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Bryton James, the Emmy-winning actor known for his decades-long role as Devon Hamilton on The Young and the Restless and for his childhood fame as Ritchie Crawford on Family Matters has filed to end his marriage to Jahaira Myers, a professional dancer who recently toured with Beyoncé.
Court records filed in Los Angeles this week reveal that Bryton James has officially moved to end his marriage to dancer Jahaira Myers, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.
The documents confirm that the pair exchanged vows in March 2025, but separated only three months later, in June 2025. Sources close to the couple suggest the breakup was amicable, with both parties choosing privacy as they move forward independently.
In the filing, Bryton requested that the court terminate its ability to award spousal support to either side - a sign that both may be seeking a clean, uncomplicated resolution.
He also asked that Jahaira be allowed to restore her maiden name once the divorce becomes final.
The couple did not have any children together, and no property or custody disputes appear to be part of the case.
Before her short-lived marriage to the daytime star, Jahaira Myers had already carved out an impressive career in the world of professional dance.
The North Carolina–born dancer, choreographer, and model is best known for performing on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour, one of the most visually ambitious concert productions of 2025.
As part of the singer’s elite 29-member dance ensemble, Myers captivated audiences with her athleticism, grace, and stage presence — bringing a mix of classical precision and modern flair to Beyoncé’s genre-blending performances.
Professional dancer Jahaira Myers, known for her performances on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour and with Cirque du Soleil. (Photo: @jahshonye Instagram)
Her journey to that stage was years in the making. Myers spent several seasons performing with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, where she honed her reputation as a physically fearless performer.
She has also appeared in screen projects including The Staircase (HBO Max, 2022) and Sinners (2025), expanding her creative footprint beyond the stage.
Trained from a young age in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and lyrical dance, she went on to study at the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School, balancing technical rigor with expressive artistry.
Those who have worked with her describe her as disciplined, intuitive, and relentlessly driven — qualities that helped her move from small-town competitions to international tours.
On social media, Myers shares glimpses of her professional world, where she documents rehearsals, stage moments, and creative collaborations.
Her feed traces her rise from local dance showcases to performing for global superstars - a digital scrapbook of resilience, artistry, and ambition.
Just weeks before news of the divorce, Bryton shared a heartfelt message to Jahaira on Instagram, praising her hard work and dedication:
“What you’re looking at is the culmination of a lifetime of work, discipline, dedication, strength, bravery, and belief that my love @jahshonye continues to exude.”
Jahaira replied:
“Sharing this life and this stage with you is the greatest gift. Thank you for seeing me the way you do.”
The posts have since been deleted from their social media accounts.
This marks Bryton James’s second marriage to end in divorce, and fans of the longtime soap star may remember his first. He was previously married to Ashley Leisinger, a California-based businesswoman and close friend.
The two tied the knot on March 16, 2011, in a small, heartfelt ceremony officiated by Bryton’s Young & the Restless co-star Christian LeBlanc, who plays Michael Baldwin on the series.
At the time, the wedding was a celebrated moment among castmates, as the young couple appeared deeply connected both on and off set. However, after three years of marriage, Bryton and Ashley decided to part ways, finalizing their divorce in 2014.
Actor Bryton James and his ex-wife Ashley Leisinger attend a red carpet event during their marriage. The pair wed in 2011 in a ceremony officiated by his Young and the Restless co-star Christian LeBlanc and divorced amicably in 2014.
In past interviews, Bryton described the split as amicable, and the two reportedly remained friends afterward a rare example of mutual respect in the spotlight.
Despite facing personal ups and downs, Bryton has remained one of the most consistent and admired actors in daytime television.
He joined The Young and the Restless in 2004 as Devon Hamilton, a storyline that evolved from a foster teen to a successful music executive and philanthropist - a character arc that earned him multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Younger Actor and later Outstanding Supporting Actor.
Off-screen, Bryton is also known for his philanthropic work, supporting causes for children’s welfare, animal rights, and diversity in entertainment.
His steady professionalism and genuine warmth have made him a fan favorite both among longtime soap audiences and newer viewers discovering the series on streaming platforms.
Following the filing, fans expressed surprise and support online, praising both for their professionalism and privacy during the split. Many noted that the couple had appeared deeply supportive of each other in recent months.
Neither Bryton nor Jahaira has publicly commented on the divorce as of this writing.
Who is Jahaira Myers?
Jahaira Myers is a professional dancer, choreographer, and performer who gained widespread attention as one of Beyoncé’s featured dancers on the Cowboy Carter world tour. Originally from North Carolina, she spent several years performing with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas before joining Beyoncé’s ensemble of elite dancers. Myers has also appeared in film and TV projects such as The Staircase and Sinners, and is known on Instagram as @jahshonye, where she documents her artistic journey and behind-the-scenes moments from the stage.
How long were Bryton and Jahaira married?
Bryton James and Jahaira Myers were married for just over three months in 2025. They tied the knot in March 2025 and separated in June 2025, according to court filings. Despite the short duration of their marriage, both reportedly parted ways amicably and chose to keep their private lives out of the spotlight. The split marks Bryton’s second divorce, following his earlier marriage to Ashley Leisinger.
Did Bryton James have children?
No, Bryton James does not have any children. Neither of his marriages — to Ashley Leisinger nor Jahaira Myers — produced children. The actor has, however, spoken in past interviews about his close ties with his extended family and his work with children’s charities, reflecting his long-standing commitment to mentorship and giving back.
What’s next for Bryton James?
Bryton James remains a key figure on CBS’s The Young and the Restless, where he has portrayed Devon Hamilton since 2004. Over the past two decades, he has become one of the show’s most beloved and award-winning cast members, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for his performances. Outside of acting, Bryton is known for his philanthropy and his support for animal rescue and diversity in entertainment. As of late 2025, he continues to focus on his career and community work while maintaining a low personal profile following the divorce.
