Carmen on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS — Everything You Need to Know

Carmen wasn’t on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS for a full year, so viewers might not remember the woman. Although some soap fans might recognize her portrayer, Marisa Ramirez, from her role of Gia on GENERAL HOSPITAL, or even from her primetime role on BLUE BLOODS. The actress’ stint on Y&R lasted from May 2006 until February 2007, and here’s what you need to know about her character:

Carmen Mesta was a freelance public relations consultant that Katherine Chancellor hired to work at Jabot Cosmetics after the scandal that erupted over tainted face cream. Jack Abbott initially clashed with Carmen, but soon became attracted to her and they had a one-night stand. After that, Victor Newman hired Carmen to work at Newman Enterprises’ new division, Beauty of Nature.

While working at Newman, Carmen sparked an attraction with Neil Winters, who was on the outs with his wife, Drucilla Winters. Although the pair only ever kissed, Dru was convinced they were having an affair and broke into Carmen’s room to slice up her clothing with scissors. Carmen got a restraining order against Dru that she continued to ignore, even physically attacking her. This fight was captured on video that Phyllis Summers passed along to Carmen so she could get Dru in even more trouble.

Neil tried to act as peacemaker, but Carmen refused to listen and insisted on getting the D.A. to prosecute her rival. Dru hired Michael Baldwin to represent her, and he had Paul Williams investigate Carmen’s background. It turned out that at her previous job before coming to Genoa City, Carmen had been involved with a married executive and left after receiving a hefty payout. Michael confronted Carmen with the information to try and get her to back off, but she refused. 

On the opening night of Neil’s jazz club, Indigo, Carmen’s dead body was discovered behind the building. Although Devon Hamilton was initially arrested for the crime, there were plenty of suspects, and the guilty party was ultimately revealed to be Jana Hawkes. In order to keep her investigation into the Grugeon Reliquary quiet, Jana silenced Carmen permanently.