Bryton James has filed for divorce after only seven months of marriage. He is an actor from Family Matters and The Young and the Restless. His wife is Jahaira James. The actor is best known for playing Richie Crawford on the beloved 1990s sitcom. He is also recognized for portraying Devon Hamilton on the long-running soap opera. Bryton James submitted legal papers in Los Angeles this week to end their brief union.
The 39-year-old star cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. It’s a familiar phrase in Hollywood breakups. In Bryton’s case, it marks another heartbreak. He is an actor who has spent much of his life in front of the camera. However, he kept his personal life carefully guarded.
A Whirlwind Romance Comes to a Sudden Halt
Bryton and Jahaira married in March 2024, surrounded by family, friends, and a wave of excitement. By June, however, things had already taken a turn. According to reports, the couple separated only three months into their marriage. There are no children between them, and Bryton’s divorce filing requests that neither party receive spousal support. He has also asked the court to allow Jahaira to return to her maiden name once the split is finalized.
For fans, the breakup comes as a surprise. A few months ago, Bryton shared his admiration for his new wife on social media. He called her an “inspiration” and “the culmination of a lifetime of work and dedication.” His heartfelt post celebrated Jahaira’s career and spirit, painting a picture of deep admiration and love.
“You are witnessing the culmination of a lifetime of work. It consists of discipline, dedication, strength, bravery, and belief. My love continues to exude these qualities,” he wrote in May. “Her journey is what inspiration wants to be when it grows up. I am beyond proud to be a witness to her art as we share this life together.”
Jahaira replied with equal warmth, writing, “Sharing this life and this stage with you is the greatest gift. Thank you for seeing me the way you do.”
But in the months that followed, those glowing tributes vanished. The couple’s shared photos disappeared from social media. Jahaira’s Instagram page was taken down. It was once filled with dazzling snapshots of her performing alongside music legends like Beyoncé and Usher.
A Love Story That Shined Briefly
Friends close to the couple say their romance was passionate and full of energy. Both were artists in their own right. Bryton was an Emmy-winning actor with a long television career. Jahaira was a gifted dancer from North Carolina who had worked with some of the biggest stars in the industry. Performing had always been at the center of their connection.
But sometimes, love stories that burn brightest are the quickest to fade. The couple had demanding schedules and long hours. They were also under the pressures of fame. It’s easy to see how they might have struggled to find balance.
Jahaira, who performed under her professional name Jahaira Myers, had built a strong following online, with over 22,000 Instagram followers. Her performances were known for their power and emotion—traits that may have initially drawn Bryton to her.
Meanwhile, Bryton’s acting career has been a steady force for more than three decades. His journey began when he was just a child. He appeared in Family Matters as Richie Crawford from 1990 to 1997 under the stage name Bryton McClure. Later, he found lasting fame in The Young and the Restless. He has portrayed Devon Hamilton in nearly 1,700 episodes.
Despite his early fame, Bryton has always seemed grounded. Those who know him describe him as thoughtful and reserved. He is someone who doesn’t chase headlines but lets his work speak for itself. That’s why this latest development has left fans surprised and sympathetic.
Lessons From the Past
This isn’t Bryton’s first experience with marriage—and heartbreak. He was previously married to Ashley Leisinger, whom he wed in 2011. The ceremony was even officiated by his The Young and the Restless co-star Christian LeBlanc. But that marriage also ended after just three years.
In a 2021 interview on Maurice Benard’s State of Mind podcast, Bryton opened up about that relationship. He revealed how young he was when they met. It shaped his understanding of love and independence.
“We met when we were 17 and were together through most of our twenties,” he said at the time. “Looking back, I think I missed out on the experience of being my own person. I missed out on living alone. I didn’t figure out who I was. That’s something every young person needs before they get married.”
Those words now feel almost prophetic. After his first marriage ended, Bryton dated his Young and the Restless co-star Brytni Sarpy. They dated for several years before he eventually married Jahaira.
Hollywood Pressure and Private Pain
Fame often amplifies personal struggles, and Bryton’s divorce is no exception. Behind the polished red carpet appearances and social media smiles lies the often harsh reality of celebrity relationships. Constant travel, busy filming schedules, and relentless public attention can strain even the strongest marriages.
For Bryton, who grew up in the spotlight, that pressure is nothing new. He began acting at age four and spent his teenage years navigating fame while trying to live a normal life. It’s easy to imagine that kind of early exposure shaping how he views relationships, trust, and privacy.
Bryton and Jahaira have not spoken publicly about what led to their separation. Court documents suggest the split was straightforward and amicable. There’s no sign of bitterness—just the quiet sadness that comes with two people realizing their paths no longer align.
Moving Forward
As of now, Bryton appears focused on his career and personal growth. The Young and the Restless continues its decades-long run. His role as Devon Hamilton remains one of the most beloved on daytime television. Fans praise his depth and emotional honesty on screen—qualities that may come from his own real-life experiences.
For Jahaira, the future likely holds new opportunities to continue dancing and inspiring others. Her work ethic and talent have already placed her among top-tier performers. She has always persevered despite setbacks.
As the curtain falls on this short-lived marriage, both seem poised to move forward with grace and determination. Love stories don’t always last forever, but they often leave behind lessons that shape who we become.
In Hollywood, romance often plays out under the harshest spotlight. Bryton James’s story is a reminder that even stars—no matter how bright—sometimes need to start over.
