With word that “The Young and the Restless” is currently in the process of recasting the role of Summer Newman (last played by Hunter King) while nothing was made of a recast of Kyle Abbott, it was widely expected that actor Michael Mealor would soon be reprising the role. Turns out the actor has not only returned to the daytime drama series but he’s back on contract, too!
According to the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest, on newsstands tomorrow, the actor is back just in time for the big reveal that his character’s not so dead after all mother, Diane Jenkins, is not only alive but she’s being played by Susan Walters once more. Walters played the part from 2001-2004, and briefly returned in early 2010.
Meanwhile, Kyle last appeared on “Y&R” just a few episodes back via a Zoom call with his father, Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman), wherein he learned that his half brother Keemo had died and the family was only just learning of the news while also gaining a new Abbott member via Keemo’s daughter, Allie (Kelsey Wang).
“Of course, I’ll always be back when they call,” Mealor said to Digest last year, citing his love for the show and working with the people he’s worked alongside all these years.
Making his “Y&R” debut in 2018, Mealor most recently appeared in an episode of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” for FXX.
An official on-screen return date had not been revealed at press time.