Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox are set to reprise their well-known roles in the popular CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless, with a multi-episode arc scheduled to air this April. Taping for their scenes began Tuesday, February 17, at Television City’s soundstages, marking a return of the characters Malcolm Winters and Dr. Stephanie Simmons to Genoa City, much to the anticipation of longtime fans.
Background on Malcolm Winters and Stephanie Simmons
Moore’s character, Malcolm Winters, has deep roots within the show’s storyline as the younger brother of the late Neil Winters, portrayed by the late Kristoff St. John. Malcolm originally appeared from 1994 to 2005, with guest returns in 2014, 2019, and most recently in 2023, when Moore came back to honor his on-screen brother and the actor’s legacy during the show’s 50th anniversary. Meanwhile, Vivica A. Fox’s character, Dr. Stephanie Simmons, was last seen over 30 years ago, during her tenure on the soap from 1994 to 1995.
Stephanie Simmons’ Legacy and Past Storylines
Stephanie Simmons was introduced as a dedicated doctor working alongside Olivia Winters (Tonya Lee Williams) at Genoa City Memorial Hospital. The storyline famously included Drucilla (Victoria Rowell), who encouraged her sister to set Malcolm up with Stephanie, leading to a brief romantic relationship. The pressures of Stephanie’s demanding career eventually caused the couple to part ways, and her character exited Genoa City.
Fox’s Soap Opera Background and Past Collaborations with Moore
Vivica A. Fox’s experience with soap operas dates back to 1989 when she appeared as Carmen on Days of Our Lives. She later gained recognition playing Maya Reubens on Generations from 1989 to 1991, where she acted alongside Kristoff St. John. Beyond the soap world, Moore and Fox have shared the screen before, starring in the 2004 thriller Motives, where Moore’s character Emery Simms becomes involved in a complicated plot of infidelity and crime with Fox’s character Constance.
Actors’ Careers Beyond The Young and the Restless
Throughout his career, Shemar Moore has been the recipient of eight NAACP Image Awards, including a Daytime Emmy Award in 2000 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Malcolm Winters. Currently, Moore stars in the spin-off show S.W.A.T. Exiles, produced by Sony Pictures Television, which has concluded filming its ten-episode season in Los Angeles. He is also known for his lead role on the CBS drama S.W.A.T., which ran from 2017 to 2025.
Vivica A. Fox is set to appear in the upcoming MGM/Amazon film Is God Is, expected in theaters this May. Additionally, she has launched her own fashion line with HSN called The Vivica A. Fox Collection, a venture that highlights her expanding presence beyond acting.
Potential Impact and Fan Anticipation
The return of Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox to The Young and the Restless adds a layer of intrigue to the show’s narrative, especially given their characters’ intertwined history and the lasting effect it has had on Genoa City’s residents. As Malcolm and Stephanie reappear, viewers are left wondering about the implications for the Winters family and what secrets or challenges this storyline might unveil.
“If Young and the Restless ask for Stephanie to come back and do a cameo or do a short little stint, I would welcome it. Absolutely.”
— Vivica A. Fox, Actress
