Soap Masterpieces November Throwbacks: Y&R Jeanne Cooper and Jess Walton’s Heart-Wrenching Final Scene

In 2013, “The Young and the Restless” lost a legend when Jeanne Cooper passed away at the age of 84. Before she died, she taped her final scene with Jess Walton, and the scene was a masterpiece. Katherine Chancellor was defending her choice in who will take over her company as her health was failing. Jill thought she was the perfect person to slip into the CEO role. They argued with class and came to an understanding.

Mrs. C told her, “What I want and need is two different things. What I need for Chancellor Industries is for someone to sit at the board that is a force. Oh, Jill, you are far too conservative to rule with an iron fist.” Jill understood what she meant; she is not cut-throat enough to make tough business decisions- which is why ultimately Victor [Eric Braeden] ended up owning her company.

Jill suggested that Mrs. C should go to bed as she looked fatigued. She didn’t argue that fact and proceeded to get up. She struggled to get to her feet and walk towards the stairs. It seemed like she was struggling to walk up the stairs as if each leg weighed a million pounds.

Jill asked her, “Katherine, would you like me to help you get up the stairs? I can help if you need me.” Mrs. C replied, “I think I can manage, but thank you. Goodnight for now.” It was a full circle and an emotional scene. Jill debuted as her maid in the 1980s, so the scene paid tribute to the beginning of their turbulent relationship. Mrs. Chancellor was a core character, and her loss is still felt after two years. Do you remember her last scene?