The life and struggles of beloved soap star Kristoff St. John are set to be explored in a poignant new documentary titled “Kristoff,” directed by Bobby Razak. Premiering in early 2025, the film delves into the highs and lows of St. John’s life, from his early success as a child actor to his tragic death in February 2019 at the age of 52 due to heart disease.
Kristoff St. John, best known for his role as Neil Winters on “The Young and the Restless,” a character he brought to life in 1991, was a two-time Daytime Emmy Award winner. Despite his professional success, St. John’s personal life was marred by significant challenges, including the devastating loss of his son Julian to suicide in 2014, a tragedy that deeply affected him.
The documentary, which has already generated significant buzz with its trailer released exclusively to PEOPLE, promises to offer an unflinching look at St. John’s life. The trailer opens with a voiceover of St. John expressing his love for his “Hollywood life,” reflecting on his upbringing in the Los Angeles suburbs and his early career as a child actor. However, the idyllic facade quickly fades as the film reveals the darker aspects of his life.
One of the most harrowing revelations in the documentary is St. John’s account of being sexually assaulted as a child by Sathya Sai Baba, an Indian guru and spiritual leader whom his family followed for a decade. St. John recalls the shame and secrecy surrounding the abuse, a traumatic experience that haunted him throughout his life.
The film also explores St. John’s struggles with substance abuse, which began after the sexual assault. His ex-wife, Mia St. John, recounts how Kristoff turned to crack cocaine, describing it as an obsession that he battled for years. Intimate footage in the documentary shows St. John using drugs, accompanied by his voiceover expressing the shame and self-destruction he felt.
Mia, who met Kristoff at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, remained sober throughout their relationship, but Kristoff’s battle with addiction was a constant struggle. Despite his professional achievements, including his long-running role on “The Young and the Restless,” his personal life was fraught with difficulties. Mia recalls how Kristoff would come to the set with delirium tremors, unable to remember his lines, a stark contrast to his polished on-screen persona.
The documentary also sheds light on Kristoff’s mental health issues, revealing that he was bipolar. Mia explains that his mental illness, coupled with the pressures of his career and the trauma of his son’s mental health struggles, created a perfect storm of challenges. Julian’s death was a devastating blow for Kristoff, who never fully recovered from the loss. He remained convinced until his own death that Julian had been murdered, a belief that added to his anguish.
As the trailer draws to a close, it features a haunting sign-off from Kristoff himself, reflecting on the pain and madness that seemed to pervade his life. The film promises to be a deeply moving tribute to a man who, despite his struggles, left an indelible mark on the world of daytime television.
“Kristoff” is set to premiere in early 2025, offering fans and viewers a chance to understand the complexities of Kristoff St. John’s life beyond his celebrated role on “The Young and the Restless.” The documentary aims to honor his legacy while shedding light on the personal battles he faced, providing a comprehensive and compassionate look at a life marked by both triumph and tragedy.
