The world of daytime drama continues to be in shock over the death of actor Kristoff St. John. Although "The Young and the Restless" has not yet announced if or when they will hold an onscreen memorial service for Neil, viewers are making their wishes known. Fans are expressing their desire to see Shemar Moore make a cameo appearance in Genoa City as a tribute to his former castmate. They want Malcolm Winters to show up for the final goodbye for his half brother. Moore has expressed his sorrow about St. John's death on social media and in a video but there is no way to know if he would be willing, or if he is available to return to the soap opera.
Shemar Moore devastated by his friend's death
A tearful Shemar Moore said he considered Kristoff St. John as a mentor and loved him like a brother and credits the late actor with helping him get his start on daytime television. According to "Hot New Hip Hop," Moore credits St. John with opening doors for him and sticking with him in the early days of his career on "The Young and the Restless." Onscreen, Malcolm and Neil had a very different dynamic than their portrayers did in real time.
Longtime "Y&R" viewers will recall that Malcolm slept with his sibling's wife Drucilla when she was high on cold medication and mistook him for Neil. Later she gave birth to Lily, who years later was revealed to be her brother-in-law's child.
Neil had raised Lily as his own and she considers him to be her father in spite of DNA evidence. The Winters brothers' relationship was strained from that point on.
Fans want Malcolm back in Genoa City
Celeb Dirty Laundry is reporting that some "Y&R" fans want Malcolm to return to Genoa City for Neil's memorial service. This sounds good in theory but there may be obstacles in the way.
Shemar Moore is currently starring in the CBS drama "SWAT" and may not have the time in his schedule to show up for taping when Neil's family and friends lay him to rest. It's also possible that there may be no onscreen farewell to Neil, or the powers that be may not ask Moore to return to the show that launched his career.
There is also the probability that returning to the set of "The Young and the Restless" under these circumstances could be too much for the actor and if asked, he may say no. One thing, however, is certain. The era of social media gives soap viewers a platform of power that once was impossible. For that reason, pressure from loyal fans could indeed result in a funeral service for Neil and a cameo by Shemar Moore.
