‘The Young & the Restless’ Actress Meg Bennett Passes Away, Family Speaks Up

Renowned for her versatile talent, Helen Margaret Bennett, known as Meg Bennet, has passed away. She shone in her roles on stage and screen, most notably as Julia Newman on the iconic soap opera “The Young and the Restless.” Beyond acting, she was a gifted writer, contributing to several television shows.

Born and raised in Pasadena, Bennett’s journey to stardom began at Northwestern University. From being homecoming queen to a Miss America contestant, she carried her flair for performance into a successful acting career in New York City.

It was here that she also stepped into the world of scriptwriting. This became a field where she earned critical acclaim and the respect of her industry peers.

As we celebrate her life and achievements, we also feel the loss of a devoted individual who was still active in her creative pursuits, mentoring children, and connecting with her family and friends. Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the entertainment industry as colleagues and fans remember Bennett.

“The Young and the Restless,” where Bennett once shone as an actress and a scriptwriter, shared their condolences via social media, writing, “Sending our condolences to Bennett’s family and loved ones. Y&R was lucky enough to have Bennett share her talent both on camera as ‘Julia Newman’ and off camera as a member of the Writing staff under Bill Bell.”

“The Chat Podcast” echoed these sentiments, highlighting her pivotal role in the soap opera world. The X account shared, “Rest In Peace Meg Bennett. The beloved daytime star made her mark as Julia Newman on ‘The Young and the Restless,’ but soon became an incomparable soap opera writer as the great Bill Bell once called her a ‘script doctor,’ giving her a second job on his co-created soap.”

Fans too have shared their grief and admiration for Bennett’s work. One fan’s tweet captured the essence of her impact on classic soap operas before concluding with “#RIP.” Bennett had become a beloved household name with her memorable characters and scripts.

Bennett’s foray into acting was as serendipitous as it was successful. After graduating, she moved to New York with high hopes and a relentless spirit. A blend of determination and destiny marked her early days in the city. Bennett landed a modeling gig as the “Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Girl.” This role opened doors to the vast world of entertainment.

Her stage presence was undeniable. She went from modeling to mesmerizing audiences with her acting and singing talents in the off-Broadway production of “Godspell.” She then moved on to a role in the Broadway musical “Grease.” Her transition to television was as seamless as it was impactful.

In 1974, Bennett began her long and successful soap opera career with a cherished role as Liza on “Search for Tomorrow.” This was the beginning of a storied journey in soap opera. Bennett’s charm and talent quickly transcended the theater as she made her indelible mark on television.

Her portrayal of Julia Newman in “The Young and the Restless” resonated with audiences. Her character’s transformation also mirrored her own fortitude. Yet, it was not just in front of the camera that Bennett made her mark. Her adeptness with words and storylines caught the attention of the series creator William J. Bell.

The essence of Bennett’s character was perhaps most profoundly influenced by her mother, Dr. Margaret Bennett, a psychologist at Pasadena City College. The self-confidence instilled in her by her mother was evident not only in Bennett’s pursuit of acting but also in her scripting, where her nuanced understanding of human emotions brought depth to her characters.

Her contributions to the world extended beyond the confines of stage and studio. Bennett’s spirit of mentorship shone through in her work with children. She dedicated time and knowledge to nurturing the next generation of creatives. While Bennett’s life has drawn to a close, her legacy endures in the memories of her family, her characters, and the stories she wove.

Bell encouraged Bennett to take up scriptwriting, leading to her celebrated contributions to several soap operas. Bennett met her husband, Robert Guza, Jr., while working on “General Hospital.” Their partnership blossomed both in the writers’ room and in life. Their relationship culminated in an almost 20-year marriage. Their anniversary would have been this year.

Their home life was equally as storied as their professional lives. Bennett and Guza recently celebrated a significant milestone by purchasing a Beverly Hills-area home with a glamorous Hollywood past. Their new residence was once owned by the legendary actor Gregory Peck in the 1940s, and later by Boris Karloff.

Bennett was particularly thrilled about the connection to Peck, noting, “My first screen test was for ‘Dove,’ a film Mr. Peck was producing, so to own a home that was once his is really a thrill.” The property, which cost about $2.8 million, boasts six bedrooms, and 6.5 bathrooms, and was chosen for its access to hiking trails—a feature important to the couple.

“This is the first house we have owned together,” Bennett said. “We were writing partners, and we fell in love. It’s not his first house, but it is mine, and it’s my dream house.” The house, estimated to be 6,000 square feet, sits on nearly an acre and features a pool, rolling lawns, and a secret passageway, adding to its allure with canyon-to-ocean views and a master suite with a steam shower.

As the world mourns Bennett, those who knew her speak of a woman whose life was as multifaceted as the roles she played and the plots she crafted—full of complexity, warmth, and resilience.

Her passing is a profound loss to all who knew her and were touched by her work. Bennett’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and writers, encouraging them to pursue their passions with the same fervor she did.