# Malcolm Winters
**Malcolm Winters** is a fictional character on the CBS daytime soap opera *The Young and the Restless*, introduced in May 1994 as the rebellious younger paternal half-brother of Neil Winters. He works as a photographer and belongs to the Winters family, one of the families that dominate the show's Genoa City setting. The role was originated by [Shemar Moore](https://www.edgepedia.org/shemar-moore), who played it from 1994 to 2002 and has returned repeatedly since; [Darius McCrary](https://www.edgepedia.org/darius-mccrary) filled the role from 2009 to 2011.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appearance | May 5, 1994; created by William J. Bell, introduced by Edward J. Scott and Maria Arena Bell[1](https://theyoungandtherestless.fandom.com/wiki/Malcolm_Winters) |
| Portrayers | Shemar Moore (1994–2002, 2004–2005, 2014, 2019, 2023, 2026); Darius McCrary (2009–2011)[1](https://theyoungandtherestless.fandom.com/wiki/Malcolm_Winters) |
| Occupation | Photographer[1](https://theyoungandtherestless.fandom.com/wiki/Malcolm_Winters) |
| Family | Younger paternal half-brother of Neil Winters; biological father of Lily Winters (with Drucilla) and, as of April 2026, Holden Novak (with Stephanie Simmons)[2](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/icymi-shemar-moore-remembers-yrs-kristoff-st-john/) • [3](https://www.tvinsider.com/1256896/young-and-the-restless-malcolm-son-holden-nathan-owens-interview/) |
| Marriages | Keesha Monroe (1996), Olivia Winters (1997–1999), Sofia Dupre (2011)[4](https://theyoungandthe-restless.fandom.com/wiki/Malcolm_Winters_%28Shemar_Moore%29) |
| Awards | Shemar Moore won the 2000 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the role[5](https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/shemar-moore-returns-to-yr-for-2-day-guest-shot-in-september/) |
| Current status | Recurring; returned April 7, 2026 for a story arc involving aplastic anemia and a bone marrow transplant[3](https://www.tvinsider.com/1256896/young-and-the-restless-malcolm-son-holden-nathan-owens-interview/) |
## Creation and casting
Malcolm Winters was created by William J. Bell and introduced by Edward J. Scott and Maria Arena Bell, first appearing on May 5, 1994[1](https://theyoungandtherestless.fandom.com/wiki/Malcolm_Winters). Shemar Moore auditioned for the role on April 4, 1994, and returned two days later to read with [Kristoff St. John](https://www.edgepedia.org/kristoff-st-john), who played Neil. According to Moore, after his audition Bell turned to St. John and asked whom he wanted to play his brother; St. John chose Moore[2](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/icymi-shemar-moore-remembers-yrs-kristoff-st-john/). Moore has said that St. John is the reason he has his career, describing him as his brother, friend, and mentor[6](https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2019/04/shemar-moore-kristoff-st-john-brothers-on-yr). Moore's first day of shooting was April 12, 1994[2](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/icymi-shemar-moore-remembers-yrs-kristoff-st-john/).
When Moore left in February 2002, the character was written out. When Malcolm returned to the canvas from December 2009 to October 2011, the role was recast with Darius McCrary[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/). Moore resumed the role for all subsequent appearances[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/).
## Character history
Malcolm arrived in Genoa City looking to get to know his estranged half-brother Neil. Initially resistant, Neil eventually gave his rebellious younger brother a second chance, helped by the encouragement of his wife, Drucilla Winters, who got Malcolm a job at Blade Bladeson's photography studio[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/). Malcolm found himself attracted to Dru, and while Neil was away on a business trip, Drucilla, heavily medicated on [cold medicine](https://www.edgepedia.org/cold-medicine) and delirious, mistook Malcolm for Neil and slept with him[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/). She gave birth to a daughter, Lily Winters, and, having convinced herself that Neil was the father, made a pact with Malcolm never to tell Neil about the encounter[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/).
**Romances and marriages.** Malcolm fell in love with Keesha Monroe, and they married shortly before she passed away from AIDS[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/). He then married Dr. Olivia Barber in 1997, becoming stepfather to her son Nate Hastings Jr.; the marriage ended in divorce in 1999 after the arrival of his jealous ex, Callie Rogers[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/) • [8](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/young-and-restless-first-look-at-shemar-moore-as-malcolm-winters-returns-to-genoa-city/). Earlier, Olivia had tried to set Malcolm up with Stephanie Simmons, a medical student and her colleague, but the brief romance never took off[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/). Malcolm later became engaged to attorney Alex Perez, though she nursed feelings for Neil[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/).
**Presumed death and return.** After catching Alex with his brother, Malcolm went on assignment in Kenya, where a bridge collapse left him presumed dead[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/). Two years later, in 2004, Malcolm turned up alive and resented Neil for not doing enough to rescue him, though the brothers eventually made peace[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/). He then demanded that Dru take a paternity test to determine Lily's real father; when the test proved Malcolm was her biological father, he and Dru agreed to keep the truth from Neil, but after Malcolm left town, Neil found out anyway[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/).
**The McCrary years and later returns.** In his 2009–2011 return, Malcolm worked undercover as a corporate spy for Tucker McCall, learned Lily had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and clashed with Neil while trying to support her[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/). He took a job as photographer for Restless Style magazine and hired his adopted nephew Devon Hamilton as his assistant, and his fiancée Sofia Dupre joined him in town[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/). When Sofia became pregnant by Neil, Malcolm divorced her and left town in 2011[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/).
Moore returned briefly in September 2014 to patch things up with Neil and help his brother cope with his blindness[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/) • [9](https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2014/09/insession-yrs-giving-moore-part-2-2), and again in 2019 for special episodes paying tribute to Kristoff St. John, who died in February 2019, and his character of Neil[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/). Moore appeared in May 2023 as part of the show's 50th-anniversary celebration, attending the dedication of the Neil Winters Jazz Lounge[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/) • [8](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/young-and-restless-first-look-at-shemar-moore-as-malcolm-winters-returns-to-genoa-city/).
## The 2026 return
In February 2026, it was announced that Moore would return as Malcolm along with [Vivica A. Fox](https://www.edgepedia.org/vivica-a-fox) as Dr. Stephanie Simmons, whom Fox had last played in 1995[8](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/young-and-restless-first-look-at-shemar-moore-as-malcolm-winters-returns-to-genoa-city/). Malcolm first appeared on April 7, 2026[10](https://www.tvinsider.com/1255653/). The storyline revealed that Holden Novak is Malcolm's biological son with [Stephanie](https://www.edgepedia.org/stephanie), making him the paternal half-brother of Lily[3](https://www.tvinsider.com/1256896/young-and-the-restless-malcolm-son-holden-nathan-owens-interview/). At the same time, Malcolm disclosed that he has aplastic anemia and requires a bone marrow transplant[3](https://www.tvinsider.com/1256896/young-and-the-restless-malcolm-son-holden-nathan-owens-interview/).
The press release teased that events would have "shocking and lasting implications for the residents of Genoa City"[8](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/young-and-restless-first-look-at-shemar-moore-as-malcolm-winters-returns-to-genoa-city/). [Bryton James](https://www.edgepedia.org/bryton-james), who plays Devon Winters, said he was "extremely excited" about the comeback[11](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-exclusive-why-shemar-moores-return-has-bryton-james-excited-for-the-fans/). For Nathan Owens, who plays Holden and joined the cast in January 2025, the twist anchored his previously unconnected character into one of the show's core families[3](https://www.tvinsider.com/1256896/young-and-the-restless-malcolm-son-holden-nathan-owens-interview/).
## Legacy
Malcolm Winters made Shemar Moore a breakout star. Moore won the 2000 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the role and earned eight NAACP Awards during his time on the show[5](https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/shemar-moore-returns-to-yr-for-2-day-guest-shot-in-september/) • [12](https://www.tvinsider.com/1246149/young-and-the-restless-shemar-moore-vivica-a-fox-return-malcolm-winters-stephanie-simmons/). After leaving Y&R, Moore became a primetime star with long-running roles on *Criminal Minds* and *S.W.A.T.*[13](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/actors/shemar-moore/).
Within the show's history, Malcolm is tied to one of its defining family secrets: the true paternity of Lily Winters, which Drucilla and Malcolm concealed from Neil before it surfaced[7](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/). The character's 2026 return extended the Winters family by revealing a second biological child, Holden Novak, positioning Malcolm as a link between the show's legacy and current storylines[3](https://www.tvinsider.com/1256896/young-and-the-restless-malcolm-son-holden-nathan-owens-interview/).
## References
1. [Malcolm Winters, The Young and the Restless Wiki (Fandom)](https://theyoungandtherestless.fandom.com/wiki/Malcolm_Winters)
2. [ICYMI: Shemar Moore remembers Y&R's Kristoff St. John, Soap Opera Digest](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/icymi-shemar-moore-remembers-yrs-kristoff-st-john/)
3. ['Young and the Restless' Reveals Holden Is Malcolm's Son: Nathan Owens Reacts (Exclusive), TV Insider](https://www.tvinsider.com/1256896/young-and-the-restless-malcolm-son-holden-nathan-owens-interview/)
4. [Malcolm Winters (Shemar Moore), The Young and the Restless Wiki (Fandom)](https://theyoungandthe-restless.fandom.com/wiki/Malcolm_Winters_%28Shemar_Moore%29)
5. [Shemar Moore Returns To "Y&R" For 2-Day Guest Shot In September, CBS Los Angeles](https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/shemar-moore-returns-to-yr-for-2-day-guest-shot-in-september/)
6. [Shemar Moore Credits Kristoff St. John for 'Y&R' Gig, Soap Opera Network](https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2019/04/shemar-moore-kristoff-st-john-brothers-on-yr)
7. [What Happened to Malcolm on Young and Restless, Soap Opera Digest](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-malcolm-winters-170470/)
8. [Y&R: First Look at Shemar Moore Back on Set as Malcolm Winters, Soap Opera Digest](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/young-and-restless-first-look-at-shemar-moore-as-malcolm-winters-returns-to-genoa-city/)
9. [InSESSION: 'Y&R's' Shemar Moore Reveals What Brings Malcolm Back to GC, Soap Opera Network](https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2014/09/insession-yrs-giving-moore-part-2-2)
10. ['Y&R': Shemar Moore Reveals What to Expect From Vivica A. Fox Reunion (Exclusive), TV Insider](https://www.tvinsider.com/1255653/)
11. [Y&R Exclusive: Why Shemar's Return Has Bryton James 'Excited', Soap Opera Digest](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-exclusive-why-shemar-moores-return-has-bryton-james-excited-for-the-fans/)
12. ['Young and the Restless': Shemar Moore & Vivica A. Fox to Return After Decades, TV Insider](https://www.tvinsider.com/1246149/young-and-the-restless-shemar-moore-vivica-a-fox-return-malcolm-winters-stephanie-simmons/)
13. [Shemar Moore News, Soap Opera Digest](https://www.soapoperadigest.com/actors/shemar-moore/)
---
*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Series and fictional screen worlds › Soap operas and continuing serials › US and Americas daytime serials and characters › Daytime serial characters and families*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 19, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Sep 19, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license