'Young and the Restless' Actress Meg Bennett Passes Away at 75 After Brave Battle with Cancer

Soap opera actress and screenwriter**** Meg Bennett died at age 75.

Bennett’s family confirmed in an obituary published on Sunday, April 21, that she passed away earlier this month.

Bennett's loved ones announced, "Meg lost her battle with cancer. Despite her illness, she continued to work with children, write, and stay connected with her family and friends."

Bennett began her acting career on Broadway in 1972 as Marty Maraschino in Grease. She later moved to daytime television, portraying Liza Walton on Search for Tomorrow. In 1980, Bennett took on the role of Julia Newman, Victor Newman's wife, on The Young and the Restless.

Despite being written off of The Young and the Restless, Julia was given the chance by creator Bill Bell to become a writer for the show.

In a 1985 interview, Bennett shared that she had been acting on the show for nearly two years when she made the decision to work behind the camera. Despite her new role, Bennett continued to make appearances as Julia on the show, with her last appearance as the character in 2020.

Bennett’s career took off as a screenwriter**** in the early ’90s with work on Santa Barbara, where she also acted as author Megan Richardson. She continued to write for General Hospital from 1993 to 2011, all while playing the character Allegra Montenegro on screen. In addition to these, she also has writing credits for Generations and Sunset Beach.

In a 1985 interview cited by The Hollywood Reporter, Bennett expressed, “I’ll be honest, acting can drive me a bit crazy sometimes: the waiting for auditions, the waiting for roles. But when it comes to writing, I feel in control. I can take the initiative and make things happen on my own terms.”

Bennett was recognized with five Daytime Emmy nominations for her writing on General Hospital. Additionally, she received nominations for Writers Guild of America Awards.

During her time at General Hospital, Bennett crossed paths with her future husband, Robert Guza Jr., who had previously served as a head writer on the show.

Bennett’s obituary mentioned that this year would have marked their twentieth wedding anniversary. She is survived by her husband, two stepdaughters, and four beloved grandchildren. Additionally, she is also survived by a brother, a sister, and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.

Editor's P/S:

The passing of Meg Bennett, a beloved soap opera actress and screenwriter****, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her journey from Broadway to daytime television to behind-the-scenes writing showcases her versatility and passion for storytelling. Bennett's determination to pursue both acting and writing is an inspiration, demonstrating that creativity can thrive in multiple forms.

Bennett's legacy extends beyond her on-screen performances and written contributions. Her work on General Hospital, where she played Allegra Montenegro while also serving as a writer, highlighted her ability to seamlessly transition between the two roles. Her five Daytime Emmy nominations and Writers Guild of America Awards nominations attest to the quality of her writing and the impact she made on the soap opera genre. Meg Bennett's passing is a reminder of the enduring power of creativity and the indelible mark that talented individuals leave on the world.