Los Angeles- In a heartbreaking loss for daytime television and legions of devoted fans around the world, Jess Walton — best known for her iconic role as Jill Foster Abbott on The Young and the Restless — has passed away at the age of 76. The Emmy-winning actress died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, her family confirmed in a statement earlier today.
Walton’s portrayal of Jill, one of the most dynamic and enduring characters in soap opera history, helped define The Young and the Restless for nearly four decades. Her performance, marked by fierce vulnerability, biting wit, and a signature elegance, became a cornerstone of the series — and an unforgettable part of television history.
“Jess wasn’t just a legend on our screens — she was family,” said executive producer Josh Griffith. “Her presence, both on and off camera, made our show what it is. There will never be another like her.”
Walton joined the CBS daytime drama in 1987, taking over the role of Jill, and quickly made it her own. Over the years, her character’s tumultuous relationships, battles for power, and moments of grace captivated millions and earned her a Daytime Emmy Award in 1991.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1949, Walton’s career spanned decades and included roles in both film and television. But it was her work on Y&R that etched her into the hearts of fans and colleagues alike.
Tributes from fellow cast members and soap opera alumni poured in across social media, many expressing not only sorrow but deep admiration for Walton’s warmth, generosity, and commanding talent.
“Jess was the soul of The Young and the Restless,” wrote longtime co-star Eric Braeden. “Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled.”
Walton’s death comes as a profound moment of reflection for daytime drama fans who have watched her navigate storylines that mirrored the complexities of real life with authenticity and emotional depth.
She is survived by her two children, grandchildren, and an enormous extended family of fans who loved her not just as Jill, but as Jess — a true original, a fighter, and a queen of daytime television.
Plans for a memorial episode on The Young and the Restless are already underway, with producers promising a tribute befitting the legacy she leaves behind.
As the curtain falls on a storied life and career, one thing remains certain: Jess Walton will never be forgotten. She was, and always will be, the heart of Genoa City.
