The Young And The Restless Cast & Character Guide (2025): Who Plays Who In The Soap Opera

For over five decades, The Young and the Restless has captivated CBS audiences with its gripping drama, passionate romances, and ever-twisting betrayals. The long-running soap opera, set in the fictional town of Genoa City, has remained a daytime television staple since it debuted in 1973, consistently delivering compelling storytelling that keeps viewers coming back for more. While the show has evolved with new faces and fresh storylines, its heart has always been the same - powerful performances from a talented cast that bring the drama to life.

In 2025, The Young and the Restless remains as engaging as ever, with a perfect blend of longtime favorites and newer additions. Legacy Y&R characters continue to shape the show’s core, their histories woven into the very fabric of Genoa City. From the iconic Newman and Abbott family feuds to shocking comebacks and tragic betrayals, the cast plays a crucial role in making these stories unforgettable. The major players in Genoa City, and the talented actors who bring them to life, clincude a mixture of newcomers and series veterans in 2025, with each an integral piece to the decades-spanning delight that is Y&R.

Melody Thomas Scott (1979-Present)

Plays Nikki Newman

Character: Melody Thomas Scott has been the heart and soul of The Young and the Restless for over four decades, portraying the resilient Nikki Newman since 1979. Nikki has been through it all—tumultuous romances, shocking scandals, and personal battles that have shaped her into one of Genoa City's most beloved matriarchs. Whether she's facing off against Victor Newman or protecting her children, Nikki remains a powerful force in the series.

Actor: Born in Los Angeles in 1956, Scott began acting as a child, appearing in films like The Beguiled (1971) before landing the role that would define her career. Beyond The Young and the Restless, she has guest-starred in several primetime series and is a passionate advocate for childhood abuse survivors, sharing her own story in her memoir, Always Young and Restless. With over 45 years on the show, she remains a cornerstone of Genoa City’s ever-evolving drama.

Eric Braeden (1980-Present)

Plays Victor Newman

Character: As the indomitable Victor Newman, Eric Braeden has reigned over Genoa City since 1980, making him one of daytime television’s most recognizable faces. Victor, the cunning and powerful businessman, has built an empire while navigating fiery romances and intense rivalries. His iconic on-again, off-again relationship with Nikki Newman has been at the heart of the series for decades, cementing them as a legendary soap couple.

Actor: Eric Braeden, born in Germany in 1941, had a thriving career before The Young and the Restless, starring in classic TV shows like The Rat Patrol and films such as Titanic (1997), where he played John Jacob Astor IV. His commanding screen presence and deep voice make him a perfect fit for the role of Victor, and after more than 40 years, he remains a pillar of the series. Despite teasing retirement in recent years, Braeden continues to be a defining presence in Genoa City.