Meg Bennett

Her family confirmed that Bennett succumbed to a battle with cancer on April 11, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the landscape of daytime TV for decades.

Before her career catapulted her into the homes of millions, Bennett shone on the Broadway stage, portraying Marty Maraschino in the original run of “Grease” that debuted in 1972. However, it was her transition to daytime television in 1974 as Liza Walton on “Search for Tomorrow” that marked the beginning of an illustrious career in soap operas.

Notably, her portrayal of Julia Newman on “The Young and the Restless” demonstrated her ability to captivate audiences with her compelling performances. Yet, as her character faced being written off, the show’s creator Bill Bell recognized Bennett’s profuse understanding of the show’s dynamics and invited her to join the writing team, a decision that would mark the start of a prolific writing career.