End of an Era – J. Eddie Peck Says Goodbye to Y&R…and Cole

The Young and the Restless fans are still reeling after Cole Howard’s emotional final moments on July 3. As Cole took his last breath on screen, viewers were left grieving not only the character but also the actor who brought him to life. J. Eddie Peck, who reprised his iconic role back in 2023, is officially saying goodbye to Y&R — and his farewell is as heartfelt as his portrayal.

A Touching Goodbye From J. Eddie Peck

In a moving Instagram post, Peck shared his gratitude and love for the fans, cast, and crew who made his return unforgettable.

“Just a quick shout out as Cole takes his last breath on the show today — and with that, this chapter of my journey on The Young and the Restless comes to a close. I want to thank all of you — my fans, friends, and Y&R family — for welcoming me back with such incredible warmth and support. Your messages, posts, and enthusiasm made this return deeply meaningful for me. I’ll do a lil follow up with a video later today or this eve. Much love ❤️ J.Eddie”

The actor’s words hit home for longtime viewers who have followed Cole’s journey over the decades. From his complicated love story with Victoria (Amelia Heinle) to his tangled connection to the Newman family, Cole has been a key player in some of Genoa City’s most dramatic storylines.

What’s Next for J. Eddie Peck?

While Peck hasn’t revealed his next move, fans are already speculating about where they might see him pop up next. Could another soap snatch him up? Might he return for a ghostly cameo in Genoa City down the line? Soapland never says never, and Cole’s presence could linger long after his death.

One thing is certain: J. Eddie Peck’s farewell marks the end of an era for Y&R. His portrayal of Cole brought depth, warmth, and plenty of fireworks to the canvas, and his fans will be eagerly waiting for that follow-up video he teased in his post.