The Young and the Restless
Jeanne Cooper as Katherine Chancellor
Mon, 06/01/2009 - 12:34pm — SOAPnetDotCom
Taft, California
October 25
The youngest of three children, Jeanne (nee Wilma Jeanne Cooper) is of Cherokee descent; her parents were actually born on a reservation in Oklahoma. Her 23-year marriage to TV producer Harry Bernsen produced three kids: daughter Caren and sons Collin and Corbin, both of whom are actors. Even though they divorced in 1977, Jeanne and Harry are still good friends. These days, she lavishes affection on her two cats (Sassie and Spookie) and eight grandkids.
After graduating from the College of the Pacific in Stockton, California, Jeanne made her acting debut in a 1953 western ("The Redhead From Wyoming," starring Maureen O'Hara). She's worked steadily in films and TV ever since. In a classic case of life imitating art, she portrayed the reel-life mother of her real-life son, Corbin Bernsen, on two 1987 episodes of "L.A. Law."
Having played Katherine Chancellor on "The Young and the Restless" since 1973, Jeanne was honored with a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. She got her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993.
Footage of Jeanne's actual facelift was incorporated into an episode of "The Young and the Restless" -- back in 1984! Take that, "Nip/Tuck"!
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Comments (13)
What has happened to Jeanne Cooper of the Young and Restless?
Jeanne Cooper is such a great actress, we are lucky to have her, an actress of such quality is hard to find and you see it with every performance she gives us. I love to watch her and am happy to have her on every day. You keep me tuning in! Love You Jeanne!!
Katherine Chancelor! No words can express what a wonderful character she has played for so many years now. I remember her from back in 1975. I was 14 and the show would not be the same wthout her. We love you Jeanne Cooper!
Jeanne/Katherine is the Queen of Queens. A great actress who brings class and dignity to Y& R. The writer's really used their brains for a change. Bringing Murphy to Katherine was right on time. Many more years of success foryou and great entertainment for us.
I love you, and I hope the people who produce the show realize how important you are to the Y.R. You really make the show worth watching. I'm glad that Katerine and Murphy stay together, they make make a great pair.
I Love Jeannee Cooper! She is the Heart of the show! I love that she has a husband and is so much a part of the show. She makes me want to tune in. Love You Jeannee.
Alot of people think that Victor IS the show but I think that you are. You are an I-con. I've been watching the show since '77. My older sister used to watch it and she used to babysit me so....Anyway, I hope that you continue the show for many years. When you leave, I just might too!
Kathryn you know, Victor's got your back, hang in there your company's coming back. Then give Tucker the butt kicking his crying for!
I don't know who wrote that your parents were born on a reservation in Oklahoma, but they need to get their facts straight. There are NO reservations in Oklahoma.
Hang in there Victor will get the company back for you
Hi Jeanne , I have been watching your show since it began and I just wanted to tell you that I love and respect you sooo much ! You are the Queen of this show! It's great to see your smiling face each day!
I was just wondering, do you ever read these comments? I hope so !
You're the greatest:)
I love Ms. Chancellor & Mr. Murphy. Wonderful couple!
I hope you don't die dealing with your crazy ass family.