Fans of The Young and the Restless know that in Genoa City, no casting change is ever just a casting change. When a character is recast—especially a child connected to two legacy families—it often signals that the story is about to shift into a more emotionally charged gear. That is exactly what’s happening now, as Y&R officially introduces a new face for Dominic Newman-Abbott-Winters, the beloved son of Abby Newman and Devon Hamilton.

With Abby and Devon stepping back into the spotlight after a relatively quiet stretch, it was only a matter of time before their son followed. Now, the show has confirmed a gentle but meaningful transition: the twins River Ware and Rain Ware, who previously portrayed Dominic, are exiting the role, and a brand-new young actor is stepping in to bring “Little Dom” into a more active chapter of the canvas.

A Familiar Soap Tradition — And a Telling One

Recasts are part of the DNA of daytime drama. From legacy power players to next-generation children, soap operas regularly adjust casting to match evolving story needs. Genoa City, in particular, has never shied away from recasting when a character is poised to become more narratively important.

This time, it’s Dominic Winters—born into extraordinary circumstances, shaped by loss, love, and complicated family bonds—who is being repositioned for greater visibility. And that repositioning comes with a new actor: Ethan Ray Clark, who officially makes his Y&R debut on Friday, January 23.

The timing alone is telling. When a child character returns after a long off-screen absence with a recast, it usually means the writers are preparing to put that child at the emotional center of upcoming storylines.

Dominic’s Long Absence — And Why It Matters

Viewers haven’t seen much of Dominic in recent months, but his absence hasn’t diminished his importance. Fans will remember that the last significant on-screen moment involving Dom came in December 2024, when Abby and Devon returned from their honeymoon in Fiji and reunited with their son at the Abbott mansion.

That reunion, overseen by Ashley Abbott, was brief but emotionally resonant—a quiet reminder that Dominic is the heart of Abby and Devon’s unconventional but deeply bonded family. Even off-screen, his presence has continued to shape their decisions, fears, and hopes.

Now, with a new actor stepping into the role, it’s clear that Dominic is no longer meant to exist on the margins of the story. His return signals that Abby and Devon’s family life is about to move front and center—and that the stakes are about to rise.

Why This Recast Feels Different

What makes this particular casting change stand out is not just that it’s happening, but when it’s happening. Abby and Devon—often affectionately referred to by fans as “Dabby”—are entering a new phase. Recent teasers and previews have hinted that their relationship may soon face unexpected strain, and history tells us that when soap couples are tested, children often become the emotional axis of the conflict.

Bringing Dominic back into active rotation suggests storylines that will explore:

• Parental tension and competing instincts

• Questions of safety, stability, and trust

• The long-term consequences of Dominic’s dramatic beginnings

In other words, this recast isn’t about cuteness alone—it’s about narrative weight.

Meet the New Dominic: Ethan Ray Clark

While Ethan Ray Clark may be new to Genoa City, he’s not new to the camera. Young viewers might recognize him from a previous appearance on Abbott Elementary, where he played one of Janine’s students—a small role, but one that showcased his natural screen presence.

He has also appeared in a Home Chef commercial, signaling that his acting résumé is already growing steadily despite his young age. That kind of early versatility is often exactly what daytime producers look for when recasting a child who is about to be featured more prominently.

Off-screen, the transition has been just as heartwarming as fans would hope. Clark’s social media captured an adorable behind-the-scenes moment from his first day on the Y&R set, with a caption praising the cast and crew for being welcoming and kind. According to the post, he didn’t just appear once—he returned to set again in early December, strongly suggesting this is not a brief cameo, but the beginning of a longer run.

A Big Milestone Behind the Scenes

Adding to the significance of the casting, Ethan Ray Clark officially became a member of SAG in late 2025—a major milestone for any actor, especially one so young. That achievement underscores that this role is part of a broader professional trajectory, not just a one-day guest spot.

For Y&R, casting a SAG-eligible child actor with prior experience also signals confidence that Dominic will be required to handle more emotionally nuanced material—scenes that go beyond being held in someone’s arms or appearing silently in the background.

What This Means for Abby and Devon

Abby Newman and Devon Hamilton have one of the most complex parenting journeys in recent Y&R history. Their path to Dominic involved loss, ethical gray areas, shared grief, and ultimately a deep, enduring bond built on mutual devotion to their son.

By bringing Dominic back into active focus, the show opens the door to revisiting unresolved tensions:

• How will Abby and Devon handle external threats or internal disagreements when Dominic’s well-being is at stake?

• Will outside forces—family members, rivals, or unexpected crises—challenge their united front?

• And how might Dominic’s presence intensify the emotional consequences of decisions Abby and Devon are about to make?

Soap operas rarely spotlight children unless those children are about to matter in ways that change their parents forever.

A Sweet Change With Serious Implications

Yes, the recast is undeniably adorable. Yes, fans will miss the familiarity of the previous twins who portrayed Dominic. But in daytime storytelling, every sweet transition often carries a deeper purpose.

By introducing a new Dominic now, Y&R is quietly telling viewers to pay attention. Family, legacy, and vulnerability are about to collide, and Dominic may become the emotional mirror reflecting both Abby and Devon’s greatest strengths—and their most painful fears.

As Genoa City braces for its next wave of upheaval, one thing is clear: little Dominic is no longer just part of the background. With Ethan Ray Clark stepping into the role, Abby and Devon’s son is poised to become a living reminder of what they stand to lose… and what they must fight to protect.

So, are you excited to meet the new Dominic? Do you think this recast signals major trouble—or deeper bonding—for Abby and Devon? Genoa City is watching closely, and the story is only just beginning.