Y&R’s Plans For Katherine

We already reported that THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS is planning to air a special episode on Tuesday, May 28, to honor the late Jeanne Cooper (Katherine). The episode will feature cast members past and present sharing memories of the actress as well as clips of some classic Katherine moments from Y&R’s history. But what about Katherine’s fate?

In an interview with TV Guide, Y&R executive producer Jill Farren Phelps reveals that they will be writing Katherine’s death into the show, but as they work so far ahead, it won’t be reflected on-screen until after July. She also says that they couldn’t leave it open-ended as THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL did with Sally Spectra when Darlene Conley passed away. “We decided, for the sake of the audience and the characters, that it was important to have closure with Kay. And contrary to rumors, we never gave a thought to recasting the role — not for a minute!”