How did Jennifer Leak die? 'The Young and the Restless' star struggled with progressive supranuclear palsy
JUPITER, FLORIDA: Jennifer Leak, the star of 'The Young and the Restless,' died on Monday, March 18 at her Florida residence. According to reports by East Hampton Star, she had been battling with the rare neurological disease progressive supranuclear palsy for the last seven years
The outlet further stated that Jennifer's brain tissue was donated to the Mayo Clinic for research purposes. She was 76. Additionally, it was reported that the ashes of the esteemed soap opera actress would find their final resting place in the graveyard of her childhood church in Rumney, Wales. Jennifer had a longstanding career in the entertainment industry, which began in Canada when she was just 17 years old.
Jennifer made an appearance in the Mike Nichols-directed pilot of the Canadian television series 'Wojeck'. Throughout her life, she was married twice. Her first marriage was to Tim Matheson in 1968, whom she met on the set of 'Yours, Mine and Ours'. The former couple parted ways in 1971. She later exchanged vows with James D’Auria in April 1977.
Jennifer's husband, James, recently reflected on the actress' health struggles and said, "Her courage and bravery tried in vain to fight the disease." She has been survived by her husband, James, and brother, Kenneth Leak.
Tim Matheson pays tribute to his 'beloved' ex-wife Jennifer Leak
'Virgin River' star Tim Matheson took to his social media and penned a touching tribute to his 'beloved' ex-wife Jennifer Leak. He shared a sweet throwback photo of the former couple and penned, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Jennifer Leak’s passing."
Tim continued, "She wasn’t just my screen sister in 'Yours, Mine and Ours,' but also my beloved first wife." He complimented Jennifer and called her, "a remarkable woman, strong, lovely, and incredibly talented." He concluded his tribute and wrote, "My deepest condolences go out to her husband of 47 years, James D’Auria, and their multitude of friends."
The former couple first crossed paths on the set of 'Yours, Mine and Ours'. Jennifer and Tim played step-siblings in the comedy film about a blended family of 18 children. Tim portrayed Mike Beardsley, the son of Henry Fonda's Frank.
Jennifer Leak lost role in 'The Graduation' amid immigration difficulties
Actress Jennifer Leak faced a setback in her career when she lost a significant role due to immigration complications. Born on September 28, 1947, in Cardiff, Wales, she spent her formative years moving between various cities. She was raised in Hertfordshire, England, before immigrating to Nova Scotia, Canada. Subsequently, the actress relocated to Jerusalem and later settled in Toronto.
While in Canada, Jennifer landed a significant role in Nichols' 'The Graduate'. However, she was unable to join the production due to immigration difficulties. Later, Jennifer moved to Los Angeles and took up residence at the Hollywood Studio Club, a dormitory catering to women. Within a few months, Jennifer landed another role as Lucille Ball's daughter in the 1968 film 'Yours, Mine and Ours'.
'The Young and the Restless' star Jennifer Leak worked as a sales agent
'The Young and the Restless' star Jennifer Leak retired from acting in the mid-1980s. Following her acting career, she transitioned to working as a sales agent with the Devlin McNiff real estate company for many years in East Hampton. Jennifer and her husband James D'Auria moved full-time to the Hamptons in 2001. Later, the couple relocated to Florida.