'So grateful for her performance:' Tributes pour in as 'Young and the Restless' star Marla Adams dies at 85

Marla Adams also made memorable appearances on soap operas such as 'The Bold and the Beautiful,' 'Days of Our Lives,' 'Generations,' and 'Capitol'
PUBLISHED APR 27, 2024
Marla Adams played popular chracter of matriarch Dina Mergeron in 'Young & Restless' show (IMDb)
Marla Adams played popular chracter of matriarch Dina Mergeron in 'Young & Restless' show (IMDb)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Renowned actress Marla Adams, celebrated for her iconic role on 'The Young and the Restless,' has died at the age of 85.

The announcement of her death was made by Josh Griffith, the executive producer and head writer of the beloved series.

(Marla Adams, 85, was one of the most popular actress in daytime shows)
Marla Adams, 85, was one of the most popular actresses in daytime shows (screengrab/YouTube/soapcentral)

"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," he wrote on X.



 

Marla Adams won multiple pageant titles

Before joining the cast in 1982, Adams had a notable history in pageantry. Hailing from Ocean City, New Jersey, she participated in various pageant competitions, earning several prestigious titles such as Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May.

Adams will forever be cherished for her portrayal of the pivotal character Dina Abbott Mergeron on 'The Young and the Restless.' Her legacy spans over 37 years and more than 200 episodes, leaving an indelible mark on the show and its audience.

In addition to her iconic role on 'The Young and the Restless,' Adams had a diverse career in television and film. She notably portrayed Belle Clemens on 'The Secret Storm' from 1968 to 1974. Throughout her career, she graced over 40 television and film productions, including guest appearances on acclaimed shows like 'The Golden Girls,' 'Hart to Hart,' and 'The Love Boat.'

Adams also made memorable appearances on soap operas such as 'The Bold and the Beautiful,' 'Days of Our Lives,' 'Generations,' and 'Capitol.'

Adams is survived by her daughter, Pam Oates, her son, Gunnar Garat, as well as her grandchildren, Gefjon and Stone. Her great-grandson, Remi, also continues her legacy.



 

Internet mourns death of Marla Adams

The 'Young & Restless' star was remembered by her fans all over the world.

A person wrote on X, "RIP to icon, legend Marla Adams. 😔 🙏 Dina Mergeron was one of the greatest characters in daytime. Marla was beyond amazing. #YR #YoungAndRestless."

"RIP Marla! She Will Be Missed! Great Actress!" a second wrote.

"My condolences goes out to her family and friends during this difficult time🙏," a third person joined.

A person prayed for Marla, "My heart goes out to Marla's family. Sending prayers. Rest in peace 🕊️ 🙏🙏 sweet lady."

"RIP lovely lady. You are loved every bit as much as you showed and lived love both on and off the set of Y&R ❤️💕❤️," a person commented on the actress' death.

A hardcore fan of Marla wrote, "Prayers for peace, comfort, and strength to the family, friends, and co-stars of this amazing actress. I was blessed to be able to see her shine her light onto a show that I have watched for nearly 47 years."



 



 



 



 



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

MORE STORIES

The post Khloe Kardashian liked featured Charlie Kirk speaking with a fan at an event about his devout Christian faith
Sep 13, 2025
Whitney Cummings sparked widespread outrage after posting a controversial tweet about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Sep 13, 2025
Prince Harry was spotted entering King Charles’s London residence, months after saying his father had ignored his calls
Sep 11, 2025
Rosie O'Donnell said Ellen DeGeneres’ friendship denial hurt so much she printed T-shirts for her staff reading, 'I don’t know Rosie, we’re not friends'
Sep 10, 2025
A post alleged that Karoline Leavitt called Patti LaBelle 'just a singer,' leading LaBelle to deliver a seven-word response that froze the studio
Sep 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez feels free channeling emotions into music, but Ben Affleck is embarrassed and sees it as crossing a line, according to the source
Sep 9, 2025
Howard Stern added that he missed last week’s show due to illness, not contract talks, and addressed rumors of being fired from his own show
Sep 9, 2025
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement in August 2025 triggered a wave of pregnancy chatter after an ultrasound photo went viral
Sep 9, 2025
Ed Sheeran, 34, revealed that he was leaving Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter
Sep 9, 2025
From Ice Spice’s chaotic corset to Paris Hilton’s flame dress, see the celebs who landed on the worst-dressed list at the 2025 VMAs
Sep 8, 2025