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5 Shocking Things To Know About Roger Howarth's Explosive Return To Daytime On The Young And The Restless

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The world of daytime drama is currently on fire. After months of speculation and a dramatic exit from his previous soap home, decorated actor Roger Howarth has officially joined the cast of CBS's *The Young and the Restless* (*Y&R*). As of December 22, 2025, Howarth is not just a new face in Genoa City; he is the shocking return of a character with a dark, decades-old history that promises to upend the lives of the town's most prominent families.

This move marks a significant crossover event, bringing one of the most versatile and beloved—yet often controversial—actors in the genre to the number-one-rated soap opera. The mystery surrounding his initial casting fueled fan theories for weeks, but the truth is far more explosive than anyone predicted, tying Howarth to one of *Y&R*'s most tragic and sensitive storylines from the 1990s.

Roger Howarth: A Soap Opera Icon’s Complete Biography and Career Timeline

Roger Howarth is a veteran actor whose career has spanned over three decades in daytime television, earning him a reputation for playing complex, often antagonistic, yet deeply charismatic characters. His arrival in Genoa City is the culmination of a career built on dramatic transformations and unforgettable performances across three major soap operas.

  • Full Name: Roger Howarth
  • Born: Westchester County, New York
  • Education: Attended George Washington University
  • Daytime Debut: Kent Winslow on *Loving* (1992)
  • Breakout Role: Todd Manning on *One Life to Live* (1992–1998, 2000–2003, 2011–2012)
  • General Hospital Roles: Todd Manning (2012–2013), Franco Baldwin (2013–2021), Dr. Austin Gatlin-Holt (2021–2023)
  • Current Role: Matt Clark, also known as Mitch Bacall/Carter Mills, on *The Young and the Restless* (2025–Present)
  • Key Award: Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series (1994) for his role as Todd Manning.

Howarth is celebrated for his ability to switch between deeply troubled anti-heroes and outright villains, a talent that makes his casting in the role of Matt Clark particularly chilling for longtime *Y&R* viewers.

The Shocking Revelation: Roger Howarth is Matt Clark

The biggest twist in Howarth's move to *The Young and the Restless* was the reveal of his character's true identity. Initially introduced under the alias "Mitch Bacall" or "Carter Mills," the character was a mysterious figure in Genoa City. The bombshell dropped when it was confirmed that Howarth is portraying the villainous Matt Clark, a character who has been absent from the canvas for over two decades.

For newer fans, the name Matt Clark may mean little, but for those who watched the CBS soap in the mid-1990s, the name evokes a sense of dread and horror. This is not just a new villain; it is a ghost from the past, specifically the dark past of one of *Y&R*'s most beloved heroines, Sharon Newman (Sharon Case).

The writers' decision to bring back Matt Clark and recast him with an actor of Howarth's caliber signals a major, high-stakes storyline. It immediately establishes an intense, personal connection to the Newman family and promises to revisit a storyline that was foundational to Sharon's character development.

The Dark History: Why Matt Clark’s Return Terrifies Sharon Newman

The true power of this casting lies in the character’s history. Matt Clark first appeared in 1994, introduced as a high school rival to Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) for the affections of Sharon Collins, who was then a troubled teen. While the rivalry was initially typical teen drama, the storyline quickly took a disturbing and sensitive turn.

The most infamous part of the original Matt Clark storyline involves a devastating act of violence. Matt raped Sharon, a storyline that was highly controversial and emotionally charged. Sharon struggled to cope with the trauma, eventually finding solace and support in Nick, which ultimately cemented the iconic "Shick" romance.

Matt Clark returned in 2000, played by a different actor, continuing his antagonistic ways and even faking his own death. The character has always represented a painful chapter in Sharon's life—a trauma she has worked hard to overcome. His reappearance in Genoa City, especially now that he is played by a master of villainy like Roger Howarth, means that Sharon’s worst nightmare has walked back into her life.

The fact that Matt Clark is now back on the canvas, currently getting more screen time as Mitch Bacall/Matt Clark in the week of December 15, 2025, confirms that the storyline is front and center. This is a deliberate choice by the *Y&R* writing team to revisit a deeply emotional and traumatic plot point, which will inevitably draw in other key players like Nick, Adam Newman, and the entire Newman dynasty.

From Todd Manning to Austin Gatlin-Holt: Howarth’s Soap Opera Legacy

Before arriving on *Y&R*, Roger Howarth was a cornerstone of two other major daytime dramas, establishing a legacy of playing complex characters that transcended the typical soap opera mold.

The One Life to Live Years (Todd Manning)

Howarth's career exploded when he took on the role of Todd Manning on *One Life to Live* (*OLTL*). Todd was the quintessential bad boy—a wealthy, troubled, and often cruel character who nevertheless became incredibly popular. His tumultuous relationship with Blair Cramer and his controversial storylines earned Howarth his 1994 Daytime Emmy Award and cemented him as a daytime superstar.

The General Hospital Saga (Todd, Franco, and Austin)

When *OLTL* ended, Howarth, along with several other cast members, transitioned to *General Hospital* (*GH*). He initially reprised the role of Todd Manning. However, due to legal issues over character ownership, Howarth quickly pivoted to two new, distinct roles:

  • Franco Baldwin: A deeply disturbed artist and serial killer who was eventually redeemed and became a beloved figure in Port Charles, marrying Elizabeth Webber.
  • Dr. Austin Gatlin-Holt: A mysterious doctor who arrived in town with a claim to the Quartermaine family fortune. This was Howarth's final role on *GH* before his exit in 2023, paving the way for his move to *Y&R*.

Howarth’s ability to successfully play three different, long-running characters on *GH*—a feat almost unheard of in daytime—demonstrates his unique talent and versatility. This history of playing multiple, high-impact roles is why his presence as the new Matt Clark is so highly anticipated.

What’s Next for Matt Clark and Sharon Newman in Genoa City?

The return of Matt Clark is not just a nostalgic callback; it is a catalyst for a major new storyline. The character, who is currently operating under the alias Mitch Bacall, is clearly back in Genoa City with a hidden agenda. Fans are speculating that his return could be tied to several ongoing plots, perhaps even involving the machinations of Tucker McCall or the complex business dealings of Newman Enterprises.

The most immediate and dramatic fallout will center on Sharon Newman. She is now a successful businesswoman, co-running the family company, and a strong, independent woman. The reappearance of her rapist, played by an actor known for his intense performances, will force her to confront her deepest, most painful trauma. Her relationship with Nick Newman and her other family members will undoubtedly be tested as they rally to protect her from this returning villain.

Roger Howarth’s casting as Matt Clark is a brilliant, shocking move by *The Young and the Restless*. It leverages the actor's legacy as a soap opera legend while reviving a villainous character with a history so dark it guarantees must-watch television. The coming weeks in Genoa City will be defined by this explosive confrontation between a heroine and the ghost of her past.

roger howarth joins young and restless
roger howarth joins young and restless

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