Young & Restless’ Eric Braeden Pays a Heartfelt Tribute to His Late Leading Lady, a ‘Beautiful Woman’ With an ‘Infectious Smile’
Young & Restless’ Eric Braeden Pays a Heartfelt Tribute to His Late Leading Lady, a ‘Beautiful Woman’ With an ‘Infectious Smile’
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Over the years, The Young and the Restless’ Victor Newman has married and remarried a number of times. But neither has he forgotten starter spouse Julia, nor has his portrayer forgotten the radiant actress who brought her to life. Upon hearing the sad news that she has died (read her obituary here), Eric Braeden took to X to share a lovely tribute to his former co-star.
“My first ‘wife’ Julia, played by my friend Meg Bennett, has passed away!” the Emmy winner tweeted. “She succumbed to the ravages of cancer! I had not seen much of Meg in the last years, except at my 40th anniversary!
“She was such a bright and gentle lady!” he continued. “I remember she taught me about the history of soaps and the actors in it!” (You’ll recall that early on in his epic run on The Young and the Restless, Braeden wasn’t exactly a happy camper; read why here.)
Bennett did a beautiful job of portraying both Julia’s love for Victor and the pain that she suffered owing to his mercurial nature. (One day, he’d be jealous, the next, altogether indifferent.) But Bennett was more than just a great actress. “She was very bright and [the show’s late co-creator] Bill Bell had her write for him!” Braeden noted. She went on to write for several soaps and won an Emmy for her work at General Hospital.
What’s more, Bennett “was a pleasure to be around and have conversations with; always very informed!” Braeden said. “I remember her infectious smile and gentleness! She was a beautiful woman! May you rest in peace, dear Meg!”
