The Young and the Restless family has been struck by an emotional blow as they say goodbye to a true cornerstone of their production—Tom McDermott, a beloved stage manager and vital member of the directing team, who passed away in March 2025. More than just a name in the credits, Tom was a titan behind the scenes—a man whose passion, leadership, and brilliance helped shape the very fabric of the show for over four decades. As the Genoa City universe reels from shocking onscreen betrayals and emotional twists, the real-life cast and crew now face a loss that cuts deeper than any scripted drama.

In a moving tribute that closed the April 8th episode, fans were reminded of the immense contribution Tom made to the show they love. A somber tribute card faded onto the screen, honoring not just his professional excellence, but the deep relationships and irreplaceable spirit he brought to every moment behind the scenes. The tribute was brief, but its emotional weight was enormous—one final curtain call for a man whose impact was immeasurable.

A Legacy Etched in Daytime Television History

Tom McDermott officially joined The Young and the Restless as a full-time stage manager in 2002, but his relationship with the world of television extended far beyond that date. His fingerprints are all over some of the show’s most iconic eras—his calm, capable hands guiding chaotic live productions, his creative instincts enhancing dramatic storytelling, and his ability to inspire and lead ensuring that everyone, from cast to crew, gave their very best.

During his tenure, the show won Daytime Emmy Awards in 2011 and 2019—victories that bore his subtle yet vital influence. He was known for being the steady force that kept the production grounded, even when plotlines went wild or schedules ran tight. Every glance between Victor and Nikki, every scheme hatched at Newman Enterprises, every heartbreak under the Genoa City moonlight—Tom was there, making sure it all unfolded with seamless precision and artistry.

But awards and accolades only tell part of the story.

A Mentor, A Friend, A Legend

What made Tom truly irreplaceable wasn’t just his professional expertise. It was his heart. Described by colleagues as a natural mentor, Tom never hesitated to offer advice, lend a hand, or simply lift spirits when the long days stretched late into the night. His presence was a calming anchor amidst the whirlwind of daily production—a man who believed in the power of storytelling, but more importantly, in the people telling it.

His leadership extended beyond Y&R. As a longtime member of the Directors Guild of America, Tom served on both the Western and Eastern AD/SM/PA Councils. He was a driving force behind important industry initiatives, serving as council chair from 2015 to 2017 and later as a national board member. In 2016, he was honored with the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award, a prestigious accolade that recognized not only his technical skills, but his integrity and mentorship.

And while Y&R became his second home, his career touched every corner of television history—NBC’s Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, the Super Bowl, the Olympics, the NBA Finals. From the high-pressure chaos of live broadcasts to the meticulous construction of scripted dramas, Tom’s ability to adapt and lead remained unmatched.

The Ripple Effect in Genoa City—and Beyond

As fans of The Young and the Restless know all too well, loss never arrives without consequences. While the fictional Genoa City currently grapples with the brewing storm between Victor Newman and the next generation of Abbotts and Newmans, the off-screen cast is navigating their own grief—real, raw, and impossible to script.

The void left by Tom’s passing will undoubtedly be felt in every scene moving forward. For actors who relied on his guidance, producers who leaned on his wisdom, and young crew members who were nurtured by his mentorship, there’s a shared understanding: the family they’ve built behind the camera has lost a father figure, a protector, and a beacon of excellence.

Expect the atmosphere behind the scenes to change—not in the sense of dysfunction, but in the quiet moments where Tom’s absence will be deeply felt. The hallway where he’d give his morning nod of encouragement. The control room where his voice once directed the chaos with steady assurance. The set celebrations where his laugh echoed warmly among the team. All of that now belongs to memory.

A Call to Reflect—and to Cherish

Tom McDermott’s passing isn’t just a reminder of the fragility of life—it’s also a call to honor those who make our favorite shows come alive. The writers may craft the plots, the actors may embody the roles, but it’s the people like Tom—the silent sentinels behind the curtain—who bring it all to life, day in and day out.

As fans, we often invest deeply in the lives of the characters we love. But this moment invites us to also recognize the heartbeat of the show itself—the crew whose tireless work fuels the drama, the emotion, and the timeless magic of The Young and the Restless.

Moving Forward with Heart

In the weeks to come, Genoa City will continue to be rocked by secrets, betrayals, and unexpected alliances. Clare Newman’s allegiance may shift. Victor’s empire might fracture from within. New rivalries will ignite, and old wounds may resurface. But behind every twist and turn, the memory of Tom McDermott will live on—etched into every carefully framed scene, every seamless transition, and every quiet beat of reflection.

Though the show must go on, it does so now with a little more reverence, a little more heart—and with the silent blessing of a man who helped build it from the shadows.

To Tom’s family, friends, and everyone at The Young and the Restless: we send our deepest condolences and heartfelt gratitude. May his legacy continue to inspire, and may Genoa City always carry a little piece of his light.

Rest in peace, Tom McDermott. Your artistry lives on in every frame.