THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS Actress Marguerite Ray Dead at 89

Veteran actress Marguerite Ray has died on Nov. 18 at the age of 89. Best known to soap fans as the original Mamie Johnson on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, she had an extensive career in film and television throughout her long life.

Born in New Orleans, Ray attended UC Berkeley in 1953 with a degree in Recreation and Theatre Arts. After graduation, she began working in the Bay Area, then moved to Europe to serve as recreation and entertainment director with the U.S. Special Services in Germany. Returning to the U.S. in 1965, she helped form the acting group, The Aldridge Players-West, performing in San Francisco.

in 1969, Ray moved to Los Angeles where she began appearing in television series like BEWITCHED, THE BILL COSBY SHOW, IRONSIDE, THE ODD COUPLE, GOOD TIMES, and SANFORD AND SON. In 1980, she starred as Evelyn Lewis on the spinoff sitcom SANFORD. Ray joined the cast of Y&R back in 1980 as the original Mamie Johnson, a role later taken over by Veronica Redd. And in 1989, the actress appeared in some episodes of primetime sudser DYNASTY as Jane Matthews. Her last role was in a 2001 episode of the WB sitcom MEN, WOMEN & DOGS.

Over the course of her life, Ray also served on the boards of several advocacy groups, notably the Kwanza Foundation, Jenesse Center, and The Actor’s Fund. Our thoughts are with Ray’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.