Fans of “The Young and the Restless” have long awaited the return of their beloved

character Olivia Barber Winters. Played by Tonya Williams, Olivia left a lasting impression on viewers, and questions about her return have frequently surfaced.

In a recent interview with SheKnows Soaps, Williams shared her thoughts on the matter, expressing her love for the show but revealing why a return seemed unlikely.

Williams, who first appeared as Olivia in 1990 and earned two Daytime Emmy Award nominations, explained her departure and the personal growth that followed. She likened the experience to an old relationship, saying, “Have you ever dated someone for a long time and then moved on? Years later, people ask if you would go back, but you’re a different person now.”

Despite occasional returns, with her last appearance in 2012, Williams feels that stepping back into Olivia’s shoes would be challenging. She detailed the extensive preparation required to embody the character again, noting that it wouldn’t do justice to Olivia or her own evolution as an actor. “I left Olivia on a high note, and it would stress me out to think of the weeks I’d need to focus solely on this role again,” she said.

Since leaving “The Young and the Restless,” Williams has been anything but idle. She is the executive and artistic director of the Reelworld Film Festival, which she founded in 2001 to highlight talent from ethnically diverse communities. Her dedication to this cause earned her the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s Changemaker Award in 2024. “I’m the boss now,” she laughed. “I can’t imagine going back to waiting for direction. I’m just not that person anymore.”

Williams emphasized that her decision to move on from acting is deeply personal and rooted in making the most of her life. “It’s my life, and the choices I make need to make sense to me,” she said.

For fans of Olivia Barber Winters, Williams’ decision not to return may be disappointing, but it is clear she has found fulfillment and success in her new ventures. Her legacy on “The Young and the Restless” remains cherished, and her contributions to the arts continue to inspire through her work with the Reelworld Film Festival.