David Hasselhoff Returns to the Young and the Restless

David Hasselhof, returns to the CBS soap opera, The Young and The Restless this week, for one week only, reprising the role that gave him his start in television. Snapper Foster was David Hasselhoff's first significant television part, and he returns in part to pay homage to Bill Bell "who gave a green young actor a go." (Link to watch full interview at end of article)

David Hasslehoff, appeared on the The Young and The Restless for six years starting in 1975. At the time soap opera revolved around two families: the wealthy Chandler family, and the middle class Foster family. David Hasselhoff portrayed Dr. William "Snapper" Foster Jnr, the eldest son of the Foster family. Brother, Greg Foster (Wings Hauser) is also appearing for a guest stint on Y&R) and Snapper's sister Jill (Jess Walton), is part of the show's current ensemble.

The Hoff, however, did not originate the role of Snapper Foster. It was first played by William Grey Espy who held the role for two years. Espy also briefly reprised the role in 2003, when Jill learned that the Foster's had adopted her.

Snapper was last seen in Genoa City (full time) in 1982 when he left for London to take up a prestigious medical fellowship.

Of course, Hasselhoff departed Genoa City and daytime television to take on the role of Michael Knight, a crime fighter with a talking car. That role rocketed him into television stardom.

His next high profile role as an actor was the lead role in Baywatch, as lifesaver Mitch Buchannon. Hasselhoff was instrumental in reviving the series for first run syndication when NBC cancelled the Drama after only one series. The second incarnation of Baywatch was much more successful, the show still holding a Guinness Book of Records title as most watched show in the world.

More recently, David Hasselhoff has appeared as a judge on reality show America's Got Talent. You could be forgiven for not knowing that Hasselhoff had a thriving music career is the 90's-mostly in Europe. He never achieved the same level of success in the US market.

Snapper returns to Genoa City this time, to support his ailing mother, Liz Foster (Juliana McCarthy). If internet forums are any indicator, throwing some focus on the other of the soap operas founding family, the Fosters, is very welcome. Returning characters and flashbacks are always a fan favorite.

This month also sees a flurry of guest spot appearances on another soap opera, NBC's Days of Our Lives, as that show's matriarch, Alice Horton's health too fails.

On Days of Our Lives though, the returning cast are present to give a sense of closure as the soap opera pays tribute to actress Frances Reid who died at 95 in February of this year. Alice Horton appeared regularly over the shows 44 years history until Frances Reid's health prevented her continuing in 2007.

Liz and Snapper Foster's returns, however, are a storyline starter, as Liz reveals that her adopted daughter, Jill may have a sibling in Genoa City. Look for this revelation to trigger a front burner storyline for Jill.

Watch for Dr Snapper Foster's (and David Hasselhoff's) return to The Young and The Restless from June 15 to June 21.

The Young and The Restless screens daily on CBS, and nightly on Soapnet.

Watch full episodes and sneak peeks of next week's episodes online at cbs.com

Sources:

Wikipedia

Cbs.com

Interview with David Hasselhoff on his return to Y&R

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Interview with David Hasselhoff on his return to Y&R