The Young and the Restless comings and goings reveal a heartbreaking twist as Damian Kane’s fate is sealed. Jermaine Rivers, who portrayed Damian, has officially exited the soap following the July 14 episode. With emotion and gratitude, the actor reflects on his journey and what’s next in his acting career.
Damian’s Shocking Exit Leaves Genoa City Reeling
Damian Kane’s journey came to a devastating close when he was fatally stabbed during a drugged night in France. The character’s storyline took a wild turn as a mysterious attacker plunged a knife into Damian’s back, ending his run just as fans were beginning to embrace his redemption arc.
The brutal twist stunned viewers and ended the arc that brought Damian closer to his family. He had finally reconnected with his mother Amy and built a relationship with half-brother Nate. Even his bond with Lily was beginning to grow into something meaningful. But just like that—it was over.
Jermaine Rivers Bids Farewell With Gratitude
Shortly after the episode aired, Jermaine Rivers confirmed his exit. He took to Instagram and Twitter/X, expressing thanks to Head Writer Josh Griffith and the CBS team. The actor called it “an amazing ride,” full of emotional highs and storytelling challenges that pushed him to explore Damian’s complexity.
Rivers said he had known about Damian’s end long before it was filmed. Yet, he still gave the role everything he had. His portrayal captured Damian’s arrogance, mystery, and vulnerability with careful precision. For Rivers, it was never just about screen time—it was about telling the story truthfully.
The Young and the Restless Comings and Goings: Casting Damian Was No Easy Task
Behind the scenes, Jermaine Rivers revealed that casting the role of Damian Kane wasn’t simple. According to Rivers, casting director Greg Salmon had been searching since July 2024. By the time Rivers auditioned in November, the team was still unsure. But something clicked. He landed the role—and made it his own.
He thanked Salmon for believing in him and shared that the role came through a last-minute audition request. That single reading launched his Genoa City journey, and the rest became part of The Young and the Restless legacy.
While fans had mixed feelings about Damian early on, Rivers said the mystery and arrogance were intentional. As an actor, his goal was to serve the text, connect with fellow actors, and bring the story to life. Over time, viewers saw Damian’s heart emerge—especially through his family ties and romance with Lily.
Rivers acknowledged that not every character is meant to stay forever. He understood that his job was to make an impact, no matter how long or short the arc. And with Damian’s death, he certainly left a memorable mark on The Young and the Restless.
Though his time in Genoa City is over, Jermaine Rivers is far from done. He teased upcoming roles in new projects, including one in the sci-fi genre. Excited and motivated, Rivers is ready to step into his next challenge—and bring more unforgettable characters to life.
As he signed off in his farewell message, Rivers left fans with this: “Peace and love. The show must go on.” That’s all for this edition of The Young and the Restless comings and goings. Jermaine Rivers’ exit may be final, but Damian Kane’s story won’t be forgotten. For more updates, visit Soap Opera Daily. Until next time—stay dramatic!
