Vivica A Fox made her The Young and the Restless debut as Dr. Stephanie Simmons in April 2026. Longtime soap fans know that this is actually Fox’s SECOND time playing the character and she appeared on Y&R in the mid 90’s.
Sadly, it looks like the actress will be stepping away from the role soon. Keep reading for all of the details, here’s what’s coming up next on Young and Restless.
Vivica A Fox Is Taking Time Off
This week, The Young and the Restless fan fave took to social media and shared a video from behind the scenes.
Fox explained to her Instagram followers, “I’m gonna be going away for a couple of months to do my new film, Women Like Us. But today, when I came to work… my beautiful glam squad with their fabulous self—Jerry, Orlando, Justin—got me these beautiful flowers to send me off from Young and the Restless. This was supposed to be just eight shows and it turned into six months.”
Is Stephanie Simmons Gone For Good
Since her return to Genoa City, Fox’s character has become a key player on the soap opera.
Not only did she score a prominent role at the Genoa City Hospital, sparks have also been flying between Stephanie Simmons and Nate Hastings. The potential coupling created quite a bit of buzz on the web.
The good news is, it sounds like Stephanie Simmons’ exit isn’t permanent. In fact, Vivica Fox ended the video promising, “And all I can say to you Y&R family out there, I’ll see you soon.”
So far the CBS soap opera hasn’t revealed Fox’s final airdate, as soon as more details are available we will be sure to pass them along.
Are you sad to see that Dr. Simmons is leaving Genoa City? Do you think that she will be back? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments down below and keep checking back here on Soap Opera Spy for more Y&R news and updates.