The character is the first child born to original lead protagonists Victoria Lord and Joe Riley.

Armstrong was replaced by Ken Kenitzer, who played the role for a very short period from July 3 to August 8, 1995.

Gibbs was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2000; he remained with the soap until March 2001.

In 2007, Gauthier was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor for his portrayal of a livid Kevin in confrontation with wife Kelly (Heather Tom) at the revelation of her romantic bonding with his son Duke Buchanan.

Kevin is born on-screen September 12, 1976, to Joe and Victoria "Viki" Lord Riley,[7] but he is soon kidnapped by his uncle Tony's wife, Cathy Craig.

Joe died of a brain tumor right before Kevin's brother, Joseph Francis Riley Jr., is born on-screen in January 1980.

When LeeAnn believes that Max has fallen for Luna Moody, she sleeps with Kevin and becomes pregnant.

Kevin is charged with participating in the gang rape of fellow student Marty Saybrooke with soon-to-be-uncovered uncle Todd Manning but is eventually exonerated.

Barbara soon falls in love with Kevin after a tryst when the two were together in the basement cellar of the Buchanan lodge.

Cassie is incidentally shot, resulting in temporary paralysis and insanity, as mental problems are common in her family.

In 1999, a woman named Grace Monroe arrives in town, eventually falling in love with Kevin.

Kevin and Grace grow closer as journalists and companions covering a court case involving Lindsay Rappaport, eventually becoming engaged to marry.

In October 1999, Kevin is distraught when Grace drowns at her adoptive grandfather, Asa Buchanan's summer house.

When Kevin learns of mother Viki's diagnosis with breast cancer, he rebuffs Kelly's continued advances.

Kelly eventually convinces Kevin to hand the boy over to his rightful parents, who rename him Adam “AJ” Chandler III.

Kevin learns Duke had comforted Kelly after their blowout, leading them to have sex before a freak tornado led to their being buried alive.

After the birth of her son, Zane Buchanan, Kevin asks Kelly to come to London with him and allow him to raise his grandson with her.