Which Actors Played the Role of Adult Adam Newman on the Young and the Restless? Explored

Adam Newman has a complex history full of betrayals with family. On The Young and Restless, his character was played by several actors, including Engen, Michael Muhney, and Mark Grossman.

By Hena Ahmed

Published on Aug 21, 2024 | 02:32 PM IST | 108.7K

The Young And The Restless (PC: IMDB)

In The Young and the Restless, American actor Mark Grossman has portrayed the role of Adam Newman. In the storyline, Adam is the son of Victor Newman from his marriage to Hope Wilson. Initially, several child actors played Adam's character in the early years after his birth. Later, baby Adam and his mother moved to Kansas, where they stayed until he reached adulthood. In 2008, an adult Adam was introduced, portrayed by Chris Engen.

The character of Adam Newman has been surrounded by controversy, with the storyline full of action and dramatic twists. Many actors have taken on the role, portraying Adam as a dark character. At one point, Adam was considered an anti-hero. However, his recent portrayal has evolved into that of a more relatable personality, depicted as a considerate lover and a devoted father.

The tumultuous journey of Adam Newman

Chris Engen initially played the role of Victor’s estranged son, Adam Newman, who arrived in Genoa City. After a year, Engen left the role, and Michael Muhney took over as Adam. During Muhney’s tenure, Adam showed a keen interest in a character named Rafe, which led to audience speculation about the actor being homophobic—an accusation Engen denied.

Muhney was replaced by Justin Hartley, who portrayed Adam from 2014 to 2016. Hartley skillfully continued the role until his character's death in an explosion. In April 2019, The Young and the Restless resurrected Adam as Victor in Las Vegas. During this storyline, actor Dane West portrayed Adam’s childhood character in a flashback sequence.

Here's a complete list of the actors playing Adam Newman with different years of portrayal:

Actors playing Adam Newman	Years of portrayal
Celeste and Coryn Williams	1995
Danielle and Sabrina Helper	1995
Spencer Klass	1995-1996
Hayden Tank	1996-1997, 2002
Chris Engen	2008-2009
Michael Muhney	2009-2014
Justin Hartley	2014-2016
Mark Grossman	2019 onwards
Dane West	2020 (Flashback sequence)

Adam Newman's dark past and complicated legacy on The Young and the Restless

Young Adam was born in 1995 to Victor and Hope and grew up in Kansas. After his mother's death from cancer, he learned about his biological father and moved to Genoa City. His arrival sparked conflicts with Victor, including causing Ashley to fall down the stairs, resulting in a miscarriage. He also stole Sharon’s baby and gave it to Ashley, claiming the baby had died.

Adam once pretended to be gay to get close to Rafe but eventually fell in love with and married Sharon. He attempted to keep the truth about Sharon's baby a secret, but a phone crash exposed everything. Despite conflicts in their relationship, Sharon forgave Adam after reuniting with her daughter, Faith.

Adam’s relationship with his siblings was strained, and he later married Skye, with whom he ran a hedge fund. Skye's death, caused by a fall into a volcano, led to Sharon being a prime suspect. Adam then met and married Chelsea in 2012, but they eventually divorced. They had a son, Connor, who suffered from an inheritable eye disease requiring a transplant. Adam accidentally ran over Delia, resulting in her death. Delia's corneas were later donated to Connor.

Later, Bill forced Adam into a crash that left him presumed dead. After undergoing facial reconstruction, Adam returned to The Young and the Restless, rekindling his relationship with Chelsea. His involvement with Sage resulted in the birth of baby Christian, whom Nick initially believed to be his own.

Adam's tumultuous journey: Love, betrayal, and power on The Young and the Restless

When Victor set a trap for Adam, framing him for Constance's death, Adam fled with Chelsea and their son. While the child was ill with a fever, Nick took him to a doctor, leaving Adam waiting alone in a cabin. Adam was presumed dead again on The Young and the Restless when Chloe drugged him and set the cabin on fire.

In Las Vegas, Victor found an amnesiac Adam and brought him back to Genoa City. With help from Victor and Sharon, Adam gradually recovered his memory. Although his relationships with Chelsea and Sharon remained strained, his position within the family improved. Adam supported Victoria’s wedding and was eventually appointed CEO of Newman Media by his father.

Adam’s relationship with Sally was tumultuous, marked by an on-again, off-again pattern, especially after the miscarriage of their baby. As Sally grew closer to Nick while separating from Adam, the tension between the brothers intensified. Despite these challenges, Adam later became co-CEO at Newman Enterprises and reunited with Sally.

Connor’s OCD led the parents to seek treatment for him, and the stress brought Chelsea and Adam closer, resulting in a brief intimacy. However, both denied the incident when it was revealed. The future of Adam’s storyline remains uncertain, so tune in to The Young and the Restless on CBS weekdays to see what happens next.

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