Marguerite Ray, who originated the role of Mamie Johnson on The Young and the Restless, has died. She was 89.
Marguerite Ray Passes Away
The Los Angeles Times published a death notice reporting the news of Ray’s passing. In addition to her role on YR, she also played Evelyn Lewis on Sanford and Son and Jane Matthews On Dynasty in 1989.
During her time in Genoa City, viewers learned that Mamie had helped raise the Abbott children — Jack (then, Terry Lester; now, Peter Bergman), Ashley (Eileen Davidson), and Traci (Beth Maitland) — after their mother, Dina (Marla Adams), walked out on the family.
Mamie wasn’t a fan of John (Jerry Douglas) marrying Jill (Jess Walton; previously, Deborah Adair and Brenda Dickson) and kept a watchful eye on her. Mamie helped John recover from a heart attack and was an anchor in the Abbott household.
The oldest of seven children, Ray was born on March 18, 1931, in New Orleans to parents Walter and Jeannette Ray. The actress was educated at Oakland Technical School and UC Berkeley, where she received a degree in Recreation and Theatre Arts.
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After a stint working with the U.S. Special Services in Germany from 1954-59, Ray returned to America and helped form the acting group known as The Aldridge Players-West. In 1969, she moved to L.A. and was cast in numerous productions on TV and on stage.
After leaving YR, Ray amassed additional credits including an appearance on The Flash and L.A. Firefighters. Her last credit was an episode of Men, Women, and Dogs in 2001.
Preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and a sister, Ray is survived by a sister Jacqueline (James) Jackson, a sister-in-law, Cynthia Ray, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, godchildren, and dear friends. In the comments on her death notice, a nephew, Kevin Peters, wrote: “My dear auntie will be sorely missed by so many relatives, friends, and acquaintances. She was one of the pillars of the family and a strong and independent woman. Love you, auntie. Kevin Peters.”
A celebration of life for Ray is on hold due to social-distancing concerns related to COVID-19. Soap Hub sends sincere condolences to Ray’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.
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