LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘The Young and the Restless’ star Brett Hadley has died at the age of 92. Hadley starred in the iconic show for over a decade, making his first appearance back in 1980 and featured in the show until 1990, when his character mysteriously disappeared.
Hadley is fondly remembered for his jovial and high-spirited nature and enjoyed guest roles on series like ‘Room 222’, ‘The FBI’, ‘Ironside’, ‘Lucas Tanner’, ‘The Waltons’, and ‘Kojak. Hadley is survived by his niece Diane.
How did Brett Hadley die?
Hadley returned to ‘The Young and the Restless’ in 1998 and made his final appearance on the show in 1999. The actor died of sepsis at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, his friend of 30 years, Darcy Lee, told The Hollywood Reporter. Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection and then eventually collapses. Hadley had other brief interests as well. When he was between acting jobs, Hadley enjoyed tending bar at the country music nightclub The Palomino in North Hollywood.
‘Will miss his flirty giggle and twinkling eyes’
Hadley was adored by the people around him. Photographer Mary Ann Halpin was a close friend of the TV star who was completely shaken by the death of her dear friend. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she wrote, "It is with a heavy heart that I have to say goodbye to my sweet friend Brett Hadley. We were in an acting class and were the bad kids in the class. We sat in the back and giggled. I remember us sitting in his coverable WV….I will miss his playful and deep conversation, his funny flirty giggle, and his twinkling eyes. He took his last bow and gracefully left us yesterday.”
Hadley’s co-star Beth Maitlan from ‘The Young and the Restless’ couldn’t help but praise his delightful nature to Soap Opera Digest. Maitlan said, “The passing of Brett Hadley is such sad news. He was a delight to work with and was an upbeat and happy presence in the halls and on the set. He was an old-fashioned guy. Always professional, but full of fun stories and laughs and was always happy to be on the stage. His memory speaks to a happy time when soaps were in their heyday and the actors were legendary and larger than life. Rest well, old friend. You will be missed."
