Danny Romalotti, Genoa City’s touring rock star, is returning to The Young and The Restless after a long absence. Played by Michael Damian, he was last seen on screen in 2013, when he showed up for his step-mother (Katherine Chancellor)’s memorial service.
Michael Damian recalls getting the call to reprise his role as Danny, and the timing worked out for him. In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Michael says, “The last time they wanted me back, I wasn’t available, and that really depressed me.”
He goes on to say how he’d been in Ireland shooting a movie, but after the shoot wrapped, he got the call and was available to come back to the Y&R set in time for Danny Romalotti to visit loved ones over the holidays.
Michael doesn’t want to give too much away, but he says that “Danny is on tour and he has a break, so he’s popping in for the holidays and checking on everybody.”
He mentions that he’s going to be on the show for more than just the one visit, and that he’s going back in to shoot another episode, and promises that “the writing is exceptional. A lot of emotions and history play out.”
Michael goes on to say that even if you are a new viewer, “you’ll still get a good sense of the journey and be able to jump right in”, which is great news for those aren’t familiar with the Danny Romalotti character!
Damian is a filmmaker as well as a real-life rock star, who has written and directed 12 movies, and he says that receiving his script for Y&R was a wake-up, as he had to memorize a lot of dialogue. He says that it helps him reconnect and remember what actors go through.
Michael says that his first day back on set at Y&R was like “going to a class reunion… There was a lot of love flowing around that day”.
He mentions that one of the biggest thrills for him was seeing Lauralee Bell (Christine/Cricket), Tracey Bregman (Lauren), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti Jr.).
Michael also mentioned that he really enjoyed seeing the new sets, saying that “The Glam Club and Society are beautiful!”
He’s looking forward to the possibility of returning as Danny in the future, as well. He says that depending on where he is in the world at the time, “there are airplanes, so I’m sure we can make it work”.
Michael Damian returns to Genoa City on December 22, 2022. We can’t wait to see what he brings to the table!
Check out our comings and goings to see who else is going to show up in town, and who’s leaving!