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Roger Howarth

In the high-stakes world of daytime television, few actors command the screen like Roger Howarth.

The Emmy-winning star, best known for his iconic portrayal of the brooding Todd Manning on One Life to Live, has made a splashy return to soaps with his role as the resurrected villain Matt Clark on The Young and the Restless (Y&R).

Debuting in late October 2025, Howarth’s character, initially shrouded in mystery, has quickly become a catalyst for drama in Genoa City, pitting him against none other than the formidable Victor Newman.

Howarth’s journey back to CBS feels like poetic justice.

After wrapping up his stint as Dr. Austin Gatlin-Holt on General Hospital in 2023, the New York native admitted he never imagined another daytime gig.

“Excited and appreciative… I’m a lucky guy,” he posted on Instagram in August, crossing his fingers for what lay ahead.

However, here he is, channeling the vengeful Matt Clark, a nod to the character’s original 1990s run that terrorized Sharon Newman (Sharon Case).

This is not a complete recast but a fresh twist: Howarth’s Matt, now alias Mitch Bacall, co-owns the shadowy Shadow Room nightclub in Los Angeles with his wife, Sienna (Tamara Braun).

Their ties to Genoa City’s elite, particularly through Sharon’s son Noah, promise explosive revelations.

A Clash Of Titans: Howarth vs. Braeden

The real fireworks ignited this week as Matt squared off against Victor Newman, played by the legendary Eric Braeden.

In a December 3 episode, Victor deploys cutting-edge AI to sabotage Matt’s nightclub empire, escalating their feud into cyber territory.

Fans on X raved about the chemistry, with one tweeting, “The Mustache and RoHo were excellent opposite each other today. #YR.”

Another called Howarth a “masterclass” despite the story’s early stumbles.

Behind the scenes, Howarth confessed to initial nerves. “I had a case of the jitters,” he told Soap Opera Digest, recalling his first clash with Braeden’s Victor.

However, those butterflies vanished fast.

“He was very welcoming… an absolute pleasure,” Howarth shared, praising Braeden’s veteran grace.

At 66, Howarth brings layers to Matt, a man haunted by past sins, blending menace with vulnerability.

It is a reminder of why he snagged a Daytime Emmy in 1994 for Todd: that rare ability to make villains heartbreakingly human.

From Soccer Prodigy To Soap Icon

Howarth’s path to stardom was not scripted.

A former member of the Puma Shoes U.S. National Soccer Team, who played until the age of 19, he transitioned from cleats to the stage after stints at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center.

His soap resume reads like a daytime hall of fame: Todd Manning (OLTL, 1992-2003, 2012), Paul Ryan (As the World Turns), Franco Baldwin, and Austin Gatlin-Holt (GH).

Guest spots on Dawson’s Creek and The Flash showcase his range beyond soaps.

However, it is the fans who fuel him.

After a nostalgic November reunion with OLTL co-star Kassie DePaiva (Blair Cramer) at a Staten Island fan event, Howarth reflected on their “supercouple” magic.

“Had a great night reuniting with Roger,” DePaiva posted on X, stirring waves of nostalgia.

Their last on-screen pairing was a 2013 GH crossover, but off-screen bonds endure.

What Is Next For Matt And Howarth?

Although billed as short-term, Howarth’s arc has hooked viewers, blending old-school menace with modern twists, such as AI intrigue.

Critics note the storyline’s contrived edges, but Sharon’s history feels shoehorned; however, Howarth elevates it, much like he did with Todd’s redemption arcs.

As one X user put it, “Roger Howarth is probably not cheap, so how long is this storyline?”

Key Insights On Howarth’s Y&R Impact:

Villain Revival Done Right: Reviving Matt Clark ties Y&R’s past to its present, appealing to legacy fans while onboarding newcomers.
Tech Meets Drama: Victor’s AI ploy signals soaps evolving with 2025 trends, but risks overshadowing character depth.
Fan Power: Howarth’s warmth off-screen, seen in his February 2025 Zoom with GH alum Michael Easton, keeps the community buzzing.

Howarth’s Y&R stint proves daytime’s enduring appeal: fresh faces, old grudges, and actors who make the impossible believable.

As Genoa City’s shadows lengthen, one thing’s clear: Roger Howarth is back where he belongs, stealing scenes and hearts alike.

Stay tuned; this villain’s got unfinished business.