Kelly Sullivan Talks About Her Shocking 'The Young and the Restless' Departure

Kelly Sullivan

In the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest, Kelly Sullivan (Sage) talks about her surprising exit from The Young and the Restless.

"I knew the story was going to eventually unravel and the truth would come out, and I was excited for that, but I didn't know how or when it was going to be written, until after it was written," Sullivan explains.

Sullivan understands how Sage's death gives the story greater emotional impact. "The writers knocked it out of the park. It was a beautiful end to a tragic and bittersweet story. Sage finally learns the truth and the way it all unfolded was really well done. I loved it when Sage learns that Sully was, in fact, her baby, Christian. Her only thought was to get him. She rushes to Sharon's and picks him up, looks into his eyes, and it all comes together for her in that one moment. Awesome. And of course, the immediate scenes where she confronts Sharon were incredibly well-written."

The actress enjoyed how Sage evolved. "I loved many things about Sage," the actress notes. "Her inner strength, her sense of humor, her fierce and undying love for her family, and all her flaws."

She is going to miss her job and friends at the studio. "There is so much love in that Y&R building," she smiles. "I miss them all terribly, and love them dearly! They are my friends and my family. I will miss all of the people that I came into contact with every single day I worked on YR. It is a very special thing to go to work and feel like you are part of a family. I will always treasure that. And they all know how I feel about them. I will definitely miss laughing with Joshua Morrow every day."

However, Sullivan is excited about what the future holds. "Many new projects are in the works!" she enthuses. "New and exciting things, indeed. Expect to see film collaborations with Robert Adamson (Noah) as well!"