Meg Bennett, an award-winning soap opera actress, has sadly died at age 75.
Bennett enjoyed a prolific career as both an actress and a writer, having worked on several high-profile daytime shows.
She is best known for starring as Julia Martin/Julia Newman in the TV drama, The Young and the Restless from the 1980s. Her major role lasted for six years and she then had sporadic appearances after that.
The late actress also portrayed Marty Maraschino during the original Broadway run of Grease and played the role of Megan Richardson on 55 episodes of the series Santa Barbara in 1989.
Bennett died on April 11 after a battle with cancer, according to her official obituary.
"Helen Margaret Bennett, known throughout her professional career on stage and screen as "Meg," lost her battle with cancer on April 11th, 2024," her family wrote. "Until nearly the end she was devotedly working with children, writing, and engaging with her far-flung family and friends."
Many of Bennett's fans and friends have taken to social media to express their condolences to her family.
Eric Braeden, who was married to Bennett's character Julia Newman on The Young and the Restless, penned on X (formerly Twitter): "My first 'wife' Julia, played by my friend MEG BENNETT, has passed away! She succumbed to the ravages of cancer! I had not seen much of MEG in the last years, except at my 40th anniversary!"
"She was such a bright and gentle lady! I remember she taught me about the history of soaps and the actors in it! She was very bright and BILL BELL had her write for him!" he continued. "She was a pleasure to be around and have conversations with; always very informed!"
"I remember her infectious smile and gentleness! She was a beautiful woman!" he said, adding, "May you rest in peace, dear MEG! Yours ERIC!"
One fan also shared: "RIP Meg Bennett. The OG Mrs. Victor Newman on #YR. Julia Newman was quite the character in her day. Loved when Meg would return for special appearances later on."
Bennett racked up significant credit as a writer on several soaps. Her credits include Santa Barbara and the ABC drama General Hospital.
After her character was written out of the storyline in The Young and the Restless, she was asked by Bill Bell, the creator of the show, to continue contributing to the series behind the scenes.
"I'd been acting on the show for almost two years when this happened, so I knew the characters," she told Daily TV in 1985.
Bennett also opened up about the differences in acting and writing during a 1985 interview, sharing: "I'll admit, acting makes me a little crazy sometimes: You wait to audition. You wait for the part," as cited by Daily Mail.
"When you're writing, you're in control. I can initiate things on my own when I'm writing," she added.
Our thoughts are with Bennett's family and friends at this time.
