Since it first aired in 1973, The Young and the Restless has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of daytime soap operas for its intergenerational drama and strong family traditions. One of its most charismatic characters in the past few years has been Adam Newman, Victor Newman's and Hope Wilson's son, whose very presence has disrupted the Newman family and their business dynasty several times.
Adam Newman first made his way into the spotlight as an adult in 2008. The character has been played by multiple actors throughout the years, with Mark Grossman stepping in on May 13, 2019. As Grossman reaches six years playing the character, Adam is still a central figure in the current storylines, struggling to balance personal redemption and family competition.
The Young and the Restless: Adam's background
Adam's initial narrative concerns trying to get his father's approval and finding his niche within the Newman legacy. His persona is generally characterized as morally ambiguous, containing elements of villainy and sympathy.
His actions and goals, from corporate sabotage to emotional manipulation, make him a dynamic figure at the focal point of continued storylines. Mark Grossman is the fourth actor to take on this iconic role. Joining the show in 2019, Grossman inherited a character with a rich history and significant expectations.
He quickly became known for bringing a new level of intensity and depth to the character, highlighting his internal struggles, loyalty issues, and desire for power. However, Grossman has also maintained the character's nuanced humanity, making Adam more than just an antagonist.
Grossman's method for the role
Mark Grossman's method to Adam has been one of dedication to bringing out the essence of the character while leaving space for development. Speaking to Soaps, Grossman mentioned how difficult it was to enter a long-running soap opera and find his place in such a quick-moving show:
“It really was hard for me to form my own opinion of who Adam was in the beginning. I was just trying to try to get on the train and learn how things worked on such a fast-moving show.''
Grossman has developed the character over time by keeping in mind the fundamental motivations, even when the plot puts Adam in an unethical situation. This commitment to maintaining Adam’s complex emotional depth has allowed Grossman to effectively depict Adam’s inner conflict, balancing his ambition with his quest for validation, while remaining integral to the show’s narrative.
The Young and the Restless: Storyline highlights
Adam's volatile relationship with the Newman family is still one of the key themes. Though he wants to prove himself and get the approval of his father Victor, Adam tends to find himself competing against his siblings Victoria and Nick. This has resulted in some of the soap's most dramatic moments.
Romantically, Adam's path has been equally tumultuous. His romantic relationships with Chelsea Lawson and Sally Spectra have been a mirror to his issues of trust, fidelity, and emotional openness. These love affairs are usually used to contrast his career goals and inner demons, depicting how he struggles in both his work and love life.
Grossman's milestone and future possibilities in The Young and the Restless
As Mark Grossman marks six years in the role, his interpretation of Adam continues to captivate the audience with its emotional depth and richness. Grossman has even been interested in the possibility of creating new paths for Adam, observing that he would love a storyline where Adam distances himself from the Newman family and starts his own independent business. He remarked in an October 2024 interview with Soaps:
“I would love to do a storyline where Adam started his own business and was doing his own thing, and it was a big kind of middle finger to the family”
Such a plot would provide new insights into Adam's personality, focusing on his need for autonomy and self-improvement. As The Young and the Restless continues, Adam's future is left unresolved, with possibilities for further development and maturation.
Mark Grossman's six-year stint as Adam Newman has enabled the character to become a vital component of The Young and the Restless. With upcoming storylines still to be revealed, the show's audience can anticipate more of Adam's changing journey within the Newman clan and beyond.
Catch the latest episode of The Young and the Restless streaming on CBS.