Y&R: Genoa City Remembers Neil
■ To celebrate the life and times of the much-beloved Neil Winters, Y&R is devoting an entire episode to the character, who passed away in April 2019. “Y&R has done a really great job at putting together this episode that’s really unique,” praises Bryton James, who plays Neil’s adopted son, Devon. “I think it’s a really cool concept. It’s not just a traditional thing of everyone just gathered around and talking about Neil. It utilizes the entire world of Genoa City.”
Devon plans a memorial that will be a self-guided walking tour through the city. “Devon has asked different people to participate in this by using their own locations,” explains James. “For instance, Sharon contributes the coffeehouse by having a special drink in Neil’s honor, and we see her and Devon sharing stories about him. And Victor sets up an elaborate display of Neil’s accomplishments at Newman Enterprises in the lobby of Newman Tower.”
Devon utilizes his restaurant, Society, as an exhibition for his dad’s love of music. “Jazz was such a huge part of Neil, such as when he opened the club Indigo that was central to storylines at that time and the artists who performed there,” the actor points out.
“Devon’s career in music was directly influenced by Neil, and I appreciate that it still continues to be incorporated into what’s happening in Genoa City today. I think it’s very cool that Devon is starting a music label to discover and promote new jazz artists, so maybe we’ll have more music on the show like we used to.”
“I miss him every day.”
As guests wander from one installation to another (including a collage of photos meticulously assembled by Lily and Moses), Victor and Jack will put their differences aside to pay homage to their mutual friend, Nikki will play a selection on the piano, and Devon and Nate will make progress in healing their fractured bond. “They reminisce about Neil and Malcolm’s complicated relationship and how they worked through it,” says James. “This gives Devon and Nate an opportunity to talk about what’s going on with them and how they shouldn’t repeat the past.”
James notes that Neil’s portrayer, Kristoff St. John, who died in February 2019, is never far from his mind. “I’ll always be sad when thinking about Kristoff. I miss him every day,” he shares. “It’s such an honor for me to get to continue with the show that was such a big part of his life, and carry on the legacy of his character in people’s hearts and memories.” Adds Christel Khalil (Lily), “I loved that Y&R not only remembered Kristoff on the anniversary of Neil’s death, but did it so beautifully. We love that we continue to honor him and the wonderful person he was. I’ll miss him forever .... ”