Victoria Rowell discusses departure from The Young and the Restless

Actress Victoria Rowell has reflected on her tenure on the CBS soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’, discussing both the professional challenges and personal relationships she experienced during her time on the show.

Rowell addressed the friction caused by her rising film career, noting that her success in booking major movies led to perceptions of preferential treatment and pushback from other cast members. She cited self-preservation and self-respect as the primary reasons for her departure after 14 years. Beyond her acting role, Rowell highlighted her efforts to increase diversity behind the scenes, specifically helping to hire the show’s first Black writer, Susan Dansby.

Additionally, Rowell spoke about her close bond with the late Kristoff St. John, who played Neil Winters. Describing their relationship as being ‘more like siblings off camera’, she recalled their friendship and the support they provided one another regarding their family lives and careers.