The Young and the Restless actress Marla Adams dies at 85

Marla Adams, known for her role as Dina Abbott Mergeron on The Young and the Restless, died on Thursday, April 25, in Los Angeles. The cause of death is yet to be announced.

Josh Griffith, the executive producer and head writer for The Young and the Restless, expressed grief over Adams' sudden passing, stating, "On behalf of the entire company of The Young and the Restless, we send our deepest sympathies to Marla’s family. We’re so grateful and in awe of Marla’s incredible performance as Dina Mergeron as both Marla and Dina made an unforgettable mark on Y&R," reports People.

Adams joined The Young and the Restless in 1982 as the Abbott family matriarch, Dina Mergeron. Before her acting career, Adams was active in pageants. Born on August 28, 1938, in Ocean City, New Jersey, she held titles such as Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May. She was also named the Miss Diamond Jubilee Queen during the 1954 celebration of Ocean City’s founding.

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Adams studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Later, she played the role of Belle Clemens on The Secret Storm from 1968 to 1974 and appeared in numerous television and film productions, including The Golden Girls, Hart to Hart, The Love Boat, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, Generations, and Capitol.

Adams returned full-time to The Young and the Restless in 2017 after sporadic appearances over the years. Her performance earned her a Daytime Emmy Award in 2021, following a nomination in 2018.

Adams is survived by her daughter Pam Oates, her son Gunnar Garat, grandchildren Gefjon and Stone, and her great-grandson Remi.