Ronan Malloy is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Introduced by the former head writer Maria Arena Bell, the role was portrayed by Jeff Branson. After the character's debut, it was revealed that Ronan was, in fact, the child that was stolen from Nina Webster (Tricia Cast) many years before. The character then went on to have romances with Heather Stevens (Eden Riegel), Chloe Mitchell (Elizabeth Hendrickson), and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford). Branson's first stint ended in February 2011, but he returned shortly after that in August before leaving again in February 2012. The actor's most recent stint on the soap opera was from June 26 to November 28, 2012. Branson's portrayal has received a positive response, for which he received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 2013. Casting Branson's casting for the role was announced by multiple sources in April 2010. Branson has previously been recognized for his roles as Jonathan Lavery on ABC's All My Children and Shayne Lewis on Guiding Light. On-Air On-Soaps noted that he would be reunited with two of his ex co-stars from Guiding Light, John Driscoll (Chance Chancellor, who would eventually be revealed to be Ronan's brother) and Marcy Rylan (Abby Newman). A first look photo of Branson on set of the series was released by Soap Opera Network on June 14, 2010. Branson made his debut on June 22. He departed in February 2011, however it was later announced that Branson was to return on August 2, 2011. However, by that December it was confirmed that Branson was again to leave The Young and the Restless, departing on February 7, 2012. In May 2012, it was announced that Branson would be returning as Ronan on June 26, 2012. In November 2012, news broke that the actor would again exit the soap after a six-month stint. Speaking out on his departure, which was never given full recognition onscreen, Branson stated: "It was a contract that was only supposed to last six months and it came to an end. They didn’t show any interest in wanting me to stay. We could have talked about that, but I can’t control that. I’m just currently doing both CSI and CSI: NY right now...I’m staying in the CBS family." Development Characterization and family reveal Ronan was described as "sexy, mysterious and strong", a far cry Branson's previous roles. Head