Who was Heather Hill? Emmy-Winning Director of The Young and the Restless Dies at 85

Heather Hill, a highly respected American television director and producer, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the age of 85. A family spokesperson confirmed that she died peacefully at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Known for her exceptional work on The Young and the Restless, Hill’s legacy spans over decades in the world of daytime television.

A Trailblazing Career in Daytime Television

Heather Hill was born in Rye, New York, where her television journey began. She started as a production assistant on the CBS soap Love of Life and steadily moved up to assistant director, then director. Her dedication and strong storytelling skills helped her build a remarkable career.

Before moving to Los Angeles, Hill directed multiple iconic daytime dramas such as:

• Love Is a Many Splendored Thing

• Search for Tomorrow

• As the World Turns

Legacy on The Young and the Restless

In 1985, Heather Hill relocated to Los Angeles and joined The Young and the Restless as a contract director. She spent 15 years with the show, directing hundreds of episodes that deeply impacted audiences.

From 1988 to 2000, she earned 13 consecutive Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama Series Directing Team. She won six Emmy Awards in:

• 1988

• 1989

• 1996

• 1997

• 1998

• 1999

Her first win was shared with team members Rudy Vejar, Frank Pacelli, Randall Hill, Randy Robbins, and Betty Rothenberg.

Work Beyond Y&R

Heather Hill also directed episodes of popular TV dramas including:

• General Hospital

• Baywatch

• The Caitlins (as Supervising Producer)

She was known to be a close friend and neighbor of Baywatch star David Hasselhoff, reflecting her deep ties in the television community.

Family and Personal Life

Heather Hill was married to Randall Hill, also a television director. Together, they shared three Emmy wins. The couple had:

• Two sons: Tim and Chris

• Three grandchildren: Violet, Quinn, and Carter

No official cause of death was released, and it is believed she passed from natural causes.

A Lasting Impact on Television

Heather Hill was more than a director—she was a storyteller who brought emotion, drama, and humanity to daytime television. Her work helped shape the soul of American soap operas, leaving behind a powerful legacy that continues to inspire young creators.