J. T. Hellstrom is a fictional character from The Young and the Restless, an American soap opera on the CBS network. The role was portrayed by actor Thad Luckinbill from August 27, 1999, to November 5, 2010. Luckinbill originally appeared on a recurring basis until he was put on contract in November 2002. On November 3, 2017, it was announced that Luckinbill would reprise the role of J.T., beginning December 12, 2017. Luckinbill exited on April 16, 2018, when the character was presumed dead. In February 2019, it was reported that Luckinbill will once again be returning to the show. He returned during the final moments of the March 19, 2019, episode to reveal he had not died. He later departed on March 28, 2019. J. T. Hellstrom is introduced as a high school friend of Billy Abbott, Raul Guittierez, Mackenzie Browning, Brittany Hodges and Rianna Miner. He has a reputation as a ladies' man. He is best known for his controversial relationship with Colleen Carleton, as well as his relationships with Mackenzie and Victoria Newman.