'The Young and the Restless' Teases Jess Walton's 40th Anniversary Johnathon KornbleeDecember 31, 2025 at 4:18 AM 0 Getty Images 2027 will mark the 40th anniversary of Jess Walton's debut as Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless, and the longrunning CBS soap is already teasing plans to recognize the milestone. The show's head writer and executive producer, Josh Griffith, discussed the series plans for 2026 and beyond in a recent interview with soap journalist Stephanie Sloan for TV Insider.
- - 'The Young and the Restless' Teases Jess Walton's 40th Anniversary
Johnathon KornbleeDecember 31, 2025 at 4:18 AM
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2027 will mark the 40th anniversary of Jess Walton's debut as Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless, and the long-running CBS soap is already teasing plans to recognize the milestone.
The show's head writer and executive producer, Josh Griffith, discussed the series plans for 2026 and beyond in a recent interview with soap journalist Stephanie Sloan for TV Insider.
During the conversation, Griffith explained that the show intends to build on the creative momentum of 2025 and escalate its storytelling as the year unfolds.
Addressing Walton's historic run, Griffith confirmed that the anniversary will not go unnoticed. "It's going to be Jess Walton's 40th anniversary [as Jill], so that's a milestone that we will definitely recognize," he said.
Walton first stepped into the role of Jill Abbott on June 19, 1987, initially on a temporary basis, filling in for Brenda Dickson. When Dickson exited the role shortly thereafter, Walton officially assumed the part full-time.
Walton's portrayal of Jill has earned her multiple accolades, including the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1991 and the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1997.
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Over the decades, Walton has remained an integral presence on the CBS soap. She originally exited the series in 2010 with plans to retire, but has appeared on a recurring basis since returning in 2012.
Speaking to The TV Water Cooler's Jeevan Brar, Walton previously reflected on her retirement status. "I don't know… I really don't know — I thought I retired when I first left, which was about 2010, but then we got new producers and they asked me to come back. Jeanne Cooperpassed away and I had to go back. They called me up and really needed me, so anyway, on and off, I've been back on and off! So, I don't know if I've retired or not," Walton said.
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount+.
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Published: December 31, 2025 at 09:36AM on Source: ANDY MAG
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