Bryton James began his acting journey remarkably young, appearing in his first commercial at the age of 2 and landing the role of Richie Crawford on the iconic sitcom Family Matters. After a brief stint as a recording artist, he joined The Young and The Restless (Y&R) in 2004 as Devon Hamilton. On June 1, he celebrated two decades as the beloved character.
The Memorable Audition
James recalls his initial audition vividly: I had an interview for a national Coca-Cola commercial and then an interview for a soap opera
. His mother’s preference for General Hospital led him to believe soap operas were very adult shows with adult storylines
. Despite losing out on the Coca-Cola gig, his audition for Y&R was life-changing when casting director Marnie Saitta praised him, saying, Finally, someone who reads this character the way it was meant to be read
.
Early Days on Y&R
Adjusting to daytime television from his previous stint on Family Matters, where he started at the age of 3, was no easy feat. James was surrounded by acting giants such as Victoria Rowell (Drucilla Winters) and Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters), with whom he shared significant screen time. He also had the rare privilege of working alongside Christel Khalil (Lily Winters), whom he’d met years earlier. His storyline, influenced by Victoria Rowell’s real-life experiences, made his entry into Genoa City feel like coming home.
Bonds on Set
The bonds formed on set turned colleagues into family. He spoke fondly of Christel Khalil, noting their friendship that began with her guest appearance on Family Matters. Their deep connection was evident as she fiercely advocated for him to join Y&R. Similarly, Kristoff St. John’s mentorship left an indelible mark on him, balancing professionalism with the joy of being on stage.
Acknowledgements and Gratitude
Throughout his career, James has cherished his peer recognition: Being acknowledged by my peers for my craft is such an honor
. Having won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actor in 2007, and with over ten nominations over two decades, his work has consistently resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Enduring Storylines
Among the many notable storylines, one stood out: Devon’s hearing loss due to a stroke. This arc added significant depth to his character and showcased James’ dedication to authentic portrayal. A touching moment arose when a deaf fan left him a note lauding his performance.
Growing Up On Camera
Transitioning from teen to adult on camera comes naturally to James. Over the years, he’s drawn from personal experiences—marriage, divorce, loss—to deepen Devon’s narrative. This journey has solidified his role within Y&R’s legacy.
The Journey Continues
Reflecting on two decades with Y&R, Bryton James expressed both gratitude and pride in being part of such a storied legacy: I understand what The Young and the Restless is…the legacy it has…I’ll forever be loyal to the show
.
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