Allison Lanier Wraps Up ‘Y&R’ Stint: ‘It’s Time to Grow’

Allison Lanier is the latest cast member to bid goodbye to Genoa City. “The Young and the Restless” star, 34, confirmed that her time as Summer Newman is coming to an end this week.

On Wednesday, April 30, Lanier announced her upcoming departure from the long-running soap after three years. The CBS star wrote on X:

Hi guys!! This Friday, May 2nd, will be my last episode on Y&R! I’ve loved the journey and learned so much, but it’s time to grow in a different direction… very grateful for all of the Y&R fans who have supported me <3

‘The Young & the Restless’ Fans Saddened by Lanier’s Sudden Exit

Fans were quick to share their thoughts about Lanier’s unexpected exit from the show. One commenter expressed sadness, noting that the actress brought a whole new vibe to Summer’s character on “The Young and the Restless.”

Another fan wrote, “You played Summer Newman the best. You brought growth and class to her character.” Meanwhile, a user commented, “Sorry to hear you’re leaving Allison. You brought much-needed fresh air to Y&R. Maybe you’ll return one day?”

Some expressed their disappointment knowing that Summer’s love story would be cut short. “I absolutely adored Summer and Chance and am very sad that this pairing wasn’t given a fighting ‘chance’,” one wrote. Another chimed in, “Oh no!!! I was so looking forward to a reunion for Kyle and Summer.”

Lanier first played Summer Newman in 2022, taking over the role from Hunter King. Her performance on “The Young and the Restless” landed her first Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2024.

Prior to joining the CBS soap, Lanier appeared in Season 3 of “Red Oaks” and starred in indie films such as “It Happened in L.A.”, “Fish Bones”, and “Mia”.

No Summer Newman Recast Anytime Soon?

Meanwhile, Soap Opera Digest reported that “The Young and the Restless” has no immediate plans to recast the role of Summer Newman. In 2022, the show released a casting call for the character, noting that it’d be a 3-year contract role.

At the time, Lanier sent a self-tape and was called to test with her on-screen dad, Joshua Morrow (Nick Newman), and husband Michael Mealor (Kyle Abbott). The actress impressed the show’s higher-ups and quickly landed the role.

They called just a few hours later. I’ve never gotten word back that fast. I was up against other women and when I left, I thought, ‘That was fun,’ so I put it out of my mind. When they called, I was just flabbergasted, to be honest.

Lanier’s exit comes just months after Colleen Zenk parted ways with “The Young and the Restless.” She portrayed the villainess, Jordan. Trevor Saint John, who played Tucker McCall, also bid farewell to the soap after more than 200 episodes.