Danny Romalotti is a fictional character from the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, portrayed by Michael Damian. The character of Danny first appeared in Genoa City, the town where Y&R is set, in 1981. Damian and his character Danny exited the show in 1998, though Danny has returned on several occasions in 2002, 2003 to 2004, 2008, 2012 to 2013, and 2022 to 2023. A rock star, the character is known for his relationships with Traci Abbott, Lauren Fenmore, Christine "Cricket" Blair, and Phyllis Summers.
Storylines
1981–98
Danny began his career at 16 years old in 1981 as a teenage rock star doing concerts in Genoa City. He was often joined by his sister, Gina Roma (Patty Weaver), and his friends Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland), Lauren Fenmore (Tracey E. Bregman), and Amy Lewis (Stephanie E. Williams), who sang with him when he performed on stage. Lauren also joined him on the road for a time.
In 1984, Danny married friend and fan club president, Traci Abbott, when she became pregnant by her college professor, Tim Sullivan. Danny had been seeing Patty Williams, who left town devastated. Danny and Traci's marriage was later annulled after she miscarried. Danny became a rock star, toured worldwide and recorded many albums, but home was always Genoa City, where he returned nearly ever summer to do a big concert. He once lost his voice after being slowly poisoned by Shawn Garrett, who was jealous of his relationship with Lauren. He was told he'd never sing again, but he had a miracle recovery during a Christmas Eve church service.
In 1987, Danny and Gina's father, Brian Romalotti (Quinn Redeker), turned up in Genoa City, a homeless drifter just out of prison. He was molded and renamed by Jill Foster Abbott (Jess Walton) as "Rex Sterling" in order to con Kay Chancellor (Jeanne Cooper). Then, Rex and Kay fell in love, and he became a "good guy" after all. They married in 1988, and again in 1992. Danny, Gina and Rex ended up becoming very close until Rex's untimely death in 1994.
Though the much younger Cricket Blair (Lauralee Bell), now using her given name, Christine, had been thought a mere kid in Danny's eyes, the two began to date; and, as fate would have it, soon fell deeply in love. Cricket's recently widowed best friend, Nina Chancellor (Tricia Cast), was, at this time, being pursued romantically by David Kimble (Michael Corbett). Danny and Christine became convinced that Kimble was a gold digger and after Nina's residual inheritance. The two tried to disrupt the relationship; and, in consequence, David set up Danny to be arrested on false charges of cocaine possession. The conspiracy was exposed during his trial and Danny was thus acquitted; David however was never implicated in the crime. In 1990, Danny and Christine were married in a lavish Hawaiian wedding and honeymoon where Nina and David stood up for them.
In 1991, David Kimble redoubled his efforts to get his slimy hands on Nina's fortune. In the midst of a masquerade ball, and while disguised in a costume similar to that of Danny Romalotti's, David attempted to murder both Christine and Nina. Genoa City Detective Paul Williams (Doug Davidson) foiled the plan in time to save the two. Later, as Paul pursued and ultimately closed in upon David Kimble, a nearly cornered Kimble escaped down an industrial garbage chute, landing almost Lucas-like into a trash compactor. Attempting to climb out, he inadvertently started the compacting action; and it was there, with Christine and Danny looking on, that Kimble was smooshed to death.
Life, such that it was for the young couple, soon found Danny and his bride Christine living a happy young married life—Christine discovering notoriety and success as a prominent trial attorney, and Danny, whilst on the road, touring, finding an altogether different kind of fame for his increasingly popular music. Over time, Christine's boss, Michael Baldwin (Christian LeBlanc) became obsessed with Christine; his unwanted attention leading to accusations of sexual harassment. Chris filed charges against Michael who was ultimately fired from the firm. He quickly married Hilary Lancaster in 1992. Being the brilliant lawyer that he was, Michael was soon working for another competing law firmstine, Michael arranged for a woman named Rebecca to pose for photos with adrugged Danny. He used the photos in his trial to insinuate that Christine made the advances since Danny was cheating on her. Christine got Hilary to testify against Michael; he was found guilty, and he was censured by the State Supreme Court.