Why Michael Graziadei’s social media post has The Young and the Restless fans in a frenzy

The Young and the Restless long-time cast member Michael Graziadei had fans in panic mode on Wednesday, March 19th as he posted a behind-the-scenes photo. In the snap, Graziadei was shown with blood being poured on the back of his head by Emmy-nominated Y&R makeup artist Stacey Browning.

Trouble for Daniel ahead on The Young and the Restless?

Graziadei captioned the Instagram photo writing, “BTS of @staceybrowningmakeup getting me ready for a bloody good time @howardwise.”

Some fans wondered whether the character was headed for trouble — or worse — about to be killed off. The photo, taken by professional photographer Howard Wise, was found to be an older one. It came from a dream, or rather nightmare sequence involving Sharon (Sharon Case) and Graziadei’s Daniel following the death of Heather (Vail Bloom). Sharon, in a fragile mental state, believed that she'd killed Heather, but it was Jordan Howard (Colleen Zenk) who had done the sordid deed and left Heather's body in a river.

Y&R Stars: Bruised and Glammed

The sequence aired back in September with Graziadei reposting to relive the experience. Browning commented on the throwback photo stating “Always the funnest times!! Miss ya. Sending my best to you and the fam!!”

Fans then realized that the picture was an old photo of Browning and Graziadei and their collective sighs could be heard through computer and phone screens alike. Browning’s page also showed Y&R’s Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Joshua Morrow (Nick), Reylynn Caster (Faith) sporting bruised faces from past scenes. Beyond bruised and bloodied fictional characters, Browning also posts glamour shots of them, including pics of Courtney Hope (Sally), Stafford, Brytni Sarpy (Elena), Christel Khalil (Lily), and Melissa Ordway (Abby), to name a few.

Enough on his plate

Y&R’s Daniel has enough on his plate of late as he and his family are putting the pieces back together after his mother, Phyllis, was recently kidnapped and almost killed. Daniel is also still reeling from the death of Heather, who Jordan Howard murdered in late 2024. He is also processing Sharon's involvement in these happenings. He is doing all of this while raising a teenage daughter, Lucy (Lily Brooks O'Briant).

Graziadei has portrayed Daniel Romalotti off and on since 2004 and can be seen regularly on-screen as his character of 20 years on CBS.

Catch all-new episodes of The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS.