The Young and the Restless Exclusive: Why Shemar Moore’s Return Has Bryton James ‘Excited for the Fans’
Shemar Moore is back on Young and Restless to reprise the role of Malcolm Winters, and Bryton James (Devon) tells Soap Opera Digest he was “extremely excited” about the star’s comeback. Beams James, “I was mostly excited for the fans, because I know they’re gonna love it. It’s gonna be a great storyline. It’s gonna involve a lot of characters, new and old, and it’s exciting.”
Family Reunion
James joined the cast of Y&R back in June 2004, and Moore — whose original run as Malcolm lasted from 1994-2002 — made his first return to the show in November of that same year. Though Moore exited again in September 2005, James appreciated the time they had together. “It’s always great to have him back just because it’s from the early days,” he says. “We got to work together the end of my first year on the show, so to get to share the stage again and get into the rhythm of getting to act together is always a fun experience, too.”
“The funniest memory was going into hair and makeup and learning that those cornrows or braids [that Moore sported as Malcolm] were fake,” he recalls with a laugh. “That was the best memory I had. I also showed up to work in a matching sweatsuit once, and he and Kristoff [St. John, ex-Neil] really let me have it and gave me some good fashion advice that I took.”
The last time that Malcolm paid a visit to Genoa City was a one-day appearance back in May 2023, as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration. James says that every time Moore pops back up on the soap, “It’s always like he never left. It’s so familiar, and we worked together for so long, even if he’s been away for a while. When he comes back, it feels like you pick up where you left off. He comes in prepared and it’s like riding a bike, and it’s just fun. The jokes start rolling automatically.” Muses the actor, “You miss the presence of Kristoff [who passed away in 2019] being there, but it’s a nice feeling to have us together anytime he’s around.”
James has many fond memories of the past times he’s shared the stage with Moore, but the ones that stand out the most are the lighthearted ones. “The funniest memory was going into hair and makeup and learning that those cornrows or braids were fake,” he recalls with a laugh. “That was the best memory I had. I also showed up to work in a matching sweatsuit once, and he and Kristoff really let me have it and gave me some good fashion advice that I took.”
Though this time around, Moore’s visit will be longer than an episode or two, it’s still just a brief stay. But James is thrilled to have him and his character back on the soap for however long it might be. “I think it’s amazing for the show,” he enthuses. “I think it’s amazing for the fans. Shemar’s one of the biggest stars to start and move on from the show and do as much as he has with his career, and yet he always takes the time and respect to remind the fans that Young and the Restless is his home. I think that’s an incredible thing, and we love him for it. And I think the fans are going to be particularly pleased with why they’re having him come back this time around.”
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Soap Opera Digest does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.