TORONTO – Veteran daytime drama star Jeanne Cooper died Wednesday morning. She was 84.
“Mom passed this morning. She was in peace and without fear,” reads a tweet from her son, actor Corbin Bernsen. “U all have been incredible in your love. In her name share it 2 day with others.”
Cooper starred as Katherine Chancellor on The Young and the Restless for four decades.
According to Bernsen, Cooper died in her sleep with her daughter Caren at her side.
Her death came after an undisclosed illness that put her in hospital several times in recent years.
“She was an amazing woman and touched so very, very, very many,” former Y&R star Thom Bierdz told Global News. “I am in awe of her.”
Y&R star Tracey Bregman reacted to the news on Twitter. “I am beyond sad and so grateful for every minute I had with her,” she wrote.
On his Facebook page, Bernsen posted: “I said my goodbyes several times over during the last few weeks. I’ll go one last time now for a gentle kiss a final farewell for this lifetime.”
In Toronto on Monday, co-star Joshua Morrow told The Canadian Press he was praying for Cooper. “I don’t feel it’s my place to say what’s wrong with her but she’s definitely fighting,” he said. “She’s a very tough woman, so cross your fingers.”
Born Wilma Jeanne in California, Cooper began her acting career in the ’50s with a role in the western The Redhead from Wyoming. She appeared in dozens of films and TV shows before starting on Y&R in 1973.
Cooper earned 10 Daytime Emmy nominations (but won only one) and two Primetime Emmy nominations during her career. She received a Daytime Emmy lifetime achievement award in 2004 and was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In addition to Corbin and Caren, Cooper is survived by a son Collin.
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on Global.
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