Marla Adams, the beloved star of The Young and the Restless, has died at the age of 85.
Matt Kane, the soap’s head of media and talent, confirmed the Emmy-winning actress’ death on Thursday. She died in Los Angeles, California.
Adams is best remembered for her role as Dina Abbott Mergeron on the popular soap opera, the part that made her a household name.
Her Career
Marla was born in Ocean City, New Jersey on August 28, 1938. She graduated from high school in 1956 and moved to New York City where she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She rose to fame on Broadway in the late 1950s when she appeared in The Visit alongside Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. She later returned to the stage in 1961 to appear in Splendor in the Grass with Natalie Wood.
From 1968 to 1974, Marla portrayed Belle Clemens on the CBS daytime drama The Secret Storm. In 1982, she joined The Young and the Restless as Dina Abbott Mergeron, a role she played for three years before her contract expired. However, she made several guest appearances on the show in 1991, 1996, 2008, and 2017 and re-prised her role for the last time in 2020, allowing fans to witness Dina’s touching death on screen.
Marla won a Daytime Emmy for her portrayal of Dina. Reflecting on her time on the show, Marla expressed that her role as Dina was the most unusual role she has ever had the honor of playing, surpassing all her previous roles from The Secret Storm to Broadway.
Fan Tributes
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) paid tribute to the late actress. “Fantastic as Dina!” one fan wrote, while another added: “Rest in peace Marlo Adams. The Young and the Restless fans will miss you.” Others expressed their sadness, with one fan commenting: “How sad… I liked that Emmy winner. Take it easy,” and another wrote: “My deepest condolences to her family, friends and everyone who loved her.”
Many fans echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging her exceptional talent and the influence she had on television.
Marla Adams leaves a remarkable legacy in the world of television and theater. Her portrayal of Dina Abbott Mergeron on The Young and the Restless not only won her an Emmy but also endeared her to countless fans who admired her talent and dedication. From her early days on Broadway to her decades-long presence on daytime television, Adams’ career has been a testament to her versatility and dedication to her craft.
As she is remembered by fans and colleagues, her influence on and off screen is undeniable. Her final performance as Dina, which marked the end of an era for her character, is fondly remembered by audiences for appreciating the depth and humanity she brought to the role. Tributes from fans and peers alike reflect the admiration and respect she has garnered throughout her career.
Although Marla Adams is no longer with us, her contributions to the world of entertainment will continue to resonate. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the millions of fans who were touched by her performance.