Michelle Stafford Shares Emotional Throwback With Late Co-Star Kristoff St. John
Michelle Stafford Honors Kristoff St. John With Heartfelt Throwback — Fans Flood with Emotion
In a powerful wave of nostalgia and love, The Young and the Restless star Michelle Stafford recently shared a touching throwback video that brought fans back to a moment of pure joy with her late co-star Kristoff St. John — the beloved actor who portrayed Neil Winters and left an unforgettable mark on the soap world.
Posted to her social media on Thursday, May 15th, the clip comes from a red carpet interview in 2012, and showcases the deep bond between the two stars — a bond that was as genuine offscreen as it was on. When Stafford was playfully asked who she would marry, befriend, or kill, she didn’t hesitate:
“I would marry Neil,” she grinned.
Within seconds, Kristoff appeared, wrapped his arm around her and quipped,
“I would marry you,” before pulling her close, gently nuzzling her neck, and joking,
“I would make love to you right now.”
The lighthearted moment had Stafford laughing and stunned, blushing as she turned to the camera and said:
“He’s very handsome and very sexy. I mean, really.”
In her caption, Stafford reflected with emotion:
“Came across this from 2012, I think. Oh man. How we miss him. #YR”
A Legacy of Love and Loss
Kristoff St. John passed away in 2019, sending shockwaves through the Y&R community and soap opera fandom. Known not just for his charismatic performance, but also for his kindness and spirit, Kristoff’s death was more than just a loss to the show — it was the loss of a friend, father, and fan-favorite icon.
The throwback video quickly drew heartfelt reactions from viewers who still carry the pain of his passing. One fan wrote:
“Yes, he is missed. So glad the show designed the Jazz Lounge for him.”
Another shared:
“I loved him. Miss him so much. I’m still sad for what he went through.”
For some, the void left behind was too much:
“A big part of why I stopped watching the show.”
A Call to Revisit the Winters Legacy
Stafford’s post is more than a nostalgic clip — it’s a gentle reminder of how vital the Winters family was to The Young and the Restless. As one of the show’s most iconic Black families, their stories brought depth, representation, and powerful drama to Genoa City. Many fans are hoping this tribute might reignite interest in honoring the Winters legacy more prominently on the show again.
Kristoff St. John may be gone, but moments like this keep his legacy burning bright. Through Michelle Stafford’s laughter, through the tears of fans, and through every rerun that brings Neil Winters back to life, his presence is still deeply felt. And as fans continue to celebrate his memory, they echo one sentiment louder than all others:
We miss you, Kristoff. Always.
