Meg Bennett, born as Helen Bennett on October 4, 1948, was an American television writer, actress, and model. Her remarkable career spanned both in front of and behind the camera, leaving an indelible mark on the soap opera world.
Early Life and Transformation
- Meg grew up in Pasadena, California, the eldest daughter of a printing company executive and a psychologist.
- She majored in drama at Northwestern University, where she acted in summer stock during college breaks and even graced the pages of Life magazine as a model.
From Model to Soap Opera Star
- Meg’s journey took an unexpected turn when she became the “Cadillac Eldorado convertible girl” at a New York auto show in 1971.
- This experience prompted her move to Manhattan, where she appeared on game shows and became an original cast member of the Broadway production Grease.
Search for Tomorrow and The Young and the Restless
- Meg played the role of the good girl Liza on the daytime soap opera Search for Tomorrow for three years.
- In 1980, she joined The Young and the Restless as Julia Newman, a role she portrayed on-and-off for six years.
Double Duty: Writer and Actress
- Impressing the show’s creator, Bill Bell, with her on-set skills, Meg began writing for The Young and the Restless in 1981.
- Her dual role as writer and actress earned her an Emmy award with the writing staff for General Hospital in 1995.
Legacy and Personal Life
- Meg’s writing duties eventually took precedence over her acting career.
- She married Robert Guza Jr., another soap opera writer, and together they contributed to the world of daytime drama.
Remembering Meg Bennett
- On April 11, 2024, Meg Bennett passed away at the age of 75.
- Her impact on the soap opera genre remains a testament to her talent and dedication.
In summary, Meg Bennett’s multifaceted journey—from model to soap opera star to acclaimed writer—reflects the resilience and creativity that define the world of daytime television.