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Marla Adams

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Marla Adams
Marla Adams on the set of The Secret Storm in 1968.
Born(1938-08-28)August 28, 1938
Ocean City, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedApril 25, 2024(2024-04-25) (aged 85)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Alma materAmerican Academy of Dramatic Arts
OccupationActress
Years active1958–2020
Children2

Marla Vene Adams (August 28, 1938 – April 25, 2024) was an American actress. She was best known for playing the roles of Belle Clemens on the CBS soap opera The Secret Storm (1968 to 1974) and Dina Abbott Mergeron on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless (1983 to 1986, 1991, 1996, 2008, 2017 to 2020). She won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role on The Young and the Restless in 2021. She had been nominated in the same category in 2018.

Early life

Adams was born in Ocean City, New Jersey. As a teenager, she won the Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May pageants.[1] She was named Miss Diamond Jubilee at the 75th anniversary celebration of her hometown in 1954. Adams graduated from Ocean City High School two years later. She studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.[2][3]

Career

Adams' early theater roles include The Mikado, The Devil's a Stranger, Deathtrap, Inherit the Wind (co-starring with Ed Begley Jr.), and Roger the Sixth (co-starring with Dorothy Lamour).[4]

The day she graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Adams won the role of Ottilie Schill in the original Broadway production of The Visit.[2] The play ran from May 5, 1958 to November 29, 1958 at the Morosco Theatre. She co-starred with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne.[5] She made her film debut, appearing opposite Natalie Wood in the period drama Splendor in the Grass (1961).[6][7]

Adams briefly appeared as Mildred Deal on General Hospital in 1963. She was cast as Belle Clemens on The Secret Storm in 1968, playing the role until the show's cancellation in 1974.[2][8] She was the show's reigning villainess, stopping at almost nothing to destroy the life of the show's leading heroine, Amy Ames (Jada Rowland).[3]

Adams made guest appearances on The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Harry O, Marcus Welby, M.D., and Barnaby Jones.[3][9] She played Ruth in the television film The Secret Night Caller (1975), co-starring with Robert Reed.[10] She guest starred on Emergency!, Adam-12, and Starsky & Hutch.[3][9] Adams appeared in the comedy film Special Delivery (1976).[11] She continued to land guest starring roles on The Streets of San Francisco, The Love Boat, Carter Country, Hart to Hart, Archie Bunker's Place, and Happy Days.[9][12][4] In 1981, she appeared on stage in a production of The Max Factor, co-starring with Cesar Romero.[4][2]

In 1983, Adams briefly played the role of Myrna Clegg on the CBS soap opera Capitol.[2] She was then cast as Dina Abbott Mergeron on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. The character was the ex-wife of John Abbott and the mother of his three children. Adams began airing in the role on May 27, 1983.[13]

Adams played Cathy in the television film Concrete Beat (1984).[14] She also appeared in the film Gotcha! (1985).[15] In 1986, she left the role of Dina on The Young and the Restless when her contract ended.[13] She guest starred on Hill Street Blues, Matlock, Who's the Boss? and Beauty and the Beast.[9][4] She starred on stage in a production of The Odd Couple, co-starring with Lee Meriwether.[4] Adams played Shirley in the television film Maybe Baby (1988).[16]

She guest starred on an episode of Empty Nest in 1989.[4] Adams played Helen Mullins on the NBC soap opera Generations from 1989 to 1990.[2] Adams then played Beth Logan on the CBS soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful in December 1990. The role had previously been played by Nancy Burnett.[17] Adams made a brief return to The Young and the Restless as Dina in 1991.[13] She starred on stage in the musical Les Ms. at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles.[18] She also co-starred with Don Knotts in the play Last of the Red Hot Lovers.[4]

Adams guest starred on Perfect Strangers and The Golden Girls.[4] She appeared in the television film White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd (1991).[19] She also played Gladys Baker, the mother of Marilyn Monroe, in the television film Marilyn and Me (1991).[20] She made a guest appearance on Baywatch in 1992.[4]

Adams briefly returned to The Young and the Restless as Dina in 1996.[13] She appeared on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives as Dr. Claire McIntyre, first airing on February 3, 1999. She played the role until September 2, 1999.[21] She also had a recurring role as Betsy Harper on Walker, Texas Ranger from 2000 to 2001.[22] In 2000, she played First Lady Matthews in the television film The President's Man, starring Chuck Norris and Dylan Neal.[23][24][25]

She reprised her role as Dina for three episodes on The Young and the Restless in 2008 when Katherine Chancellor was presumed dead.[13] Adams returned on a recurring basis nine years later, first airing on May 3, 2017. The character of Dina was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.[26][13] She received her first Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2018.[27]

Adams made her last film appearance in Beneath the Leaves in 2019.[28] In 2020, it was announced that she would be leaving The Young and the Restless when Dina died from Alzheimer's. Her final air date was October 20, 2020.[29][13] Adams won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series on June 25, 2021.[30]

Personal life and death

Adams met her first husband, George Oates, at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. They were married for seven years, then divorced after he left her for her best friend. She later remarried and divorced again. Adams had two children, a son and a daughter. She also had two grandchildren.[2]

Her son appeared in an episode of The Secret Storm, bringing her character, Belle Clemens, a red rose. He continued to send Adams a red rose every year after that for Mother's Day.[2]

She died in Los Angeles on April 25, 2024, at the age of 85.[3]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1961 Splendor in the Grass June
1976 Special Delivery Mrs. Hubert Zane
1985 Gotcha! Maria
2019 Beneath the Leaves Nadine

Television

Years Title Role Notes
1963 General Hospital Mildred Deal
1968–1974 The Secret Storm Belle Clemens Britton Kincaid Contract role
1973 The New Dick Van Dyke Show Gloria; Brenda Episode: "What Your Best Friend Doesn't Know"
1974 Harry O Janet Rankin Episode: "Shadows at Noon"
1974–1976 Marcus Welby, M.D. Olivia Randall; Marian Blakely 3 episodes
1974–1978 Barnaby Jones Eleanor Raymond; Sandra Lassiter; Audrey Meyer 3 episodes
1975 The Secret Night Caller Ruth Television film

Uncredited role

Adam-12 Mildred Bell Episode: "Dana Hall"
Starsky & Hutch Sheila Episode: "Captain Dobey, You're Dead!"
Mobile One Episode: "Murder at Fourteen"
1975–1978 Emergency! Mrs. Anderson; Soap Opera Patient; Rita Hudson 3 episodes
1976 Delvecchio Mrs. Fred Nailor Episode: "Wax Job"
1977 Phyllis Mrs. Snyder Episode: "A Baby Makes Six"
Kingston: Confidential Lila Perry Episode: "Eight Columns Across the Top"
The Streets of San Francisco Cecilia Roman Episode: "Breakup"
1978 The Love Boat Arlene Simpson; Glenda Fairbanks 2 episodes
1979 Carter Country Florabelle Episode: "Teddy's Folly"
1981 Hart to Hart Evelyn Carney Episode: "What Becomes a Murder Most?"
1982 Archie Bunker's Place Ann Marlowe Episode: "Archie's Night Out"
Filthy Rich Muffy Newkirk Episode: "Take This Job and Love It: Part 2"
1983 Happy Days Millicent "Milly" Pfister Episode: "Hello, Pfisters"
Bring 'Em Back Alive Martha Nielsen Episode: "Storm Warning"
Trauma Center Dr. Chas Sternhause's Secretary Episode: "Breakthrough"
Capitol Myrna Clegg
1983–2020 The Young and the Restless Dina Abbott Mergeron Contract role (1983–1986); Guest appearances and Recurring role (1991; 1996; 2008; 2017–2020)
1984 Concrete Beat Cathy Lord Television film
1987 Hill Street Blues Mrs. Fein Episode: "She's So Fein"
Who's the Boss? Connie Episode: "A Farewell to Nick"
1988 Matlock Roselle Episode: "The Hucksters"
Beauty and the Beast Helen Thompson Episode: "Down to a Sunless Sea"
Maybe Baby Shirley Television film
1989 Empty Nest Elna Episode: "Man of the Year"
1989–1990 Generations Helen Mullins
1990 Adam-12 Carol Miller Episode: "Neighbors"
The Bold and the Beautiful Beth Logan Recurring role
1991 Perfect Strangers Mrs. Catherine Lyons Episode: "Speak, Memory"
The Golden Girls Woman No.1 Episode: "Witness"
White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd Mrs. Ford Television film
Marilyn and Me Gladys Baker Television film
1992 Baywatch Trish McClain Episode: "Game of Chance"
Sisters Madeline Brady Episode: "The Best Seats in the House"
1994 The Good Life Kate Donnetti Episode: "The Statue"
Columbo Sheila Byrnes Episode: "Undercover"
1997 In the House Mrs. Tuckman Episode: "You're the One"
Nash Bridges Mrs. Van Pelt Episode: "Gun Play"
1998 The Tony Danza Show Mrs. Paxton Episode: "Vision Quest"
1999 Days of Our Lives Claire McIntyre Recurring role
Time of Your Life Lauren Episode: "The Time She Got Mobbed"
2000 The President's Man First Lady Matthews Television film
2000–2001 Walker, Texas Ranger Betsy Harper 3 episodes

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Title Result Ref.
2018 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series The Young and the Restless Nominated [27]
2021 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series The Young and the Restless Won [30]

References

  1. ^ Campbell, Hope (April 26, 2024). "The Young and the Restless star Marla Adams dies at 85". Soap Central. Archived from the original on May 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Owens, Devin (May 17, 2018). "ICYMI Marla Adams Interview". Soap Opera Digest. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e Barnes, Mike (April 26, 2024). "Marla Adams, Dina on 'The Young and the Restless,' Dies at 85". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Rout, Nancy E.; Buckley, Ellen (1992). The Soap Opera Book: Who's Who in Daytime Drama. Todd Publications. p. 1. ISBN 978-0-915344-23-9.
  5. ^ "The Visit". Playbill. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  6. ^ "Splendor in the Grass: Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  7. ^ Crowther, Bosley (October 11, 1961). "'Splendor in the Grass' Is-at 2 Theatres". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  8. ^ Brown, Les (January 18, 1974). "'Secret Storm' Stilled by CBS". New York Times. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved November 16, 2010.
  9. ^ a b c d "Credits: Marla Adams". TV Guide. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  10. ^ "The Secret Night Caller - Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  11. ^ "Special Delivery: Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  12. ^ Pike, Charlie (May 26, 1979). "Pike's Peeks". The Herald Journal. Archived from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved November 16, 2010.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g "Who's Who in Genoa City: Dina Abbott Mergeron". Soap Central. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  14. ^ "Concrete Beat: Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  15. ^ Thomas, Kevin (May 3, 1985). "'Gotcha!' Takes Aim But Misses Comedy Target". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 10, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2010.
  16. ^ "Maybe Baby - Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  17. ^ "Who's Who in Los Angeles: Beth Logan". Soap Central. Archived from the original on March 2, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  18. ^ "Stage Reviews : 'Les Ms.' Is Artfully Staged at the Odyssey". The Los Angeles Times. September 25, 1991. Archived from the original on July 2, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  19. ^ "White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd - Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  20. ^ "Marilyn and Me: Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  21. ^ "Who's Who in Salem: Claire McIntyre". Soap Central. Archived from the original on April 28, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  22. ^ "Walker, Texas Ranger | TV Guide". TVGuide.com. Archived from the original on 2020-01-02. Retrieved 2020-01-02.
  23. ^ "Sunday Night". Herald and Review. April 1, 2000. p. Tv-7.
  24. ^ Preece, Michael; Norris, Eric; Donner, Richard; Meyer, Gerald (2013). 5 Film Chuck Norris Collection (DVD). Echo Bridge Acquisition Corp LLC. Event occurs at The President's Man. 09600922143.
  25. ^ "The President's Man - Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  26. ^ SOD (March 8, 2017). "Exclusive! Y&R Fave Returns!". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Odyssey Magazine Publishing Group Inc. Archived from the original on March 9, 2017. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  27. ^ a b Ramos, Dino-Ray (April 29, 2018). "Daytime Emmy Awards Complete Winners List: 'Days Of Our Lives', 'The Talk', 'GMA' Among Honorees". Deadline. Archived from the original on May 6, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  28. ^ "Beneath the Leaves - Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 2, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  29. ^ Mistretta, Amy (October 9, 2020). "Marla Adams Exits The Young and the Restless as Dina Mergeron". Soaps.com. United States: SheKnows Media. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  30. ^ a b "'General Hospital' Takes Best Drama at Daytime Emmys: Complete Winners List". 26 June 2021. Archived from the original on 28 June 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
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