Fans of The Young and the Restless who’ve been holding out hope that the smoldering Shemar Moore will reprise his role as the tempestuous Malcolm Winters are in for a rude awakening … the dude’s never coming back! But his character is: EW has learned exclusively that Darius McCrary – best known for playing Eddie Winslow on the long-running ABC sitcom Family Matters – has signed a multi-year deal to assume the role beginning Nov. 18. His debut will air on Dec. 29.
“We are thrilled to have the character of Malcolm back on Y&R,” according to a statement from Maria Bell, the drama’s co-executive producer/head writer. “Malcolm, Neil Winters’ brother, has always been a catalyst to exciting stories. He’s coming back to town to see his brother and to reunite with his biological daughter, Lily Winters, as she fights for her life. Malcolm is a photographer…someone who lives on the edge and who always pushes the envelope.”
Though he left the sudser in 2005 to co-star in CBS’ Criminal Minds, Moore once entertained the thought of briefly returning to the show that made him a star. His reps could not be reached for comment, but it seems obvious that Moore’s busy schedule (Minds is about to air its 100th episode) — combined with the fact that Bell wanted the Malcolm character back full-time – made it impossible for Moore to return (one insider even said that Moore has been approached before about coming back to the show but it was clear that it wouldn’t work out because of his commitment to Minds).
McCrary will find a familiar face on the Y&R set; the Emmy-winning Bryton James (Devon) used to co-star as Richie Crawford on Family Matters, as well.
Photo Credit: Glenn Harris/PR Photos
WHUT! Oh, this is just wrong. I would much rather see a stick with Shemar Moore’s head attached to it.
lol, funniest thing i’ve read this morning.
I just hope with the announcement of As the World Turns leaving that Y&R and B&B are not next. B&B would not break my heart, but I would be saddened. Y&R however I have watched since the very first episode, and thank God for the invention of the VCR and then even better the DVR I never miss an episode, and have not missed it since my first VCR in the 80′s. If they cancel Y&R I might as well get rid of my television. Two and a half men are nearing an end soon as Jake is almost grown, the only things I watch TV for is CBS soaps and two and a half men.
We need to all write CBS and ask them where the heck their heads are at Canceling ATWT, and make them stop before they are all gone.
I SOOOOO Agree! Darius McCray is not even close. OMG…not even a little bit. Just let the character stay gone. Geez!
I couldn’t agree more!He can’t even hold a candle to Shamar Moore. he can’t even act get rid of him and that drip they brought on as his girlfriend LORDY!!!!!!!!
I so agree, there is only one Malcom Winters, and it is Shemar Moore
This is a massive FAIL. This is one of Y&R worst casting choices.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!?????
Why Darius McCrary???? WHY????
Surely to the gods they could have found a decent actor who could pass as Kristoff StJohns’ brother?
One of the things I like about Shemar and Kristoff were the physical similarities as well as their comraderie.
I’m going to give him a couple weeks…unless he’s just so bad I can’t watch.
Not saying Darius is a bad actor…just that this is NOT a good role for him.
I didn’t realize how attached I was to Malcolm until I literally gasped at the headline…until I read the whole thing. Bummer. I feel bad for Darius. I’m sure he’s a decent actor (I vaguely remember him from Family Matters) but replacing Shemar Moore is a job no man should have to endure. It’s just cruel. I’m sure he won’t get a fair shake just for that reason.
You’ve GOT TO BE JOKING. He is not even close to a replacement for Shemar Moore! No, no, no.
First they failed at casting Mac (sorry Clementine Ford fans) and now this.
There are Clementine Ford fans? Where??
lol… Too funny and I very much agree. Clementine is out of her element.
oh god i shouldve known she sucks, clementine? eek. i totally agree, she is so frekin boring! and now two bad casting choices!
Are the folks at Y & R drunk or high? First, they almost let Eric Braeden go, now they are replacing the Malcolm character with someone who doesn’t seem to fit the role.
They have made a huuuuuuge casting error! Good lord!
I had to laugh, though I thought that was a picture of Malcolm Jamal Warner(always got Eddie and Theo mixed up) I don’t watch Y&R anymore but I applaud the casting, Darius is a good actor and I think the only people who don’t like this casting choice are shemar fans(ladies)…watch criminal minds for your fix, this character is rooted to the show and I’m glad to see he’s finally coming back.
No sir/ma’am to whoever made this casting choice. No offense to the actor but you can’t go that far away from the visual most people have of a character! This is the worst casting decision ever. I know we’re not getting Shemar back (I love him and CM so I’m not complaining) but seriously casting directors, try again.
This is just evidence that Hollywood thinks they can replace a black guy with another random black dude. These two actors are COMPLETELY different. Both good, but McCrary is NOT Malcolm.
What about Victoria? or Lily? or Mac..or brad’s daughter…all horrible recasts IMO looking light years away from the actors they replaced..if they cast look-alikes and not good actors the show would diminish(even more) in quality
I liked the second Lilly and second Collen not crazy about the third Collen though.
second lily was okay, second colleen i liked, third colleen yuck. second mac okay, third mac yuck. second billy yuck third billy love!! this malcolm will not come close!
oh come on give the guy a break atleast watch him then critique him!!!!!!!!!!!!
Young and the Restless is trying to run its show in the ground. In my opinion they took to long to recast this character. Who cares about Malcolm we’ve all moved on. Although it would be good to another black person on this show I had to say I doubt this character will last three years as by then Y&R will be have canceled itself out and replaced by another silly game show. Solve your storylines that you with characters now before adding new characters to the mix.
You know- I’m not a fan of this recast, but you never know. I wasn’t crazy about the recasts of Jill and Jack several years back, but now I can’t see anyone else in their roles. I am however, disappointed in the recasts of Colleen and Mac. The “new” Mac is just not right for the part. As for bringing Malcom back- it needs to be part of Lilly’s story, so it makes sense. Let’s give Darius a try. (even though Shemar will ALWAYS be Malcom to me!)
Nevermind Shemar Moore never coming back. How in God’s name is Eddie Winslow going to convincingly play the father of a grown a$$ woman?
TPTB at Y&R have seriously lost their natural minds!
I saw Darius McCrary doing a guest shot on TV a couple of years ago (the name of the show escapes me–it’s 5:30 AM), and he did a really good job. I think with time he’ll do a good job as Malcolm, but, sorry, Shemar Moore will always be Malcolm to me. I will give Darius a chance, though; it makes sense for Malcolm to come back and help nurse Lily back to health. BTW, why are there only stories about Y&R and GH on EW? Soap fans wouldn’t mind seeing a dedicated column. I appreciate EW giving soaps some attention, but just saying, I wish there was a bit more. Check out OLTL to see a soap done right!
I, too, saw Darius on some show awhile back, but I can’t remember which one either. I do remember he did a good job! That said, I don’t watch this show anymore but I used to, for yeeeears. I love Shemar of course, but WOW there are some rude people leaving comments on this! Give the guy a chance, geez.