Young and the Restless turns 50! A look back at the biggest guest stars and alumni

50 years young (and still restless)

The Young and the Restless is celebrating its golden anniversary this week, and EW is marking the occasion with a look back at some of the biggest guest stars and alumni to drop by Genoa City over the past 50 years. Read on for a young Penn Badgley, Star Trek alums, and more.

John O'Hurley (1989-1990)

Seinfeld's John O'Hurley appeared in three episodes as Dr. James Grainger.

Paul Walker (1992-1993)

Before he was racing family, the late Paul Walker had a stint on the soap as Brandon Collins.

Vivica A. Fox (1994-1995)

Vivica A. Fox left her role as Stephanie Simmons when she got cast in the blockbuster film Independence Day.

Penn Badgley (2000-2001)

Would You's Joe like Phillip Chancellor IV? Or would he end up in his cage? Only Penn Badgley can say.

Eva Longoria (2001-2003)

Here, Eva Longoria's Isabella Braña is pictured with Doug Davidson's Paul Williams.

George Kennedy (2003)

George Kennedy played Albert Miller, the absentee father to Victor Newman.

George Takei (2003)

Famed Star Trek actor George Takei presided over Neil and Drucilla's wedding.

Smokey Robinson (2004)

Motown legend Smokey Robinson played himself, and performed, in a 2004 episode, serving as inspiration for the character J.T. Hellstrom (Thad Luckenbill) to pursue his own musical dreams.

Corbin Bernsen (2004-2017)

Corbin Bernsen's mother, Jeanne Cooper (pictured here with him), starred as Katherine Chancellor on Y&R for 40 years, and Bernsen continued the family tradition as Father Todd Williams across 22 episodes.

Il Divo (2006)

The vocal quartet Il Divo performed "Unchained Melody" as a gift from Victor Newman to his wife, Nikki.

Enrique Iglesias (2007)

In this season 34 episode, Enrique Iglesias performed his hit song "Somebody's Me" at Neil Winters' nightclub, Indigo.

Tatyana Ali (2007-2013)

Fresh Prince alum Tatyana Ali had a recurring role as Roxanne, for which she won two NAACP Image Awards.

Katy Perry (2008)

Hitmaker and American Idol judge Katy Perry is seen here on set here with Joshua Morrow, Adrianne Frantz, Michelle Stafford, Peter Bergman, and Sharon Case.

Trace Adkins (2008)

Country star Trace Adkins appeared as himself in a 2008 episode.

Danny Trejo (2008)

Beloved Hollywood tough guy Danny Trejo played a bartender in Mexico.

Pat Benatar (2008)

Rocker Pat Benatar and her husband, Neil Giraldo, performed at Indigo.

Eva Marcille (2008-2009)

America's Next Top Model winner Eva Marcille played a young mother named Tyra Hamilton.

Darius McCrary (2009-2011)

Family Matters star Darius McCrary played Malcom Winters, a role that was originated by Shemar Moore.

Wilson Bethel (2009-2011)

Hart of Dixie star Wilson Bethel played Ryder Callahan, who had a dramatic arc that included a trip to jail and a surprise half-brother.

Eric Roberts (2010-2011)

Veteran actor Eric Roberts portrayed attorney Vance Abrams.

Sean Young (2010-2011)

Sean Young appeared opposite her The Man Who Came Back costar Eric Braeden as barmaid Meggie McClain.

Alyvia Alyn Lind (2011-2021)

Alyvia Alyn Lind's role as Faith Newman was taken over by Reylynn Caster after she left the show to star on the USA/SyFy series Chucky.

Bonnie Franklin (2012)

Bonnie Franklin appeared in several episodes as Sister Celeste.

Jen Landon (2012)

After starring as Gwen on As the World Turns, Jen Landon joined Y&R as Heather Stevens, a character formerly portrayed by Eden Reigel and Vail Bloom. She now plays cowgirl Teeter on Yellowstone.

Ken Howard (2012)

Ken Howard portrayed Phyllis and Avery's father, George.

McKenna Grace (2013-2015)

McKenna Grace portrayed Faith Newman. She's most recently appeared in Young Sheldon.

Meredith Baxter (2014)

Meredith Baxter appeared for a stint as Maureen Russell.

Sally Kellerman (2014-2015)

Oscar-nominated actress Sally Kellerman had a multiple-episode arc as Constance Bingham.

Justin Hartley (2014-2016)

This Is Us star Justin Hartley earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Adam Newman in 2016. He's pictured here with Melissa Claire Egan, who played Chelsea Lawson.

Nichelle Nichols (2016)

George Takei isn't the only Star Trek alum to appear on Y&R: Nichelle Nichols appeared in 2016 as Neil's estranged mother, Lucinda. She's pictured here with Kristoff St. John, who played Neil.

Erika Jayne (2016)

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne played a businesswoman after her Housewives costar Eileen Davidson encouraged her to audition. The reality stars shared a scene in which they got into a fight.

Chrishell Stause (2016)

Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause played Bethany Bryant for 10 episodes.

David Faustino (2017)

Married With Children alum David Faustino played TV producer Howard Green for several episodes.

Wayne Knight (2017)

Seinfeld and Jurassic Park actor Wayne Knight guest-starred as Irv.

Sasha Calle (2018-2020)

Sasha Calle was nominated for Outstanding Young Performer in a Drama Series at the 2020 Daytime Emmy Awards. Here she is with Jordi Vilasuso and Jason Canela.