Marla Adams, the Emmy Award-winning actress who portrayed Dina Abbott Mergeron on "The Young and the Restless" for over three decades, has passed away at the age of 85.
Emmy Award-winning actress Marla Adams, who captivated audiences with her unforgettable portrayal of Dina Abbott Mergeron on "The Young and the Restless," has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 85.
Adams's career spanned over half a century, beginning on Broadway in "The Visit" in 1958 and continuing with her film debut in "Splendor in the Grass" alongside Natalie Wood in 1961. She made her mark in daytime television in 1968 as Belle Clemens on CBS' "The Secret Storm."
In 1982, Adams joined the cast of "The Young and the Restless" as Dina Abbott Mergeron, a role that would define her career and earn her a Daytime Emmy Award in 1983. Dina was a complex and often volatile character, known for her fierce loyalty to her family and her quick wit.
Adams played Dina off and on for nearly four decades, returning to the show in 1991, 1996, 2008, and again from 2017 to 2020. In recent years, Dina's storyline focused on her battle with Alzheimer's disease, which culminated in her death in an October 2020 episode.
Adams's performance as Dina was widely praised for its authenticity and depth. She brought a unique blend of vulnerability and strength to the role, creating a character that resonated with audiences.
"We send our deepest sympathies to Marla Adams' family," the show's official X account (formerly Twitter) wrote on Friday. "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."
Adams's career was not limited to "The Young and the Restless." She also appeared in numerous other television shows, including "General Hospital," "One Life to Live," and "All My Children." On stage, she performed in "The Glass Menagerie" and "The Seagull."
In 2016, Adams reflected on her successful career in an interview with Ocean City's Daily News Source. "I was the b---- of daytime," she said. "I played a good b----."
Adams's death is a significant loss for the world of daytime television and for fans of "The Young and the Restless." Her iconic performance as Dina Abbott Mergeron will forever be etched in the annals of soap opera history.
Rest in peace, Marla Adams. You will be deeply missed.
