The Young and the Restless will soon be down two more performers. In addition to the previously announced exit of Thad Luckinbill (J.T. Hellstrom), Soap Central has learned that Clementine Ford (Mackenzie Browning) will also make a fall exit from the top-rated CBS soap.
Ford's exit from The Young and the Restless has been rumored for some time. In July 2009, a published report indicated that the show was looking to recast one of its younger female roles. Fan discontent with the character and storyline prompted many to speculate that Ford was on her way out.
When Ford joined the cast of The Young and the Restless in April 2009, she became fifth actress to play the role of Mac. Ashley Bashioum originated the role in February 1999. Upon leaving the show in 2002, Bashioum was replaced by newcomer Kelly Kruger. Kruger remained with the show for a little over a year before Mackenzie was written out of the show. Bashioum reprised her role in April 2004, but exited in March 2005 to focus on her education. Rachel Kimsey took over for Bashioum and held the role until May 2006. Nicole Taranti appeared briefly as Mac in 2001 when Bashioum took a medical leave.
Ford, who before hitting the daytime circuit was well-known for her work as Molly Kroll on the Showtime series The L Word, is the daughter of actress Cybill Shepherd.
Published reports indicate that Mackenzie and J.T. will leave town together. A spokesperson for The Young and the Restless did not respond to requests for a statement about Ford and Luckinbill's exits.
Meanwhile, Ford and Luckinbill will last air on November 5.
