Pamela Peters Solow, who originated the role of Peggy Brooks on “The Young and the Restless,” passed away on June 4 at age 75. The actress died at her North Hollywood residence, where she lived with her husband, Marty Levy.
Celebrity eyewear specialist Todd Hirsch announced Solow’s death on Facebook, revealing he had received the news the previous evening. Hirsch described meeting Solow and her husband in 2017 when he moved his office next to theirs in North Hollywood, noting that their friendship was instant.
“Ugh… so gutted,” Hirsch wrote in his Facebook tribute to the actress. He characterized Solow as one of the coolest ladies he had ever known and referred to her as his “second mom” in the emotional post.
Solow began her portrayal of Peggy Brooks when “The Young and the Restless” premiered in 1973, appearing in the show’s second episode. The character was the youngest daughter of Jennifer Brooks, played by Dorothy Green, and Stuart Brooks, portrayed by Robert Colbert. Peggy was also the sister to Lorie, Leslie, and Chris Brooks, making her part of one of the soap opera’s founding families.
The actress played Peggy across multiple periods during her tenure on the CBS soap opera. Her initial run lasted from 1973 to 1977, followed by another stint from 1980 to 1981, and concluded with guest appearances in 1984. Patricia Everly briefly took over the role during Solow’s absence in the late 1970s.
Throughout her time on the series, Peggy’s storylines addressed significant social issues and personal challenges. The character became involved with a married professor named Jack Curtis, played by Anthony Herrera, while attending college. Peggy also worked alongside reporter Steven Williams, portrayed by David Winn, to expose a dangerous cult, nearly losing her life in the process. The character faced additional trauma when she was raped by Ron Becker, leading to psychological struggles that affected her relationship with Jack Curtis and ultimately resulted in their broken engagement.
Beyond her soap opera work, Solow made numerous appearances on popular 1970s television shows. Her credits included roles on “Happy Days,” “The Partridge Family,” “Emergency!,” “Medical Center,” “Room 222,” “The Sixth Sense,” “Butch Cassidy,” and “Man from Atlantis.” She also appeared in various commercials throughout her career.
Born on May 8, 1950, in New York, Solow launched her acting career in the early 1970s and quickly became a recognizable face on television. Her first credited role was as Maria Tavormina on “Medical Center” in 1970. Her final acting credit was in the 1990 science fiction film “Omega Cop,” which also featured Adam West.
In his Facebook tribute, Hirsch noted that both Solow and her husband were actors who also operated a business together. He described Levy as having appeared in various productions, including “Back to the Future Part II,” “L.A. Law,” “Ally McBeal,” and “ER.” Hirsch indicated that Solow had also created something called “Chocolate Fortunes,” though details about this venture were not elaborated upon in the sources.
The actress’ death comes as “The Young and the Restless’ continues its long-running success as one of daytime television’s most enduring programs. The show, which premiered in March 1973, has maintained its position as a cornerstone of CBS’ daytime lineup for over five decades.
Hirsch concluded his tribute by expressing hope that he would meet Solow again in whatever afterlife might exist, noting that any possible afterlife would be inadequate without the opportunity to continue their conversations. He sent healing thoughts to her husband Marty during this difficult time.
Solow’s contribution to “The Young and the Restless” during its formative years helped establish the show’s foundation and its focus on character-driven storylines that addressed real social issues. Her portrayal of Peggy Brooks represented the soap opera’s commitment to tackling difficult subjects while maintaining compelling dramatic narratives.
The actress is survived by her husband, Marty Levy, with whom she shared both a personal and professional partnership in North Hollywood. No cause of death was disclosed in the announcements of her passing.
