The Young and the Restless shocked viewers during its Halloween (October 31) episode when Roger Howarth made his surprise entry as Matt Clark , a name that longtime fans will immediately recall. The twist sent shockwaves through audiences who remember the character’s chilling history in Genoa City. Here’s a look back at Matt Clark’s dark and twisted past and what his shocking come back could mean for the show.
Matt Clark’s Troubled Beginnings in Genoa City
“First introduced in June of 1994, Matt Clark (originally played by Eddie Cibrian) was a high school senior obsessed with Sharon Collins (played in quick succession by Monica Potter, Heidi Mark and finally Sharon Case).”
Matt’s unhealthy obsession with Sharon soon resulted in a bitter feud with Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow), setting up one of The Young and the Restless’ most deep and emotionally packed narrative of the 1990s.
While Matt and Sharon briefly dated, things happened to take a sinister turn when he raped her — a traumatic episode that Sharon kept as a secret as she attempted to rebuild her life with Nick’s support.
Revenge, Secrets, and a Web of Lies
Matt later changed his attention to Amy Willson (Julianne Morris), but his intentions continued to be cruel. In an attempt to humiliate Sharon and ruin her bond with Nick, Matt disclosed that Sharon had once given up a child for adoption, a secret that deeply strained her relationship with Nick.
Tensions escalated when Nick found Matt injured and lying in a pool of blood. Though Nick was primarily accused, it was later disclosed that Amy had shot Matt after he assaulted her. Matt survived but vanished Genoa City in early 1996.
A Sinister Return — and a Fake Identity
Matt return in 2000 under the alias Carter Mills after having off-screen plastic surgery. This time, he was initially featured by Russell Lawrence and then substituted by Emmy-winner Rick Hearst. As “Carter,” Matt started working at Nick and Sharon’s coffeehouse, showing his return into Sharon’s life. His manipulative and violent tendencies came back, resulting in another attempted assault on Sharon.
His narrative came to a dramatic conclusion in November 2001 when, after a confrontation with his lover Tricia Dennison (Sabryn Genet), he was indulged in a deliberate car accident. Placed on life support, Matt made one final, vengeful move, he removed his own breathing tube in an effort to frame Nick for his death.
Matt Clark’s 2025 Comeback — The Mystery Deepens
“Now, nearly 25 years later, Matt Clark appears to have risen from the dead, this time portrayed by Daytime Emmy-winner Roger Howarth.”
The CBS soap hasn’t yet disclosed how Matt survived or how Sharon immediately recognized him, but one thing is sure, this return promises high-stakes drama and long-awaited answers. Fans can anticipate The Young and the Restless to gradually peel back the layers of Matt’s mysterious come back ..
What’s Next for Genoa City?
Howarth’s shocking casting opens the door for countless possibilities — from revisiting Sharon’s painful past to rekindling old rivalries with Nick. With such a dark past, Matt’s reappearance could spell challenges for several lives in Genoa City.
FAQs:
Q1. Who is Matt Clark on The Young and the Restless?
Matt Clark is a longtime villain from the 1990s who has made a comeback to the soap after more than two decades.
Q2. Who plays Matt Clark now?
Roger Howarth currently features Matt Clark in the 2025 storyline.
