When news broke that THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS star Kristoff St. John (Neil) had died unexpectedly, social media was flooded with heartfelt posts from fans, friends, and more. “The news of Kristoff St. John’s passing is heartbreaking,” read a joint statement from CBS Television Network and Sony Pictures Television. “He was a very talented actor and an even better person. For those of us who were fortunate enough to work with him on Y&R for the last 27 years, he was a beloved friend whose smile and infectious laugh made every day on set a joy and made audiences love him. On behalf of the Y&R cast and crew, CBS and Sony Pictures Television, we offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones, especially his two daughters, Paris and Lola.”

(Photo Credit: Howard Wise/jpistudios.com)
St. John’s Y&R castmates both past and present opened up about this devastating loss, and stars from other daytime dramas who knew the actor well also shared their thoughts. Browse through the gallery below for just a small sampling of this outpouring of emotion.
Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved St. John during this difficult time. For more on your favorite Y&R stars, keep reading the CBS edition of Soaps In Depth magazine.
More from CBS Soaps In Depth
The Dramatic History of Neil Winters
Shemar Moore Says an Emotional Goodbye to Kristoff St. John
Christel Khalil and Bryton James Open up About Losing Kristoff St. John
Y&R Announces Airdates for Kristoff St. John’s Last Episode and Tribute
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Melissa Ordway Kristoff St John
Howard Wise/jpistudios.com Melissa Ordway (Abby, Y&R)
"There are no words. Kristoff, I will miss your big hugs, bright smile and contagious laugh... you always made me laugh. It was a true honor to know you. We are heartbroken."
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Jacob Young Kristoff St John
Instagram Jacob Young (ex-Rick, B&B)
"Kristoff, you were such a loving, caring beautiful soul. You always had a smile and kind word to say. You were such a light. This photo shows exactly the man you were, humble and generous. I will forever remember you just like this. The world truly lost one of its finest. Rest easy in God's arms, my dear friend."
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Shemar Moore Kristoff St John
Howard Wise/jpistudios.com Shemar Moore (ex-Malcolm, Y&R)
"Mr. Kristoff St John... There is no me without you! You are my brother! I love you! Sleep my dude.... Rest in peace... I’ll finish what you started! Thank you for your heart and talent. 🙏🏾❤️"
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Michelle Stafford Kristoff St John
Instagram Michelle Stafford (Nina, GH; ex-Phyllis, Y&R)
"I am gutted. I will love you forever, my beautiful friend."
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Camryn Grimes Kristoff St. John
Twitter Camryn Grimes (Mariah, Y&R)
"Talk about his talent, share stories and memories if you have them. Lift him up and send him on his way with all the beautiful wonderful parts of him that left an impact on you. He deserves that and so much more. I love you, Kristoff."
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Stephen Nichols Kristoff St John
Instagram Stephen Nichols (ex-Patch, DAYS; ex-Tucker, Y&R)
"This is how I felt about you, my sweet friend and I know everyone who ever came into your orbit felt your beautiful spirit. So many loved you because you were so lovable, kind and generous. I am devastated. I hope you are at peace, my brother. Love to your loved ones"
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Heather Tom Kristoff St John
Jesse Grant/JPI Heather Tom (Katie, B&B; ex-Victoria, Y&R)
"You had a beautiful soul. We had so much fun at the Emmys in NYC. We started Y&R around the same time. We were young together... I hope you’ve found some peace, my friend."
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Jess Walton Kristoff St John
Twitter Jess Walton (Jill, Y&R)
"Goodbye sweet Kristoff. My heart aches at the thought that I will never see you again. The only thing that helps is the knowledge that you are finally out of pain. I know that you are reunited with Julian and I can always think of you with that giant smile on your face."
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Mishael Morgan Kristoff St John
John Paschal/jpistudios.com Mishael Morgan (ex-Hilary, Y&R)
"Oh the words. I don’t even know where to begin. Well, like many, I have known Neil Winters for most of my childhood. But when I grew up, I had the honor of meeting & working with Kristoff St. John. “July 15th!”, was the very first thing he said to me, because he found out that we shared a birthday. That was Kristoff, he always found a way to connect with you. He took me under his wing and instantly made me feel at home. In many ways, I am who I am, because of Neil and Kristoff. You inspired me, as a child and guided me, as a woman and I am forever grateful to have known you. You were bright and funny and truly, one of a kind. I will miss that infectious smile, that open heart and that beautiful spirt. Sending all of my love to your girls and your entire family. Thank you for letting me be a part of your incredible life, and for touching mine in so many ways. You will always be in my heart, Stoff. Gone, but never, ever forgotten. Love you ❤️❤️❤️"
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Melody Thomas Scott Kristoff St John
Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki, Y&R)
"Thank you all for your condolences for my dear friend, Kristoff. We all loved him so much. Brokenhearted 💔"
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Scott Clifton Kristoff St John
Twitter Scott Clifton (Liam, B&B)
"I can't do this justice; I think I’m still in shock. What are we all going to do without him? Without his talent, grace, kindness, wisdom, sincerity, humor, total command of whatever room he stepped into, on screen or off. This one is going to hurt. RIP, Kristoff. I’ll miss you."
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Doug Davidson Kristoff St John
Evans Ward/jpistudios.com Doug Davidson (Paul, Y&R)
"In my life journey I have come across only a few people that radiate pure love, Kristoff was one of those people. He was so selfless when it came to caring for others. He was smart, so insightful, and supportive of everything positive. His smile would light up a room and his presence was always welcome. I will miss him. I know in my heart he has found peace and we all have another angel watching over us. God bless his soul. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."
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Yr Neil Nick Phyllis Summer
Sean Smith/jpistudios.com Hunter King (Summer, Y&R)
"My heart is so heavy today. Kristoff, you were always so sweet and so kind to everyone. You had the best smile and the warmest hugs. Going to miss seeing you at work. Truly so saddened by this tragedy."
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Lauralee Bell Kristoff St John
Twitter Lauralee Bell (Christine, Y&R)
"Family forever! Not easy to find words, but Kristoff was one of the sweetest, kindest, most talented men around. Always there for you. We had some special moments that I’ll treasure forever. I know we are all having a tough time. Love to his girls!"
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Victoria Rowell Kristoff St John
Brian Lowe/JPI Victoria Rowell (ex-Dru, Y&R)
"Kristoff loved life, his family, being an entertainer/filmmaker. One of the most generous people I’ve ever known. We stayed in touch."
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Abhi Sinha Kristoff St. John
Twitter Abhi Sinha (ex-Ravi)
"Shocking. What a class act Kristoff was. A joy to work with and watch on set — he will be missed tremendously. Sending love to his family during this difficult time. RIP, Kristoff."
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Tyler Christopher
Instagram Tyler Christopher (Stefan, DAYS)
"Kristoff, thank you for your friendship when I was having a difficult time some years ago. You didn’t even know me, yet you dropped whatever you were doing to meet with me and share your spirit in hopes that it may lift mine. A rare commodity. Rest my friend."
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Kate Linder Kristoff St John
Twitter Kate Linder (Esther, Y&R)
"Kristoff St. John was such a kind man and a very dear friend to me and so many at Y&R. My late husband Ron and Kristoff just adored each other too. He will be missed terribly."
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Eric Braeden Kristoff St John
Sean Smith/jpistudios.com Eric Braeden (Victor, Y&R)
"My good friend and colleague, my brotha, Kristoff St. John, passed away! No words right now!"
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Adrienne Frantz Kristoff St John
Instagram Adrienne Frantz (Amber, B&B/Y&R)
"So unbelievably heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend Kristoff St.John. I loved him so much! He was such a wonderful man! Kristoff, I hope you are dancing with the angels and your son today! The world just lost a beautiful soul!"
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Lawrence Saint Victor Kristoff St John
Vincent Sandoval/WireImage Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter, B&B)
"I’m at a complete loss for words right now. I met Kristoff when I was into my second month on GUIDING LIGHT. He was always so generous and kind. Rest In Peace, bro. Your family and friends are in my prayers."
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Lindstrom Mc Clain St John
Twitter Jon Lindstrom (Kevin/Ryan, GH)
"Kristoff St. John was one of the kindest most generous men I’ve ever known. I pray he’s found the peace he was seeking. R.I.P. This sweet prince was loved and he will be missed."