The entertainment world mourns the loss of Meg Bennett, a remarkable talent who graced television screens and enriched the stories of such shows as 'The Young and the Restless' and 'General Hospital'.
- Apr 22, 2024
AceShowbiz - The world of daytime television has lost one of its most prolific talents. Meg Bennett, known for her enduring roles and significant contributions as both an actress and writer on beloved soap operas such as "The Young and the Restless," "General Hospital," and "Santa Barbara," has passed away at the age of 75.
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.
Bennett's pen brought life to countless episodes and characters, significantly impacting shows like "Santa Barbara," for which she wrote from 1991 to 1993, and "General Hospital," where she not only contributed her writing prowess from 1993 to 2011 but also took home a Daytime Emmy for her outstanding work.
Off-screen, Bennett's life was equally filled with love and partnership. She met her husband of 19 years, Robert Guza Jr., a co-creator of "Sunset Beach," on the set of "General Hospital." The pair became frequent writing partners, crafting stories that continued to touch the hearts of viewers across the nation.
Meg Bennett's passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry. Her artistic legacy, characterized by captivating performances and storytelling, will continue to be celebrated by colleagues, family, and fans alike. Bennett's work has left an indelible mark on daytime television, one that will be remembered and revered for years to come.
As the soap opera community and its devoted audience bid farewell to one of its brightest stars, Meg Bennett's spirit will undoubtedly live on through her enduring contributions to the genre she helped define.
