As Young & Restless’ Damian Meets an ‘Untimely Demise,’ Jermaine Rivers Says Goodbye — ‘For Now’

The Young and the Restless Shocker: Damian Kane’s Final Curtain Call Leaves Fans Reeling—Jermaine Rivers Bids a Poignant Farewell

In one of the most jaw-dropping exits The Young and the Restless has delivered in recent memory, Monday’s episode marked the dramatic end of Damian Kane’s journey in Genoa City. While fans were still reeling from the twisted tension of the France storyline, the writers pulled the rug out from under us—with deadly precision.

Damian Kane, portrayed by the immensely talented Jermaine Rivers, met his untimely end during what should have been a quiet, albeit strained, reunion with Cane Ashby. The scene was layered with emotion: two men with a tangled history, sharing poisoned drinks while rehashing a past riddled with betrayal, redemption, and unresolved tensions. But before any catharsis could be found, a knife was thrust—literally—into the moment. Someone hurled a blade squarely into Damian’s back, sealing his fate in a shocking act of violence.

The killer remains a mystery. Was it a calculated move by one of Damian’s many enemies? A setup? A misfire intended for Cane? The questions are already flying, and the speculation online has been nothing short of electric. But what’s clear is this: Damian Kane is very much dead, and his departure leaves a gaping hole in the Y&R canvas.

Following the episode’s broadcast, Jermaine Rivers took to social media to confirm what viewers feared—Damian’s journey had come to a close, at least for now. In a heartfelt farewell video, Rivers expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to bring the complex, enigmatic character to life over the past several months. “Feeling extremely grateful,” he began, “for the opportunity to bring Damian Kane to life. Thank you to Josh Griffith and the rest of the producers at Y&R and CBS for giving me this amazing opportunity to be a part of such an iconic show.”

Rivers extended his thanks to fans for their unwavering support and love, emphasizing just how much the journey had meant to him. “You guys are awesome!” he said with a beaming smile, clearly touched by the outpouring of emotion from viewers who had followed Damian’s arc closely.

He went on to confirm that Damian’s fate had been sealed well before the team even filmed the France scenes. “That’s what it is. At least for now,” Rivers stated solemnly. “Damian Kane has met an untimely demise.” Despite knowing the character’s endpoint, the actor poured himself into the role, committed to honoring the layers of Damian’s persona—his relationships, his regrets, and his aspirations.

“I got to play a multitude of emotions,” Rivers reflected, “to really flesh out who this person was, with all his complexities, with his relationship with his mom, with his half brother, his friends, best friend, and potential love interest.” That richness of character is part of what made Damian such a compelling presence on the show. Though he was introduced only seven or eight months ago, his trajectory quickly made an impact, entwining him with major players and storylines.

The actor didn’t forget to show gratitude to the creative forces behind the scenes, notably head writer Josh Griffith and head of casting Greg Salman, who Rivers said “saw something in me that resonated.” The inclusion of Rivers, who previously impressed viewers with his work on shows like The Gifted and MacGyver, added both gravitas and charisma to the Y&R ensemble. It’s no wonder fans quickly embraced Damian, flaws and all.

But as any long-time soap viewer knows, “death” in Genoa City often comes with a grain of salt. Cane Ashby himself has a history of miraculous reappearances, and Rivers alluded to that possibility with a playful yet humble tone. “We got to go on a ride and really play into these moments truthfully,” he said, before acknowledging the collaborative nature of daytime television. “Because at the end of the day, it’s not about me. It’s not about one person on the show. It’s about the collective.”

Whether Damian Kane stays buried or reemerges down the line, one thing is certain—Rivers left his mark. Fans are already rallying on social media, mourning the character’s death while holding out hope for a twist that brings him back. Stranger things have happened on The Young and the Restless, after all.

For now, we bid farewell to Damian Kane—lover, fighter, schemer, and son. Rest in peace… or not.

The Young and the Restless Shocker: Damian Kane’s Final Curtain Call Leaves Fans Reeling—Jermaine Rivers Bids a Poignant Farewell In one of the most jaw-dropping exits The Young and the Restless has delivered in recent memory, Monday’s episode marked the dramatic end of Damian Kane’s journey in Genoa City. While fans were still reeling from…