- Jeanne Cooper was a constant figure on “The Young and Restless” for years, making her a fan favorite.
- She had a highly publicized close friendship with Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale.
- Despite her fame, she kept her off-screen life private, where she got married and became a mom of three. She lived life to the fullest until the end, making the most out of her time with her children.
Fans know Jeanne Cooper from her years-long stint on “The Young and Restless” and for her longtime friendship with fellow Hollywood greats Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale. However, not a lot of people know about her difficult early life and her family outside the spotlight.
Cooper had humble beginnings before going on to become a Hollywood actress. Her parents, Albert Troy Cooper and Sildeth Evelyn Moore, both of European and Cherokee Indian descent, met in Oklahoma, where many men were in the oil industry.
Jeanne Cooper on “The Redhead from Wyoming,” circa 1952 | Source: Getty Images
She had a proud and regal maternal grandmother who wanted to ensure her grandchildren were raised in a great, open-minded, peaceful place. She insisted all the Moores and Coopers move to Taft, Oklahoma, where the men of the family worked in the oil business like many of their peers.
Cooper once noted that her grandmother’s idea was great on paper—it was ideal. In reality, however, it was a tough journey for many of them, often times, scary and sometimes even life-threatening.
As she was young then, Cooper didn’t understand much of what was going on. She constantly relied on her mother for comfort and assurance, especially during times when she underwent hardships.
Actress Jeanne Cooper and actress Melody Thomas Scott at CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” 38th Anniversary cake cutting on March 24, 2011 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Sildeth Evelyn Moore was your typical Western American woman—she was reliable, nurturing, and firm when needed. She raised her children well while ensuring their household was running smoothly. Most of the time, it was just her and her children at home while her husband worked long hours.
Cooper was certain she and her siblings were loved. They never felt neglected, and it was thanks to her “fearless, unequivocal hero,” her mother.
At one point in Cooper’s young life, she felt the need to confide in her mother after feeling violated by her own uncle. Her mother held her, dried her tears, and said she would handle it. That, she did.
Jeanne Cooper accepting the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series award during the 35th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards held at the Kodak Theatre on June 20, 2008 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
After finding out what her uncle had done to her, her mother rushed their relatives out the door and made sure they never came back. Cooper never knew what happened to her uncle after that, but she surely wished karma caught him quickly.
Cooper remembered her mother with so much love, gratitude, and respect. She passed away from uterine cancer while Cooper was in high school, and she was left at home with her father after her older siblings got married and moved away.
One morning, Cooper walked into the kitchen and saw her dad crying alone. She wished her dad knew that he could have talked to her, but because they were never close, they didn’t talk about it.
Knowing there was more to life than what she had in Oklahoma, Cooper, at the age of 24, started her acting career as a contract player at Universal Studios. It was there that she worked her way up the ranks until she landed her most iconic role as Katherine Chancellor on “The Young and Restless.”
Jeanne Cooper in the press room of the 35th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at the Kodak Theatre on June 20, 2008 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
She Once Claimed She Wouldn’t Get Married
At one point in her career, Cooper pursued theater. She met a man named Owen Chain, whom she described as smart, exciting, and talented. He quickly became one of her constants, so much so that they got engaged.
Cooper claimed Chain came from an influential family, and he proved that to be true after they met. He got her admitted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, a tempting offer that she ultimately rejected. She didn’t want to leave Stockton, a town she had grown to love. Her career and social life were thriving there, and it would be a shame to leave it all behind.
Jeanne Cooper and Corbin Bernsen during the 32nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City | Source: Getty Images
After two months, she realized being engaged to Chain was something she agreed to hastily. She didn’t want to tie herself down to Chain—or to anyone else for that matter.
Time would tell Cooper that sometimes, things just don’t go according to plan. Although she initially said she would never settle down with anyone, she married Harry Bernsen in 1954 and stayed with him until they divorced in 1977, a couple of years into “The Young and Restless.”
Their marriage did not end well, and when Bernsen passed away in 2008, Cooper revealed they were not on speaking terms, nor did they see one another to co-parent their children.
Corbin Bernsen, Caren Bernsen, and Collin Bernsen posing with their mother, actress Jeanne Cooper, at the screening of “Rust” at Raleigh Studios on December 9, 2010 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Instead, their rare moments together often involved weddings and birthday parties, all for the sake of their children. Even then, they rarely spoke a word to each other, as they just weren’t friends.
Although Cooper seemed to have kept it together, she actually struggled with alcohol addiction at one point in her career. She was also a heavy smoker, using these vices to get her through the day’s work.
Collin Bernsen (L) posing with his mother, Jeanne Cooper, at the screening of “Rust” at Raleigh Studios on December 9, 2010 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Eventually, she decided she no longer wanted to live that way. She quit alcohol and stayed sober for her children and grandchildren. Even David Cassidy acknowledged her decision, saying:
“I like Jeanne Cooper of ‘Young & Restless’ because she proved people can have a life without being drunk all the time, and it isn’t always the kid’s fault.”
Collin Bernsen (L) posing with his mother, Jeanne Cooper, at the screening of “Rust” at Raleigh Studios on December 9, 2010 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Her son, Corbin Bernsen, once credited her for all she’s done, claiming she was “a blaze her entire life.” Cooper was his ultimate support system, and even in adulthood, he would run to her regardless of whether he was happy or fearful.
Corbin also looked back at his mom’s wisdom, saying she always had the best advice and would listen with an open heart. He shared how his mother had this magical healing presence and how just her touch would make him feel better.
Jeanne Cooper during the 45th Monte Carlo Television Festival —”The Young and the Restless” Photocall at Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco | Source: Getty Images
Now that he’s unable to see his mother, he tries to seek her in the most unlikely places. He went to the beach one day and had a deep conversation with her.
“Was it her? Was it God? Was it my imagination?” Corbin wondered. He never knew the answer to his questions, but he sure had a great time having a conversation with his mother. The beach had always reminded him of her, as she used to take them there as children.
Jeanne Cooper and Corbin Bernsen during the 32nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards arrivals at Radio City Music Hall in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Her Dreams Came True in Her Older Years
Cooper’s decision to shape up came with the realization that she had three children to raise without any help from her then-estranged husband. She was on vacation in Hawaii with her kids when she got a call for a role on “The Young and the Restless.”
At that moment, she realized she had never watched a soap opera. However, she knew she needed the money, so she gave it a try.
Jeanne Cooper and Corbin Bernsen during “CBS at 75” at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Cooper played Katherine Chancellor on the show for almost forty years. In her own words, she described her character as “wealthy, powerful, alcoholic, and adulterous.”
Meanwhile, after what had transpired in her marriage, Cooper never married again. However, that didn’t stop her from finding love again, this time through her TV son, Beau Kazer.
Jeanne Cooper and her granddaughter Sarah Wilson at the “The Young and the Restless” celebration for actress Jeanne Cooper’s 30th year anniversary on the show at CBS Television City on January 28, 2004 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Despite him being 21 years younger than Cooper, their relationship worked. He made the first move on her, and they had dinner one night until it blossomed into something more.
Cooper described Kazer as a kind, grounded, and simple man. He was someone she enjoyed having conversations with, as he was poetic.
Their relationship came to an end after Cooper realized the age gap was too much for her. However, she had no regrets about it and always spoke kindly about her ex-boyfriend.
Corbin Bersen and his mother Jeanne Cooper at the “The Young and the Restless” celebration for actress Jeanne Cooper’s 30th year anniversary on the show at CBS Television City on January 28, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
During the actress’ final years, her son revealed that she was battling an unnamed illness. There were glimmers of hope for her family at the time, hoping she would be well enough to play Katherine Chancellor a little bit longer.
However, it seemed even Cooper knew that wasn’t going to happen. Her final episode was like one last goodbye from the actress, and it aired only four days before her passing on May 8, 2013.
Corbin Bernsen and his mother, Jeanne Cooper, at the “The Young and the Restless” celebration for actress Jeanne Cooper’s 30th year anniversary on the show at CBS Television City on January 28, 2004 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Her son decided not to engrain the final episode in his mind. Instead, he chose to remember the best moments of his mother—one of which was when she won an Emmy, looking so proud and happy.
When Cooper died at the age of 84, she was asleep. Her daughter was by her side to ensure she wasn’t alone until the very end.
Her son Corbin made sure to honor her in a fitting way after her death by appearing on “The Young and the Restless.” He reprised his role as Father Todd Williams, who presided over Katherine Chancellor’s funeral.
Cooper’s loved ones are comforted knowing she lived life with no regrets. She poured most of her heart and soul into “The Young and the Restless” without neglecting her role as a mother and grandmother.
In fact, she took to heart her role so much that her fans meant a lot to her. It was their support and their love through the years that made her happy and, according to her son, kept her away from “the darker side of her soul.”
She was Survived by Her Big Family
Cooper was survived by her three children, Corbin, Caren, and Collin, and their children. Cooper had always encouraged them to follow their dreams growing up, even if that meant joining the entertainment industry.
Most of the time, Hollywood actors discourage their kids from being in the business. For Cooper, she didn’t think it was a bad idea.
Her son Corbin recalls one of the very first lessons his mom taught him—that it was wise to have empathy for his characters, regardless of who they were. During that time, she touched a doorknob and began crying. “We get to be this, we get this life. We get this incredible thing, and all it gets to be is a doorknob!” she told him.
Corbin, Collin, and Caren did end up pursuing acting careers like their mother. Not much is known publicly about Collin and Caren’s private life, but Corbin’s life has been an open book.
He married actress Amanda Pays in 1988 in a unique ceremony where she wore blue. At the time, she had very recently been divorced and was five months pregnant.
Both Collin and Carren were in attendance, supporting their brother on his special day. Collin was the best man, who noted that Corbin wanted the day to be “really special” for Amanda.
Corbin and Amanda share four children together—Oliver, Henry, Angus, and Finley. He was previously married to a woman named Brenda but waited for the right person to have children with.
Cooper has four more grandchildren, but due to their private natures, not much is known about them. They’ve chosen lives away from the spotlight., unlike their iconic grandmother who remains a well-loved figure around the world.
