Jennifer Leak, known for her roles in multiple soap operas including The Young and the Restless, has died at 76.
The actress began her television career in 1971, featuring in Bright Promise and playing the character Elaine Bancroft.
Jennifer continued to appear in daytime dramas and also appeared in shows like Another World, Guiding Light and One Life to Live.
Jennifer's ex-husband Tim Matheson confirmed her death. On March 27, he wrote on Facebook: 'I am sad to say that Jennifer Leak has passed away. She wasn't just my co-star in Yours, Mine, and Ours, but also my dear first wife. Jennifer was an amazing woman, strong, lovely, and incredibly talented. My deepest sympathies go out to her husband of 47 years, James D'Auria, and their many friends.'
According to the obituary in the East Hampton Star, Jennifer died on March 18 at her home in Florida.
Husband James D'Auria, who Jennifer married in 1977, revealed in the post that his wife had a rare neurological disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
PSP is a brain disease that affects walking, balance, eye movements, and swallowing. Jennifer was diagnosed with the illness in her later years, and had been participating in research programs to help combat the condition.
In the obituary, Jamie wrote: 'Her courage and bravery fought in vain against the disease. She was a reserved and private person, never seeking attention or the need for an audience.
She kept those feelings and only showed them when on camera, and then she became vibrant.'
As per the obituary, Jennifer's ashes will be scattered in the graveyard of the church she attended as a child in Rumney, Wales.
Jennifer's final appearance was in a show called Loving, where she portrayed Doctor Hennessy for two episodes in 1992.
In The Guiding Light, she played the role of Blanche Bouvier in the 80s, while in The Young and the Restless, Jennifer played Gwen Sherman. From 1976-1979, Jennifer played Olive Randolph in the NBC soap Another World. Her death was confirmed by her ex-husband.
From 1976-1979, Jennifer played Olive Randolph in the NBC soap Another World.
