of his father, John Abbott. He is known for his romantic entanglements with Diane Jenkins, Nikki Newman, Phyllis Summers, and Sharon Newman, as well as his battle with Victor Newman.
Jack is a fan favorite despite his imperfections, chaotic love life, and battles with addiction because of Bergman's portrayal, which emphasizes his charm, ambition, wit, and complicated nature.
2) Katherine Chancellor (Late Jeanne Cooper)
The longtime matriarch of The Young and the Restless, Jeanne Cooper, ended her nearly 40-year reign on May 3, 2013, just days before her eventual passing.
Since 1973, the character of Katherine Chancellor has become synonymous with being sharp-tongued and wise. However, it was mostly because it had one of the most iconic and longest-running feuds in all of the American daytime serials with Jill Abbott.
Her death brought the end of an era, but her legacy continues to live in Genoa City, and many consider the soap a success because of her legendary performance.
3) Summer Newman-Abbott (Allison Lanier)
As the daughter of Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) and Nicholas Newman (Joshua Morrow), the character Summer Newman-Abbott made her debut in December 2006 in The Young and the Restless.
Summer developed into a strong and resilient adult. With her turbulent marriage to Kyle Abbott and numerous arguments with her mother, the character's plot has received a new life from Allison Lanier, who assumed the role in 2022.
4) Audra Charles (Zuleyka Silver)
Zuleyka Silver's casting as Audra Charles, a shrewd and aspirational executive lured to Genoa City by one of its business giants was revealed in August 2022.
With her keen mind and unreserved will, Audra immediately established herself as a fearless entrepreneur prepared to utilize deceit to achieve her goals. She is an interesting character to observe in The Young and the Restless as she advances through the ranks of power in Genoa City because of her bold nature and cunning moves.
5) Adam Newman (Mark Grossman)
Adam Newman first swept onto the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless in April 1995 as the son of Victor Newman and Hope Wilson.
Growing up in Kansas, Adam became a key player in the saga of the Newman family without ever knowing who his father was.
After a few different actors playing him over the years, Mark Grossman brought new depth to the character in 2019. Grossman embodies the classic anti-hero on the show, particularly through Adam's complicated relationships—most prominently with his father—and his charming on-screen personality.
6) Tucker McCall (Trevor St. John)
Tucker McCall, first introduced in 2009 as Katherine Chancellor's long-lost son, returned in 2022, portrayed by Trevor St. John.
A mysterious billionaire, Tucker thrives on moral ambiguity and brings a new level of tension and drama to The Young and the Restless. His erratic behavior fuels rivalries, deepens conflicts, and intensifies the ongoing power struggles involving the Abbott and Newman families.
Despite his often cruel and unpredictable nature, Tucker's presence continually shakes up Genoa City's power dynamics. His flaws and enigmatic personality make him a fascinating and unforgettable character.
7) Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope)
In The Young and the Restless, Courtney Hope portrays the ambitious fashion designer Sally Spectra. Her journey as an underdog striving to succeed in Genoa City is filled with drama and obstacles, including her relationships with Adam and Nick Newman.
Sally's transformation from an underdog to a potential powerhouse captivates audiences, while her complicated relationships add plenty of intrigue.
In 2024, Hope won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Sally.
8) Victor Newman (Eric Braeden)
Victor Newman was initially introduced as a temporary villain but became a major character due to Eric Braeden's impressive performance in The Young and the Restless. For over 40 years, Victor has been a central figure and is a ruthless antagonist with a soft spot for his loved ones.
Victor, founder of Newman Enterprises, is known for his fierce love for family and ruthless business acumen. His resolve and occasional tenderness make him one of the genre's most iconic and enduring characters.
9) Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford)
Phyllis Summers made her debut in the show in 1994 and quickly became well-known for her dramatic flair and combative personality. Michelle Stafford's character Phyllis is well-known for her sly, unpredictable actions and unforgettable love affairs.
Some of the most captivating moments in The Young and the Restless continue to revolve around her relationships with Nick Newman and Jack Abbott.
10) Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson)
Ashley Abbott, played by Eileen Davidson, is a brilliant chemist and executive at Jabot Cosmetics, and her turbulent personal past gives her a complicated personality. She is a prominent figure in Genoa City because of her composure and tenacity.
The most iconic portrayal of her was by Eileen Davidson, who began playing the part on June 11, 1982, and left in 1988.
After being nominated in 2003, Davidson went on to win the 2018 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Viewers can stream The Young and the Restless online on CBS and Paramount+, with new weekly episodes.
