Michael Mealor Says Goodbye to THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS
Rumors have been spreading around the daytime world for weeks now that Michael Mealor and Hunter King would be exiting THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS as Kyle and Summer following stalled contract renegotiations. But the actors had been totally mum on their future with the soap. That is, until July 12, when Mealor broke his silence on his status, sharing posts on both Instagram and Twitter that confirmed he was indeed leaving the show.
Mealor’s hand in confirming his Y&R exit was somewhat forced by co-star Jason Thompson (Billy), who shared in a since-deleted tweet on July 9 that he would miss his TV nephew. In his own exit announcement, Mealor poked fun at the adversarial relationship between Kyle and Billy. “In true ChancComm fashion, Uncle Billy broke the news first… my time as we know it on Y&R is coming to a close,” the actor wrote. “The last three and a half years have been a truly humbling and life-changing experience.”
The actor went on to thank his fans for their unwavering support during his run in his post, which included several photos highlighting his turn as Kyle: a Chancellor family toast, digging up Phillip’s grave, fighting with Uncle Billy and dad Jack at Jabot, laughing with leading ladies Hunter King (Summer) and Sasha Calle (Lola), and all dressed up for Kyle’s wedding day. “I wouldn’t have been here this long without the love and support y’all have shown me throughout every inch of this ride,” Mealor added. “From appearing on national TV in my “birthday suit” to digging up graves for DNA fragments, every engagement and every heartbreak, whether you were #Kola or #Skyle, y’all were along for the rollercoaster.”
Before signing off, Mealor — who took over the role of Jack and Diane’s son in March 2018 — shared his appreciation for his bosses at the soap. “Thank you, Y&R, CBS, and Sony for trusting me with this incredible character. Thank you for allowing me to be your Kyle Abbott,” he concluded. “So much love to each and every one of you!”
Regarding King, there has not been any confirmation by the actress or the show regarding her exit from Genoa City, but her character has already been written out: After giving back her engagement ring to Kyle, Summer left town for a job opportunity in Italy. Mealor’s final air date has yet to be announced, but stay tuned to see if Kyle will follow his love abroad!
