Jill Abbott is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera, The Young and the Restless. The longest-running (and only remaining original) character, Jill was created and introduced by William J. Bell. Originally portrayed by Brenda Dickson, when Dickson departed in 1980, the role was first recast with Deborah Adair. In 1983, Dickson returned however, though she stated she would never leave again, was replaced by Jess Walton in 1987, who continues in the role today.