Victoria Rowell Recalls Kristoff St John Friendship on Young and the Restless

Former The Young and the Restless actress Victoria Rowell has shared new details about her relationship with late co-star Kristoff St. John, who played Neil Winters on the CBS soap opera, during an interview discussing their years portraying Neil and Drucilla Barber Winters.

Rowell and St. John became one of Genoa City’s notable on-screen couples before St. John died in 2019 from heart disease following mental health struggles, according to CBS News. Their characters’ legacy continues through Lily Winters, played by Christel Khalil.

Speaking about their connection away from the cameras, Rowell described St. John as a close friend and longtime confidant during their years working together.

"We were friends, but we were more like siblings off camera. We were constantly laughing." Rowell said.

Rowell explained that their friendship extended beyond filming as they discussed personal experiences, family responsibilities, and maintaining balance between professional and private lives.

"We were dealing with our separate family lives so we were able to talk about our real lives and balancing [work and home]." Rowell said.

She also recalled conversations about identity and family relationships, noting that they shared experiences involving blended families and authenticity.

"We had many conversations about the importance of authenticity, too. We talked about the family dynamics of our lives and our blended families. We had a lot in common." Rowell said.

During their run on The Young and the Restless, Neil and Drucilla faced major storylines involving their marriage, Malcolm Winters, and raising their daughter Lily. Rowell later returned briefly in 2019 to honor St. John and their television partnership.

Rowell has since appeared in projects including The Rich & The Ruthless, Good Sam, and Jacqueline and Jilly, while St. John remained associated with Neil Winters until shortly before his death.