Renowned for her role as Dina Abbott Mergeron in the iconic soap opera The Young and the Restless, Marla Adams has passed away at the age of 85.
The news of Adams’ passing on Thursday, April 26 in Los Angeles was confirmed by Matt Kane, the show’s director of media and talent, in a statement to TMZ. As of now, the cause of death remains undisclosed.
Since her initial 1983 debut on The Young and the Restless, Adams took up the mantel of the Abbott family matriarch until the conclusion of her three-year contract. She made several reappearances on the show in the ’90s and 2000s, culminating in a more permanent return in 2017.
The fictional character she portrayed, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, bid farewell to the show in an episode aired in October 2020. This departure was marked by a Daytime Emmy win for Adams in 2021.
We send our deepest sympathies to Marla Adams’ family. We’re so grateful and in awe of Marla’s incredible performance as Dina Abbott Mergeron as both Marla and Dina made an unforgettable mark on Y&R. pic.twitter.com/M4uHXdm8fP
— Young & The Restless (@YRInsider) April 26, 2024
Amidst the outpouring of tributes, the executive producer and head writer of The Young and the Restless extended his deepest condolences to Adams’ family, lauding her exceptional performance as Dina Abbott Mergeron—a character that left a significant imprint on the show.
Another mainstay of the show, Kate Linder, publicly expressed her condolences and honor of having known and worked with Adams over the years.
My heart and love go out to the friends and family of #MarlaAdams. It has been an honor to have known and worked with her for many years! @YRInsider #yr51 She will be sorely missed. #rip pic.twitter.com/jOELx4QT5n
— KATE LINDER (@KATELINDER) April 27, 2024
Before her illustrious television and film career, the Ocean City, N.J., native made a name for herself in beauty pageants and was the first runner-up in the Miss New Jersey pageant in 1954. Adams went on to refine her acting craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Post pageantry, she graced Broadway in the 1958 play The Visit and made her film debut alongside Warren Beatty and Natalie Wood in Splendor in the Grass.
Throughout her career, Adams featured in other soap operas such as The Secret Storm, Generations, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Days of Our Lives.
She is mourned by her loving family: daughter Pam Oates, son Gunnar Garat, grandchildren Gefjon and Stone, and great-grandson Remi.
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FAQ
What was Marla Adams’ most famous role?
Marla Adams was best known for her role as Dina Abbott Mergeron on the soap opera The Young and the Restless.
Did Marla Adams win any awards for her acting?
Yes, Adams won a Daytime Emmy in 2021 for her portrayal of Dina Abbott Mergeron, particularly for the storyline involving her character’s battle with Alzheimer’s.
What other television shows did Marla Adams appear on?
Apart from The Young and the Restless, she appeared in The Secret Storm, Generations, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Days of Our Lives.
What was Marla Adams’ background before acting?
Before her acting career, Marla Adams was a beauty pageant contestant and was named runner-up in the Miss New Jersey pageant in 1954. She then studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Conclusion
The entertainment world has lost a cherished member with the passing of Marla Adams. Her decades-long career leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a profound impact on the genre of daytime television. We offer our deepest condolences to her family, fans, and colleagues who mourn her loss and celebrate the indelible mark she left on The Young and the Restless. May her memory and the joy she brought to the screen continue to inspire future generations of actors and storytellers.