THE cast of The Young and the Restless has changed dramatically throughout the years, but there have been certain constants from the show’s inception.
The soap opera has been on the air for 42 years on CBS.
Who has been on Young and the Restless the longest?
Doug Davidson, who first appeared on the Young and the Restless in 1978 as private investigator Paul Williams, is the longest-running cast member of the CBS soap.
The 66-year-old actor has been a part of the program for 42 years, and he doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon.
Actress Melody Thomas Scott is a close second for the title of longest-serving Young and the Restless cast member.
Scott has played Nikki Newman for 41 years, replacing Erica Hope, who had played her until Scott took over in 1979.
Who is Doug Davidson?
Davidson was born in October 1954 in Glendale, California, and is currently 67 years old.
He is best known for his role on Y&R, but has also starred in the films Fraternity Row, Mr. Write, and Dreaming of Joseph Lees.
In September 2018, Davidson confirmed that he was “not included” in The Young and the Restless’ new approach.
However, on February 19, 2019, CBS confirmed that Davidson would be returning to the post in his role as Paul Williams, following the resignation of executive producer and head writer Mal Young.
What is Young and the Restless about?
The Young and the Restless is a CBS television soap opera developed by Lee Phillip Bell and his late brother, William J. Bell.
It premiered on March 26, 1973, with half-hour episodes airing five times a week. On February 4, 1980, it was increased to one hour.
The soap was initially set in Genoa City, Wisconsin, and centered on two main families: the rich Brooks family and the working class Foster family.
Except for Jill Abbott, all of the original characters were written out after a succession of recastings and departures.
Bell brought in two other families, the Abbotts and the Williamses, to take their place.
Other families, such as the Newmans, Winters, and Baldwin-Fishers, were introduced over time.
