Renowned American television writer and actress Meg Bennett, celebrated for her contributions to iconic soap operas such as The Young and the Restless, General Hospital, and Santa Barbara, passed away on April 11, 2024, at the age of 75 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Her family confirmed her peaceful passing on that date.
Meg’s illustrious career and significant impact on the television industry were highlighted in her obituary published in the Los Angeles Times on April 21.
Despite her health challenges, Meg remained deeply committed to her craft, continued to inspire through her work with children, and stayed connected with her extensive network of family and friends until the very end.
Meg Bennett’s professional achievements were numerous and distinguished. She was honored with a Daytime Emmy Award for Best Writing for her exceptional work on General Hospital in 1995. Additionally, her contributions to the same show earned her three Writers Guild of America awards in 1994, 1995, and 1997. Her remarkable writing talents were further recognized with Writers Guild of America Awards for her work on Santa Barbara in the 1991 and 1992 seasons.
Born Helen Margaret Bennett on October 4, 1948, in Pasadena, Meg’s journey into the entertainment industry began with modeling assignments before she transitioned into acting. Her breakthrough came when she was cast as the “Cadillac Eldorado convertible girl” for a New York auto show in 1971, which led her to relocate to Manhattan. She subsequently graced Broadway stages, appearing in productions such as Grease and Search for Tomorrow, where she portrayed the character of Liza for three years.
Meg’s portrayal of Julie Newman on The Young and the Restless, starting in 1980, marked another significant milestone in her career. During her six-year tenure on the show, she not only excelled in her acting role but also demonstrated her creative prowess by offering valuable insights and suggestions for script enhancements. This dual talent did not go unnoticed, leading her to assume the roles of both actor and writer within the creative department of the show.
In addition to her contributions to The Young and the Restless, Meg lent her talents to other beloved soap operas, including The Bold and the Beautiful, Generations, and Sunset Beach. However, her portrayals of Megan Richardson in Santa Barbara and Allegra Montenegro in General Hospital remain among her most memorable and cherished works.
Meg Bennett’s legacy as a versatile and talented writer and actress will endure, leaving an indelible mark on the world of television and inspiring future generations of storytellers.