Young and the Restless: Vivica A. Fox Returns as Stephanie Simmons After 30 Years Vivica A. Fox is set to return to The Young and the Restless on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, reprising her iconic role as Stephanie Simmons. The actress, who first played the character from 1994 to 1995, described the surprise of the opportunity as both unexpected and thrilling. Fox revealed that the return was not planned but felt timely after signing with a new agent, Innovative Artists. “I’ve just signed with a new agent, and my head agent hit me and said, ‘Hey, guess who called looking for you today?’ And I was like, ‘Who?’ And they’re like, ‘Young and the Restless.’ I was like, ‘Young and the Restless? Really?’” she recalled. The call led to an offer to return as Stephanie, a decision she embraced after learning the show was also bringing back Shemar Moore, who previously portrayed Stephanie’s love interest, Malcolm Winters. Fox expressed excitement about the reunion, calling it “the genius of that” and noting the emotional impact of the storyline. “I thought, ‘Get out of here. The genius of that would be incredible,’” she said. The plot involves Malcolm reaching out to Stephanie for assistance, setting the stage for a dramatic reconnection. Fox emphasized the anticipation surrounding the storyline, stating, “The audience is really going to be on the edge of their chairs as Stephanie and Malcolm come back.” She also highlighted the significance of the reunion, calling it a chance for Stephanie to “finish her business with Malcolm.” Despite the three-decade gap since her last appearance, Fox found the return seamless. She noted that some actors from her original run were still on set, creating a “wonderful homecoming.#vivica_a_fox #young_and_the_restless #stephanie_simmons #shemar_moore #malcolm_winters
