2013

On today’s episode of CBS Daytime’s “The Talk,” the co-hosts paid tribute to the life of Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor, “The Young and the Restless”), who passed this morning with her daughter by her side. Sheryl Underwood, a longtime fan of “Y&R,” was working to hold back her tears while Julie Chen spoke the beautiful words in celebration of Cooper’s life.

If you thought Alicia Minshew brought some serious drama as “All My Children’s” Kendall Hart Slater, you haven’t seen anything yet! The petite actress has served up quite a large performance as Aunt Toniann in Broadway’s “My Big Gay Italian Wedding,” and there’s only one more chance to catch it!

When Jeanne Cooper first stepped into “The Young and the Restless’” Genoa City as Katherine Chancellor back in 1973, soap opera history was made. Written by show creator William J. Bell specifically to convey controversial storylines that would boost weak ratings, Katherine was everything the wealthy wife of Phillip Chancellor II shouldn’t be: a drunk, a heavy smoker and a bit of a slut who had illicit affairs with stable boys. Despite the character’s many problems, fans fell in love with Katherine — as well as the actress who so effortlessly brought her to life.

“She was one of a kind and she held my hand for 35 years. She helped me be a better actor, husband, parent, and friend. My life was so enriched having known her. She was such a loving, kind soul. With Jeanne, there was no judgment, no rules. She loved you for you. She always had time for you and was so gracious with her love. For me, she was a personal giant, an sublime example of how to behave on planet Earth. I will miss her more than I can describe. I will say with certainty, that Heaven just got a hell of a lot more interesting! ….God’s speed, my dear friend. I love you,” said Doug Davidson (Paul Willliams, “The Young and the Restless”) in a statement released to Soap Opera Network.

News that “The Young and the Restless’” Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor) passed away this morning has rocked the entertainment community, and the beloved actress’ colleagues have responded with an outpour of memories, loving words and final farewells via Twitter. Soap Opera Network has rounded up all of the sentiments written so far, which include kind words from her “Y&R” co-stars and beyond.

In a statement released after word spread on the passing of Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor, “The Young and the Restless,”), Bradley P. Bell (executive producer, “The Bold and the Beautiful”), the son of the late William J. Bell, who co-created both “Y&R” and “B&B”) with wife Lee Phillip Bell, said, “Jeanne Cooper – A genuine person, gifted performer, good friend to all. Never before and never again. A true artist and legend. She will be missed. My thoughts and my love are with her family.”

In her final words on CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” as Katherine Chancellor (aired on Friday, May 3), Jeanne Cooper says to Jess Walton’s Jill Abbott, “I believe I can manage. Thank you, though,” when Jill asks if Katherine needs help getting up the stairs. Katherine’s final word was “Goodnight” as Jill watched her climb up the steps. Word of Cooper’s final scene came to light courtesy of “Y&R” script editor Brent Boyd on Twitter.

As word of Jeanne Cooper’s (Katherine Chancellor, “The Young and the Restless”) continues to spread, her family has released the following statement:

“The CBS Daytime family mourns the loss of our matriarch and beloved Jeanne Cooper. Her legacy will live on in our hearts forever,” read CBS Daytime’s tweet after news of Cooper’s (Katherine Chancellor, “The Young and the Restless”) passing spread through social media. Jill Farren Phelps, executive producer of “Y&R,” stated, “It is with immeasurable sadness and our deepest condolences to her family, that ‘The Young and the Restless’ mourns the loss of our beloved Jeanne Cooper.”

The OnLine Network has announced that Matthew Cowles is returning to “All My Children” as his now undead character, Billy Clyde Tuggle, who resurfaces to cause some trouble as the owner of an escort service. The actor, who debuts on Thursday, May 16, will play a role in helping find Cassandra Foster, Angie and Jesse Hubbard’s (Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams) daughter, who was recently kidnapped as part of a sex trafficking ring. The character will also interact with Dixie Martin (Cady McClain), who fans will recall Billy Clyde was trying to get to marry him before he plunged to his “death” more than 20 years ago.