Pamela Peters Solow, who originated the role of Peggy Brooks on “The Young and the Restless” in 1973, has died at age 75. The actress passed away on June 4, 2025, at her residence in North Hollywood, California, where she lived with her husband, Marty Levy.
News of Solow’s death was announced through a Facebook post by celebrity eyewear specialist Todd Hirsch, who described her as “one of the coolest damn ladies I have ever had the good fortune to know.” Hirsch met Solow and her husband in 2017 when he moved his office next to theirs in North Hollywood, and indicated that their friendship was instant.
Solow played the character of Peggy Brooks, the youngest of the Brooks sisters, on the long-running CBS soap opera from 1973 to 1977, then returned for additional runs from 1978 to 1981, and made a final guest appearance in 1984. Patricia Everly briefly took over the role during Solow’s absence.
In the show’s storyline, Peggy was the daughter of Jennifer Brooks, portrayed by Dorothy Green, and Stuart Brooks, played by Robert Colbert. Her sisters included Lorie, played by Jaime Lyn Bauer; Leslie, portrayed by Janice Lynde and later Victoria Mallory; and Chris Brooks, played by Trish Stewart. Eric Vanderway was her half-brother, making Eric’s son Theo her nephew.
Peggy’s character arc involved numerous dramatic storylines that highlighted social issues of the era. She was introduced as a college student who developed feelings for her married professor, Jack Curtis, portrayed by Anthony Herrera. The storyline explored themes of infidelity and complex relationships as Jack concealed his marriage to his overweight wife Joann Curtis.
The character faced significant trauma when she was raped by Ron Becker, played by Dick DeCoit, which led to psychological issues that affected her ability to maintain a normal relationship with Jack. This resulted in Peggy calling off their engagement despite Jack’s divorce from his wife.
In 1980, Peggy became involved with reporter Steven Williams, portrayed by David Winn, competing for his attention with Jill Foster, played by Jess Walton. Peggy and Steven joined forces to expose a dangerous cult, with Peggy going undercover and infiltrating the group at considerable personal risk. She nearly lost her life during this investigative storyline.
Beyond her work on “The Young and the Restless,” Solow appeared in numerous popular television series of the 1970s. Her credits included appearances on “Happy Days,” “The Partridge Family,” “Emergency!,” “Butch Cassidy,” “Medical Center,” “Room 222,” “The Sixth Sense,” and “Man from Atlantis.” She also appeared in various commercials throughout her career.
Solow’s final acting credit was in the 1990 film “Omega Cop.” Born on May 8, 1950, in New York, she launched her acting career in the early 1970s and quickly became a recognizable face on television. Her first role was playing Maria Tavormina on “Medical Centre” in 1970.
In addition to her acting career, Solow was also the creator of Chocolate Fortunes, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit beyond the entertainment industry. Both she and her husband Marty were involved in acting, with Marty having appeared in productions including “Back to the Future II,” “LA Law,” “Ally McBeal,” and “ER.”
Hirsch described Solow as his “second mom” in his tribute, noting their shared sense of humor and lack of filter. He expressed his hope to meet her again someday, indicating the profound impact she had on those who knew her personally.
Solow’s portrayal of Peggy Brooks was significant in representing one of the core families during “The Young and the Restless'” early years. The Brooks family was central to the show’s initial success, with storylines that addressed contemporary social issues through character-driven narratives that resonated with audiences of the era.
The actress is survived by her husband Marty Levy. Her death marks the loss of another original cast member from the golden era of daytime television, when “The Young and the Restless” first established itself as a dominant force in the soap opera landscape.
