Marla Adams, the Emmy-winning actress who captivated viewers as Dina Abbott Mergeron on The Young and the Restless, has passed away at 85. Known for her powerful performances over five decades, Adams’ death marks the end of an era in daytime television. Her portrayal of Dina Abbott—a matriarch with secrets, heartache, and undeniable strength—left an indelible mark on Y&R and the soap opera world. As fans and colleagues mourn, we look back on her extraordinary career and the unforgettable legacy she leaves behind.
From Broadway to Daytime: Marla Adams’ Stunning Rise to Fame
Before Dina Abbott became a household name, Marla Adams was already making her mark in the world of theater and film. Born on August 28, 1938, in Ocean City, New Jersey, Adams began her career on Broadway in 1958, performing in The Visit alongside the legendary Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne.
Her big-screen debut came in the 1961 classic Splendor in the Grass, where she portrayed the best friend of Natalie Wood’s character. This role put her on the map, showcasing her natural ability to convey depth, emotion, and complexity.
But it was her foray into daytime dramas that would truly shape her career. Adams first gained prominence in 1968 when she joined the CBS soap The Secret Storm as the villainous Belle Clemens.
For six years, she played the ultimate “bad girl,” earning a reputation as “the bitch of daytime.” It was this role that laid the foundation for the fierce, multifaceted characters she would later become famous for, including the iconic Dina Abbott.
Dina Abbott Mergeron: A Role That Defined an Icon
In 1982, Marla Adams was cast as Dina Abbott Mergeron on The Young and the Restless.
At first, her stint as the glamorous, scheming matriarch was brief, but the role would come to define her legacy in the soap world. Over the years, Adams’ portrayal of Dina evolved, from a glamorous socialite to a deeply troubled mother, navigating personal and family turmoil.
Marla Adams, always up for a challenge, embraced this heartbreaking storyline that would unfold over several years. “I remember when Sally told me, ‘I’m going to bring you back on The Young and the Restless, but you’ve got Alzheimer’s,’ and I said, ‘What!? You’re bringing me back so you can kill me off?’” Adams recalled. “She said, ‘Oh no, it’ll be about a year,’ but that dissolved into four years.
Through her portrayal of Dina’s slow decline, Adams delivered one of the most emotionally raw and stunning performances in soap opera history. Fans were riveted as they watched Dina’s heartbreaking journey unfold, ultimately leading to her death in October 2020. In her final moments, Dina was surrounded by her children—Jack, Traci, and Ashley—before being reunited with her first husband, John Abbott, in the afterlife.
It was a poignant, unforgettable goodbye that left viewers in tears.
A Career Spanning Five Decades: The Unsung Hero of Daytime TV
Marla Adams’ work wasn’t confined to The Young and the Restless. Her career spanned five decades, with notable appearances across several soap operas and television series. She appeared on General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Days of Our Lives, playing a variety of roles that showcased her range.
Her return to Y&R in 2017 was nothing short of sensational. Head writer Sally Sussman had a daring idea—to bring Dina back to Genoa City, but with a twist: Dina would be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
In 1983, she played Myrna Clegg on Capitol, and later portrayed Helen Mullin on Generations in the late ‘80s. Her portrayal of Dr. Claire McIntyre on Days of Our Lives in 1999 was another standout moment in her career.
Despite her vast resume, it was Dina that truly cemented Adams’ place in the soap opera pantheon. For a woman who had worked in virtually every corner of the industry, it was Dina Abbott Mergeron who became her signature role.
In 2018, Adams received a Daytime Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Dina, and in 2021, she won the coveted award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, a well-deserved recognition for her powerful work.
Marla Adams’ Final Act: A Beloved Star Remembered
While Adams’ career in television spanned numerous roles, it’s clear that her portrayal of Dina Abbott will be what fans remember her for most.
The Young and the Restless executive producer Josh Griffith expressed his admiration for the actress, saying, “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 [the show].”
Even in her later years, Adams retained a sense of humor and humility that endeared her to fans.
In interviews, she often chuckled about how people would recognize her in public, saying, “I’m very big at Walmart. When I was younger, I was recognized all the time, and now that I’m older, people are like, ‘Is that her? No, that’s not her. It couldn’t be! Just some old lady in sneakers and sweats.’” It was this down-to-earth nature that made her a beloved figure, both on and off screen.
Saying Goodbye to a Soap Legend
Marla Adams’ death is a loss not just to The Young and the Restless fans but to the entire soap opera community. Her portrayal of Dina Abbott Mergeron will forever be etched in the hearts of viewers, reminding us of her extraordinary ability to bring depth, emotion, and humanity to every role she played.
As we say goodbye to this legendary actress, it’s important to remember that her legacy is more than just the characters she portrayed—it’s the impact she had on those who watched her, the generations of actors she inspired, and the unforgettable moments she gave us.
Marla Adams will always be remembered as a true icon of daytime television, a woman who made us laugh, cry, and above all, believe in the power of storytelling.
Rest in peace, Marla—your memory will live on in the hearts of your fans and in the history of The Young and the Restless.
