Rest In Peace Kristoff

It’s hard to believe that today marks a year ago that you shocked the world with your sudden death. I find it fascinating that we as fans of actors; many of whom we have never met, can feel their death so deeply. There are some who make such an impact on us that when they’re suddenly gone we feel the void in ways we can’t understand. You are one who has made such an impact on many, Kristoff. We prayed for and shed some tears with you when you so cruelly lost your son Julian, and you had to step away to try to recover enough to go on.

We don’t always think about it, but all forms of entertainment; whether it’s music, writing, or acting, is very important. As human beings we all need an escape, and all forms of entertainment provides that. In that sense, I guess that’s why we take a celebrity’s death hard; some more than others. Kristoff’s death is one of those tougher losses.

Kristoff played one of the most loved characters in Daytime; as Neil Winters on the Young and the Restless. He made Neil his own, and he was so loved that when Kristoff passed away, it made sense to have Neil Winters pass away; which was done in the most respectful and touching way. I’ll never forget the episodes in which Neil’s death circulated through GC, I had a knot in my stomach and a huge lump in my throat, waiting to see the heartbreaking reaction of the characters. But in those episodes, we clearly saw the actors playing those characters, and they weren’t acting; they're real life co-workers and family who were devastated. I can’t speak for all, but that intensified my broken heart for Kristoff’s family and friends, and it took me months to delete the episodes from my DVR.

Kristoff, thank you for giving us Neil Winters; you’re irreplaceable both as Neil and Kristoff. Rest In Peace with your son Julian, and God Bless.