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Hi, soap lovers, it’s Marie. And wow—2025 has been anything but calm for The Young and the Restless. Just when you thought you had a moment to process one character’s departure, another shocker dropped. As a viewer with over a decade of loyalty to this show, I decided it was time to break down the truth behind the exits of 10 major cast members. Some were killed off, some were quietly phased out, and others walked away on their own terms—without even a teaser to say goodbye.
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No need to scroll through forums or dig up interviews—I’ve got your one-stop, no-fluff truth drop right here:
1. Hayley Erin (Claire Grace)
Estimated Pay: $1,000 per episode
In early May 2025, Hayley Erin was abruptly killed off. Her character Claire Grace had become one of the hottest storylines of the year—mental hospital arcs, family secrets, a dark turn—she was right in the spotlight.
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So when her final scene ended with her collapsing in a kitchen, fans were stunned. No buildup. No suspense. Just a clean cut. On Instagram, Hayley said her farewell gently but firmly: “I’m grateful to have shared this journey with all of you.” But the wording made it obvious—this wasn’t her decision. She didn’t say “leaving,” she said “thank you” and “journey”—classic passive exit language.
Fans exploded: “She was the most layered character this season—how can you just kill her off?” Others slammed the writers: “How dare you waste such an unfinished arc?”
