The Vexing Return of Matt Clark to Y&R: A Villain Resurfaces in Genoa City

November 03, 2025

Genoa City is once again haunted by a ghost from the past with the shocking return of Matt Clark, a notorious villain whose dark history with Sharon and Nick Newman has left an indelible mark on "The Young and the Restless." Long-time viewers will remember Matt Clark as a character who has inflicted significant pain, and his reappearance in October 2025, with a new face and a new name, promises to unravel old wounds and ignite new drama.

Who is Matt Clark to Sharon on Y&R?

Matt Clark's connection to Sharon Newman is a tumultuous and traumatic one. He was Sharon's high school boyfriend, but their relationship soured when she fell for Nick Newman. In a fit of jealous rage, Matt raped Sharon, a secret she kept for a long time. This horrific act has defined their relationship and has been a source of ongoing torment for Sharon. Over the years, Matt has consistently resurfaced to wreak havoc on Sharon and Nick's lives, solidifying his status as one of their most menacing antagonists.

What Happened to Matt Clark on The Young and the Restless?

For years, Matt Clark was believed to be dead. After returning to Genoa City under the alias Carter Mills and tormenting Sharon and Nick anew, he was involved in a car crash. In a final act of malice, Matt pulled out his own breathing tube in the hospital to frame Nick for his murder. However, in a stunning turn of events in October 2025, Matt Clark reappeared, very much alive, now going by the name Mitch Bacall. The circumstances of his survival and his agenda for returning remain a looming mystery.

What is Matt Clark Known For?

Matt Clark is infamous for his villainous deeds and his relentless obsession with Sharon and Nick. His character is defined by his manipulative and cruel nature. He is known for:

Rap_ing Sharon Collins and Amy Wilson.

Framing Nick Newman for multiple crimes, including his own attempted murder and, later, his faked death.

Returning with a new identity after plastic surgery to continue his reign of terror.

His intense and bitter rivalry with Nick Newman over Sharon.

The Faces of a Villain: Who Plays Matt Clark?

Over the decades, the character of Matt Clark has been brought to life by several actors:

Eddie Cibrian originated the role in 1994, establishing the character's sinister nature.

Russell Lawrence and Rick Hearst took on the role when the character returned as Carter Mills in 2000.

As of October 2025, veteran soap actor Roger Howarth has stepped into the role, portraying the resurrected Matt Clark under the alias Mitch Bacall.

Unanswered Questions: Is Matt Clark Cassie's Father?

A persistent question among fans is whether Matt Clark could be the father of Sharon's first child, Cassie Newman. While Matt was responsible for revealing that Sharon had a child she gave up for adoption, there is no indication that he is Cassie's father. In a separate storyline, a paternity test for a later pregnancy confirmed that Nick, not Matt, was the father of that child.

With Roger Howarth now embodying the complex and devious Matt Clark, viewers are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see what new chaos he will bring to Genoa City. His return is a stark reminder that on "The Young and the Restless," the past is never truly buried.