Greg Rikaart is leaving "The Young and the Restless" after 14 years of being on the show.
The Daytime Emmy–winning actor, who has played the role of villain-turned-good guy Kevin, will officially exit the drama later this summer. Representatives for the long-running soap have yet to comment on the matter, but TV Line's sources have confirmed that the network's higher-ups decided not to renew Rikaart's contract for another season.
On Thursday, the 40-year-old actor posted a photo of his best moments on the show on Instagram. He captioned it with a lengthy statement on how he started in the program and how he feels now that his stint is over.
"Fourteen years ago, I booked a two-week long gig on 'The Young and the Restless,'" Rikaart wrote. "In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined what it would turn into: a career-defining experience that has brought me so much happiness and fulfillment."
He went on to discuss how his personal life was somehow similar to that of his character Kevin. From becoming fathers, they have both grown to be older and wiser men with more gray hair. Though bidding farewell, Rikaart said he is not closing his doors on a possible comeback, which means Kevin is not likely to be killed off in the program.
"At the moment it is unclear what lies ahead for Kevin and I, as we will be saying goodbye to Genoa City for a while," he continued. "I am sad to leave a place I hold so dear but also really excited about what the future holds. I cannot overstate how much gratitude I have to all of you who have been such loud cheerleaders for me. You've all enriched my life. So stick around. The journey is just beginning."
Rikaart has appeared on numerous TV shows throughout his career. He played a recurring role in "Major Crimes" and was a guest star in "Bones." His other notable projects include "Dawson's Creek," "CSI: Miami," "X-Men 2," and "Four Brothers. Or Three. Wait . . . Three."
