James Houghton, an actor and Daytime Emmy-winning soap opera writer, died on Aug. 27, 2024 of peritoneal mesothelioma.

He was 75.

His widow, Karen, shared the news with The Hollywood Reporter, explaining that she had not wanted to discuss her husband’s passing until now.

Houghton was cast in “The Young and the Restless” as lawyer Greg Foster, Nikki Newman’s first husband.

In 1979, Houghton was among the original cast of Dallas spinoff “Knots Landing.” Houghton was also case in “Dynasty” spinoff “The Colbys” as Senator Cash Cassidy, a formidable foe of Charlton Heston’s Jason Colby.

He returned to “The Young and the Restless” in 1991 as a writer where he won four Daytime Emmys.

Houghton is survived by his wife, Karen, a sister, his mom, two kids and a grandson.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.