Openly gay actor Greg Rikaart has been axed from the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless after portraying reformed perp Kevin Fisher on the program for 14 years.

Rikaart, who came out publicly as gay in 2013, has been a fan favorite since he joined the cast in 2003 and even won a Daytime Emmy for his work in 2005.

The 40-year-old actor responded to news of his firing on Instagram, where he reflected on the role and his time on the show.

"Fourteen years ago, I booked a two-week long gig on The Young and the Restless," he wrote.

"In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined what it would turn into: a career-defining experience that has brought me so much happiness and fulfillment."

"Playing Kevin and watching him evolve over the years has mirrored my real life in so many ways," he concluded. "We both found love, both became dads and we both have more gray hair now than we did in 2003."

At the 2015 Daytime Emmys, Rikaart talked to Gay Star News about how he hoped producers would make his TV character come out as gay.

"I think it would be a super interesting story to tell," he said at the time. "I think it would be more socially responsible than just bringing on a gay character–to have someone on the canvas that the audience knows and thinks of as family and takes that [coming out] journey."

That didn't end up happening as Kevin would go on to father a daughter with his on-again/off-again wife Chloe.

Off-screen however, Rikaart has continued to thrive since opening up about his sexuality. He married his longtime partner writer Rob Sudduth and the pair became parents last year on June 12, the same day as the horrific massacre at Pulse.

"We fight hate, fear, bigotry, homophobia and injustice in the world with love, intellect and enlightenment," the couple shared on Instagram following the birth of their son, Montgomery Argo Rikaart-Sudduth.

"In the truest and most pure definitions of the latter words, it is with full hearts that Rob and I take great pride in introducing our son."

Apparently, Kevin Fisher isn't going to be killed off, which means producers are potentially leaving the door open for a return of the character at some point.

"At the moment it is unclear what lies ahead for Kevin and I, as we will be saying goodbye to Genoa City for a while," the actor wrote.

"I am sad to leave a place I hold so dear," but added that he was "excited" to see what lies ahead.