After more than two decades, The Young and the Restless has revived one of its darkest villains. Matt Clark, presumed dead since 2001, has resurfaced in Genoa City under the alias Mitch Bacall. The explosive reveal aired on October 31, 2025, when Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) recognized him instantly — setting off a high-stakes psychological confrontation that could reshape the Newman family’s fate. Actor Roger Howarth takes over the role from Eddie Cibrian, marking Clark’s first on-screen return in 24 years.
Who: Matt Clark (alias Mitch Bacall), portrayed by Roger Howarth.
What: Returns to The Young and the Restless after being presumed dead for 24 years.
When: October 31, 2025 episode.
Where: Genoa City, the long-running CBS soap opera’s fictional setting.
Why: His comeback links directly to Noah Newman’s mysterious accident and Sharon’s rediscovery of her past trauma.
How: Disguised as investor Mitch Bacall, Matt infiltrates the Newman circle until Sharon identifies him.
Inside the Shocking Return
Matt Clark’s reappearance marks a pivotal twist for Y&R. Originally written off after his 2001 on-screen death, the character’s resurrection connects to current storylines surrounding Noah Newman’s hospitalization. The show’s executive team — Josh Griffith and Sally McDonald — have confirmed that Clark’s return was “long-planned” to deliver “psychological impact and continuity for Sharon’s arc.”
Howarth’s portrayal introduces a chilling reinvention of the villain. Fans immediately noticed Sharon’s reaction — an unmistakable recognition that “Mitch” is, in fact, Matt Clark.
“The reveal felt earned,” said a Soap Opera Digest analyst. “Matt Clark’s return ties decades of Y&R history together with terrifying precision.”
Fan and Industry Reaction
Social media erupted following the Halloween-week episode, with hashtags #YRRewind, #MattClarkReturns, and #MitchBacall trending on X (formerly Twitter). Viewers praised the casting of Roger Howarth, known for complex antiheroes on General Hospital and One Life to Live.
Entertainment columnist Dana Rhodes remarked,
“Roger Howarth’s quiet menace gives Matt Clark new life. Sharon’s recognition scene might be one of the strongest Y&R moments of the decade.”
Impact on the Newman Family Storyline
The storyline raises immediate danger for Sharon, Nick, and Noah Newman. Matt’s disguise allows him to embed himself as an investor and husband to Sienna Rosales — dangerously close to the family he once tormented. With Noah still in a coma, speculation mounts that Matt may have engineered the “accident” as part of a larger revenge scheme.
This comeback has renewed viewer engagement and boosted Y&R’s November ratings week, according to early CBS trend data. Critics suggest this arc could anchor the show’s winter sweeps strategy.
What’s Next for Y&R Viewers
Upcoming episodes will explore Sharon’s dilemma — whether to expose Matt publicly or gather proof privately. Meanwhile, Sienna’s connection to his secret identity remains under scrutiny. The November and December episodes are expected to unfold a tense battle of manipulation between Sharon and Matt, testing Genoa City’s moral limits.
CBS has teased that Matt’s true motives — revenge, power, or family obsession — will be revealed before Christmas 2025.
Sources
Official References:
TV Insider – Character history and actor confirmation
Soap Opera Digest – Commentary on Sharon’s recognition arc
