Emmy-Winning Young and the Restless Star Marla Adams Passes Away at 85
Soap opera fans around the world are mourning the loss of beloved actress Marla Adams, best known for her unforgettable role as Dina Abbott Mergeron on The Young and the Restless. The Emmy-winning actress passed away on April 25, 2024, in Los Angeles at the age of 85.
A Career That Spanned Decades
Born in Ocean City, New Jersey, on August 28, 1938, Marla Adams began her path to stardom early. After winning local beauty pageants, she studied acting at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. It wasn’t long before she found herself on Broadway and then on the silver screen, with a role in the 1961 classic Splendor in the Grass.
But it was on television where Adams truly made her mark. Over the years, she appeared in more than 40 shows, including iconic daytime dramas like The Secret Storm, Days of Our Lives, and The Bold and the Beautiful. She also made memorable guest appearances on The Golden Girls and Walker, Texas Ranger.
A Soap Opera Icon
While Adams had a long and varied career, she’ll always be remembered most for playing Dina Abbott Mergeron—the often-misunderstood Abbott family matriarch—on The Young and the Restless. First stepping into the role in 1983, she returned multiple times over the decades, captivating audiences each time.
Her final return, beginning in 2017, involved one of the show’s most emotionally powerful storylines: Dina’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Adams’ deeply moving performance earned her a Daytime Emmy Award in 2021 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series—well-deserved recognition for her work on a storyline that touched countless fans.
A Lasting Legacy
Marla Adams leaves behind two children, several grandchildren, and a great-grandson. But her legacy stretches far beyond her family. She brought strength, complexity, and vulnerability to her roles in a way that truly resonated with viewers.
For many fans, Dina’s story felt personal—especially those who’ve seen a loved one struggle with memory loss. Adams gave a voice to those stories, portraying them with compassion and dignity.
She may be gone, but in the world of daytime television, Marla Adams will never be forgotten.
