2025 has been a whirlwind year for The Young and the Restless, with 10 explosive exits shaking Genoa City to its core. From Christian LeBlanc’s emotional farewell to Sally Spectra’s graceful departure, this season’s exits have left fans speechless. Who will you miss the most? 💔

The summer of 2025 has seen The Young and the Restless bid farewell to some of its most beloved characters, and the emotional waves these exits have caused are far from over. Genoa City will never be the same, as 10 high-profile characters, each with their own complex storylines, have said their goodbyes. From heartfelt tributes to shocking twists, here’s a definitive look at the top exits that have rocked fans across the globe.

1. Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin) – June 2025
The departure of Michael Baldwin was nothing short of an emotional masterclass. After over 30 years of portraying the lawyer with a moral compass that swayed with each passing storm, LeBlanc’s exit was a tear-jerking farewell to both the character and the audience. Fans were left holding their breath during Michael’s final scene—a raw, emotional goodbye to Victor Newman and the Genoa City courtrooms he’d long dominated.

LeBlanc, battling cancer in real life, confirmed his decision to leave with a vulnerable video message: “I can’t talk too long… thank you for everything.” His poignant exit left fans in tears, with many calling it a masterclass in subtlety. The message read, “You didn’t just act Michael—you lived him,” a tribute that highlighted the depth of his commitment to the role.

2. Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra)
Sally Spectra’s departure was a graceful one, as she left Genoa City to begin a new chapter in her life. Courtney Hope handled her exit with dignity, refuting false rumors and later sharing, “A new chapter begins. Grateful for every beat of this journey.” The emotional toll on fans was palpable, as they reflected on Sally’s tumultuous journey—from heartbreak to growth. Sally’s evolution throughout the show left a lasting impression, and her exit signaled both a refreshing change and a tragic loss.

3. Allison Lanier (Summer Newman) – May 2025
Allison Lanier’s Summer Newman quietly exited the stage in a storyline that saw her move to Italy for new beginnings. Lanier’s heartfelt Instagram post, “It’s time to grow in a different direction… thank you all for the love,” went viral, with fans lamenting her departure. Critics noted how Lanier revitalized a character often relegated to soap opera tropes, bringing fresh strength and spontaneity to Summer’s role. Fans couldn’t help but feel the exit was too soon, especially after the growth they had witnessed in her character.

4. Hayley Erin (Claire Grace)
Claire’s sudden collapse and death stunned viewers, leaving no time for goodbyes. The shocking nature of her exit sent fans into a frenzy of speculation, with many hoping for a more complete redemption arc for the character. Hayley Erin’s social media post—“Thank you for the love—this ride was wild”—only added to the heartbreak. Fans expressed sorrow that Claire’s arc was cut short, with one commenting, “We weren’t ready to let Claire go.”

5. Connor Floyd (Chance Chancellor) – June 2025
Chance’s exit was a quiet one, marking a subtle transition for Connor Floyd as he moved on to Days of Our Lives. His departure saw Chance bidding a heartfelt farewell to Abby and the Chancellor family legacy in a low-key but touching scene. Floyd confirmed his shift with a simple message: “Grateful for the journey—onward to new adventures.” Fans admired his grounded portrayal of Chance but were sad to see him go, even if the departure lacked the fanfare of some other exits.

6. Jermaine Rivers (Damian Kane) – July 2025
Damian Kane’s shocking and violent exit left fans on the edge of their seats. In a single explosive episode, Damian was stabbed, poisoned, and left to bleed out—setting the stage for even more dramatic twists. His death sent ripples through the storyline, and fans were left speculating about the deeper implications of his demise. The emotional intensity of this exit proved once again that no one is safe in Genoa City.

As the dust settles on these dramatic exits, fans of The Young and the Restless are left to grapple with the loss of some of their favorite characters. Each departure has its own emotional weight—whether it’s a tearful farewell, a graceful exit, or a shocking twist that leaves viewers in disbelief. Y&R continues to show just how deeply the soap opera world can affect its audience, and with these exits, the show is setting the stage for even more emotional rollercoasters ahead.

Which departure hit you the hardest? Keep watching The Young and the Restless as it continues to keep fans on the edge of their seats.