Michael Graziadei Previews His Y&R Return!
This week on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, Phyllis has an extra special reason to be grateful on Thanksgiving: Her son, Daniel, has come back to Genoa City for a surprise visit! The happy occasion also means that fan favorite Michael Graziadei is back on the soap. And according to a promo that Y&R shared on social media on Nov. 20, the actor’s first air date is Monday, Nov. 21.
In the video, Graziadei is seated on the set of Crimson Lights, wearing a maroon jacket and black bow tie. “Hi, I’m Michael Graziadei reprising the role of Daniel Romalotti, Jr.,” the actor says by way of introducing himself to viewers who may not remember Phyllis and Danny’s son. “Don’t miss my Y&R debut tomorrow.”
Next, the promo teased two scenes between Graziadei and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) from his return episode, in which Daniel’s mom is caught off guard to see her son back in town. Reposting the video on his own Instagram page, Graziadei confessed that he’s “beyond excited to be back home in Genoa City and working with the incomparable Michelle Stafford.”
After Graziadei shared the promo clip, excited fans who couldn’t wait to see him back on the screen flooded his post with comments. “Love you, welcome back, Michael!” wrote one follower. “You’ve been missed,” replied another.
Graziadei first made his Y&R debut in 2004 shortly after the character was aged from a child to a teenager. Phyllis and Danny’s son was born in 1994 and played by several child actors before Cam Gigandet briefly took over as a SORAS’d Daniel. The character was then recast with Owen Beckman, who never even made it to the air because Graziadei was quickly brought in. After making his debut in May 2004, he played the part until January 2013, nabbing two Daytime Emmy nominations in the category of Outstanding Younger Actor for his work. Graziadei briefly returned in 2016 for his sister Summer’s wedding.
While there hasn’t been any official word on how long Graziadei will be sticking around, viewers can expect to at least see him through the holidays, since TV dad Michael Damian will be back as Danny Romalotti for multiple episodes beginning on Thursday, Dec. 22!
