The Young And The Restless Alum Lynne Marta Dies At 78: Began Career In ‘Gidget’

The Young And The Restless alum Lynne Marta has died at age 78. And in addition to roles on Passions and Days Of Our Lives, Lynne starred in movies such as Footloose after beginning her career with “Gidget.”

Learn about Marta’s TV and movie roles. And keep reading to discover the actress’ open relationship with Starsky & Hutch star David Soul. 

Lynne Marta Dies At 78

A recurring role on Love, American Style turned Lynne Marta into a Hollywood star. And the actress also expanded her growing group of fans by starring in movies such as Footloose and Joe Kidd. But after struggling with cancer, Lynne died at the age of 78 in her home in Los Angeles, California, per the News Shield.

And this New Jersey native made a name for herself with a series of guest spots in TV shows. For instance, producer Aaron Spelling choose her for many of his series.

And Marta appeared in The Mod Squad, The Rookies, Starsky & Hutch, Charlie’s Angels, Vega$, and Matt Houston.

However, Lynne also found roles with Quinn Martin productions. And she appeared in The F.B.I., Dan August, Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, The Manhunter, and Caribe. But Marta started her acting career on Gidget and a syndicated teen dance program, The Lloyd Thaxton Show.

Lynne Marta Stars In ‘Love, American Style’

However, after starring in Gidget and The Monkees in 1966, Marta appeared in 18 episodes of the first season of the ABC anthology series Love, American Style. And the actress also received the opportunity to play the lead in a 1973 pilot for the ABC sci-fi series Genesis II. However, the show, with Gene Roddenberry as the writer, did not get picked up.

But the actress also appeared in numerous TV shows. For instance, Lynne starred in Then Came Bronson, Gunsmoke, Kojak, Medical Center, Marcus Welby, M.D., The Rockford Files, Knight Rider, Designing Women, and Law & Order.

But Marta didn’t neglect the opportunity to star in the soap opera world. And she appeared on Passions, The Young and the Restless, and Days of Our Lives. Her film roles included Red Sky at Morning (1971), Help Me … I’m Possessed (1974), Blood Beach (1980), and Three Men and a Little Lady (1990).

However, Marta’s role in John Sturges’ Joe Kid provided a stand-out opportunity. And the actress played the companion of a wealthy landowner (Robert Duvall). Lynne then took on the role of Lulu Warnicker, the aunt of Kevin Bacon’s Ren, in the Herbert Ross-directed Footloose, per the Hollywood Reporter.

And in her personal life, Marta became involved in an open relationship with Starsky & Hutch star David Soul amid the actor’s marriage to actress Karen Carlson. Soul and Marta cohabited but continued relationships with others. Lynne is survived by her sister, MJ, and her cat, Mr. Peaches.

Tell us what you think. Do you remember Lynne Marta in any roles? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more Days Of Our Lives news.