WOODLAND HILLS—Actor Kristoff St. John, known for his role as Neil Winters on the CBS soap “The Young and the Restless” died at his San Fernando Valley home on Sunday, February 4. TMZ reported that St. John was found unresponsive at his home by a friend who stopped by to check on the actor. He was pronounced dead on the scene by paramedics. An exact cause of death for the actor has not yet been disclosed to the public.
St. John originated the role of Neil Winters on the CBS soap in 1991, where he has portrayed the character for over 27 years. He won two Daytime Emmy Awards during his tenure for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series in 1993 and 2008 he won for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
He was nominated for nine Daytime Emmy Awards during his career. He also appeared on the soap “Generations” alongside actress Vivica A. Fox. He won eight NAACP Awards during his career. He appeared on “The Cosby Show,” “A Different World,” “Martin” and “Living Single” to name a few.
St. John’s son Julian, with his ex-wife Mia St. John committed suicide in 2014, while receiving treatment at a mental health facility. Mia and Kristoff sued the facility and the suit was settled. According to reports, in 2017, St. John was placed under a 50/50 hold for several days after threatening to kill himself. St. John’s last tweet transpired on January 21, where he responded to @xociaobellaa who tweeted, “Grieving the loss of a child is a process. It begins on the day your child passes, and ends the day the parent joins them.” He responded by tweeting, “Never a truer word was spoke. Thanks for posting this.”
His last airdate on “The Young and the Restless” was on Wednesday, February 6, 2019. The soap is planning a tribute to the actor on the show on Friday, February 8.
CBS and Sony Pictures Television released the following join statement upon learning about St. John’s passing:
“The news of Kristoff St. John passing is heartbreaking. He was a very talented actor and an evenbetter person. For those of us who were fortunate enough to work with him on ‘The Young and the Restless’ for the last 27 years, he was a beloved friend whose smile and infectious laugh made every day on set a joy and made audiences love him. On behalf of the Y&R cast and crew, CBS and Sony Pictures Television, we offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones, especially his two daughters, Paris and Lola.”
His fiancé, model Kseniya Mikhaleva tweeted on Monday in response to St. John’s death, “How did it happen??? How??? Why did you leave me so early???? and left me alone…I can’t believe… You were everything to me… a loving father, a loving man.” The couple got engaged several months ago.
St. John leaves behind daughters Paris Nicole (with ex-wife Mia St. John) and Lola (with ex-wife Allana Nadal).