Actress, producer, and prolific writer Ellen Weston passed away on May 28, 2026, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to reports. She was 87. Soap fans may remember Weston for her role as Suzanne Thurston on The Young and the Restless.
Key Takeaways
- Ellen Weston passed away on May 28, 2026, at the age of 87.
- She played Suzanne Thurston on The Young and the Restless.
- Weston also appeared on Guiding Light and Another World.
- She later became an accomplished television writer and producer.
- Weston served as head writer of Guiding Light in 2003.
Ellen Weston on The Young and the Restless
During the late 1970s, Weston made a distinct mark on daytime television.
From 1978 to 1980, she portrayed Suzanne Thurston, the elegant but troubled ex-wife of dynamic con man Derek Thurston, played by Joe DiSazio.
Her storyline placed her at the center of major Genoa City drama, particularly alongside the early schemes of Jill Abbott, who eventually married Derek during that same era.
A Multi-Faceted Career
Beyond her memorable run on The Young and the Restless, Weston built an impressive career that stretched across acting, writing, producing, and even music.
Before focusing on writing, she was a familiar face on primetime television throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Her notable television roles included Dr. Steele, a recurring CONTROL scientist on Get Smart, and Betty Harrelson, the wife of “Hondo” Harrelson, on S.W.A.T.
Before joining The Young and the Restless, Weston also appeared in daytime television as Robin Fletcher on Guiding Light (1963–1964) and Karen Gregory on Another World.
She also made guest appearances on several classic television series, including Bewitched, Wonder Woman, Bonanza, The Bob Newhart Show, and Kolchak: The Night Stalker.
From Actress to Accomplished Writer
Weston eventually transitioned behind the camera and became a successful television writer and producer.
She wrote and produced several television movies, including Lies Before Kisses, See Jane Run, The Disappearance of Vonnie, and As the Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story.
In 2003, executive producer John Conboy hired Weston as head writer of Guiding Light, where she guided the soap through several major umbrella storylines.
Her Love of Music
Weston’s creative talents extended beyond television.
During the 1970s, she worked closely with pop icon Lesley Gore. Together, they co-wrote seven songs for Gore’s 1972 MoWest debut album Someplace Else Now.
Weston later wrote every song for Gore’s critically acclaimed 1976 album Love Me By Name, which was produced by Quincy Jones.
From graduating from New York’s Performing Arts High School to working in the writers’ rooms of major network soap operas, Weston built a remarkable career both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Soap Opera News extends its heartfelt condolences to Ellen Weston’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios.
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