Bryton James, the actor who captured hearts as young Richie Crawford in the beloved sitcom Family Matters, has officially begun divorce proceedings against his wife, attorney Brytni Sarpy.
The 37-year-old star, who currently appears on The Young and the Restless, cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split in documents filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court. James is seeking to terminate the couple's spousal support rights, indicating a clean break is desired.
A Four-Year Marriage Comes to an End
The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in 2020, but according to the filing, they separated on July 1st of this year, exactly four years after their wedding date. This timing suggests the marriage reached its natural conclusion rather than ending abruptly.
Both parties have waived their rights to spousal support, suggesting an amicable separation agreement has been reached. The divorce petition confirms the couple have no children together.
From Child Star to Soap Opera Regular
James began his career as a child actor, most famously playing Richie Crawford, the nephew of Steve Urkel, in Family Matters from 1994 to 1998. He has since built a successful career in daytime television, portraying Devon Hamilton on The Young and the Restless since 2004, a role that earned him multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.
His now-estranged wife, Brytni Sarpy, is also an actress known for her role as Valerie Spencer on The Young and the Restless, though the couple maintained relatively private personal lives throughout their marriage.
The entertainment industry often sees high-profile relationships come and go, but James's filing marks the end of what appeared to be one of its more stable unions. Fans of both actors have expressed surprise at the news, given the couple's low-key public presence.
