Young and the Restless guest stars over past 50 years

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50 years young (and still restless)

The Young and the Restless is celebrating its golden anniversary this week, and EW is marking the occasion with a look back at some of the biggest guest stars and alumni to drop by Genoa City over the past 50 years. Read on for a young Penn Badgley, Star Trek alums, and more.

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John O'Hurley (1989-1990)

Seinfeld's John O'Hurley appeared in three episodes as Dr. James Grainger.

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Paul Walker (1992-1993)

Before he was racing family, the late Paul Walker had a stint on the soap as Brandon Collins.

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Vivica A. Fox (1994-1995)

Vivica A. Fox left her role as Stephanie Simmons when she got cast in the blockbuster film Independence Day.

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Penn Badgley (2000-2001)

Would You's Joe like Phillip Chancellor IV? Or would he end up in his cage? Only Penn Badgley can say.

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Eva Longoria (2001-2003)

Here, Eva Longoria's Isabella Braña is pictured with Doug Davidson's Paul Williams.

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George Kennedy (2003)

George Kennedy played Albert Miller, the absentee father to Victor Newman.

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George Takei (2003)

Famed Star Trek actor George Takei presided over Neil and Drucilla's wedding.

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Smokey Robinson (2004)

Motown legend Smokey Robinson played himself, and performed, in a 2004 episode, serving as inspiration for the character J.T. Hellstrom (Thad Luckenbill) to pursue his own musical dreams.

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Corbin Bernsen (2004-2017)

Corbin Bernsen's mother, Jeanne Cooper (pictured here with him), starred as Katherine Chancellor on Y&R for 40 years, and Bernsen continued the family tradition as Father Todd Williams across 22 episodes.

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Il Divo (2006)

The vocal quartet Il Divo performed "Unchained Melody" as a gift from Victor Newman to his wife, Nikki.

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Enrique Iglesias (2007)

In this season 34 episode, Enrique Iglesias performed his hit song "Somebody's Me" at Neil Winters' nightclub, Indigo.

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Tatyana Ali (2007-2013)

Fresh Prince alum Tatyana Ali had a recurring role as Roxanne, for which she won two NAACP Image Awards.

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Katy Perry (2008)

Hitmaker and American Idol judge Katy Perry is seen here on set here with Joshua Morrow, Adrianne Frantz, Michelle Stafford, Peter Bergman, and Sharon Case.

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Trace Adkins (2008)

Country star Trace Adkins appeared as himself in a 2008 episode.

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Danny Trejo (2008)

Beloved Hollywood tough guy Danny Trejo played a bartender in Mexico.

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Pat Benatar (2008)

Rocker Pat Benatar and her husband, Neil Giraldo, performed at Indigo.

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Eva Marcille (2008-2009)

America's Next Top Model winner Eva Marcille played a young mother named Tyra Hamilton.

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Darius McCrary (2009-2011)

Family Matters star Darius McCrary played Malcom Winters, a role that was originated by Shemar Moore.

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Wilson Bethel (2009-2011)

Hart of Dixie star Wilson Bethel played Ryder Callahan, who had a dramatic arc that included a trip to jail and a surprise half-brother.

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Eric Roberts (2010-2011)

Veteran actor Eric Roberts portrayed attorney Vance Abrams.

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Sean Young (2010-2011)

Sean Young appeared opposite her The Man Who Came Back costar Eric Braeden as barmaid Meggie McClain.

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Alyvia Alyn Lind (2011-2021)

Alyvia Alyn Lind's role as Faith Newman was taken over by Reylynn Caster after she left the show to star on the USA/SyFy series Chucky.

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Bonnie Franklin (2012)

Bonnie Franklin appeared in several episodes as Sister Celeste.

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Jen Landon (2012)

After starring as Gwen on As the World Turns, Jen Landon joined Y&R as Heather Stevens, a character formerly portrayed by Eden Reigel and Vail Bloom. She now plays cowgirl Teeter on Yellowstone.

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Ken Howard (2012)

Ken Howard portrayed Phyllis and Avery's father, George.

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McKenna Grace (2013-2015)

McKenna Grace portrayed Faith Newman. She's most recently appeared in Young Sheldon.

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Meredith Baxter (2014)

Meredith Baxter appeared for a stint as Maureen Russell.

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Sally Kellerman (2014-2015)

Oscar-nominated actress Sally Kellerman had a multiple-episode arc as Constance Bingham.

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Justin Hartley (2014-2016)

This Is Us star Justin Hartley earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Adam Newman in 2016. He's pictured here with Melissa Claire Egan, who played Chelsea Lawson.

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Nichelle Nichols (2016)

George Takei isn't the only Star Trek alum to appear on Y&R: Nichelle Nichols appeared in 2016 as Neil's estranged mother, Lucinda. She's pictured here with Kristoff St. John, who played Neil.

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Erika Jayne (2016)

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne played a businesswoman after her Housewives costar Eileen Davidson encouraged her to audition. The reality stars shared a scene in which they got into a fight.

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Chrishell Stause (2016)

Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause played Bethany Bryant for 10 episodes.

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David Faustino (2017)

Married With Children alum David Faustino played TV producer Howard Green for several episodes.

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Wayne Knight (2017)

Seinfeld and Jurassic Park actor Wayne Knight guest-starred as Irv.

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Sasha Calle (2018-2020)

Sasha Calle was nominated for Outstanding Young Performer in a Drama Series at the 2020 Daytime Emmy Awards. Here she is with Jordi Vilasuso and Jason Canela.

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