Today we learned of the passing of legendary actor and soap writer James Houghton.
James Houghton, an original cast member of The Young and the Restless and a Daytime Emmy-winning soap opera writer, has passed away at the age of 75.
A Legacy on Screen and Behind the Scenes
Houghton’s wife, Karen Houghton, recently shared the sad news with The Hollywood Reporter, revealing that she had chosen to keep his passing private until now. Houghton died on August 27, 2024, from peritoneal mesothelioma.
Born on November 7, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, Houghton was raised in a show business family. His father, Buck Houghton, was a renowned television producer, best known for his work on The Twilight Zone. It was no surprise that James followed in his father’s footsteps, carving out his own legacy in television.
Rest In Peace
In 1973, when The Young and the Restless first premiered, Houghton was part of its original ensemble, portraying Greg Foster, the ambitious attorney and brother to Jill and Snapper Foster. He remained in the role until 1976, after which the character was recast several times before being written out of the show in 1981. Houghton made a brief return in 2003, delighting longtime fans by reprising his role in two episodes.
Following his initial departure from Y&R, Houghton transitioned into prime-time television, appearing as Kenny Ward on Knots Landing from 1979 to 1983. He later portrayed Senator Cash Cassidy on The Colbys between 1986 and 1987. His career also included guest appearances in classic series such as Fantasy Island and The Love Boat, as well as film roles in More American Graffiti and I Wanna Hold Your Hand.
Beyond acting, Houghton was a gifted storyteller behind the scenes. He penned three episodes of Knots Landing before shifting to daytime drama writing. He joined the writing team at Days of Our Lives before working extensively on Y&R and The Bold and the Beautiful. His contributions earned him four Daytime Emmy Awards as part of Y&R’s acclaimed writing team.
A Life Well Lived
Houghton is survived by his wife of 30 years, Karen, as well as their two children, Daniel and Alisa. He also leaves behind his mother, Wanda, his sister, Mona, and a grandson, Milo. His passing marks the end of an era for soap opera fans, but his contributions to television will not be forgotten.
