"The Young and the Restless" to memorialize soap star Jeanne Cooper
"The Young and the Restless" will broadcast a tribute to Jeanne Cooper, the veteran star of the daytime drama who died earlier this week, CBS announced Friday.
The special tribute episode is scheduled to air May 28.
CBS said cast members, friends and family of the actress will gather next week to tape a celebration of her life. Interviews with Cooper from the show's recent 40th anniversary and clips of her years on the show will also be included.
"Jeanne Cooper was a legend and we want to give her the tribute she deserves," said Angelica McDaniel, senior vice president, daytime CBS. "The cast will honor their longtime friend, family member and co-worker in the greatest way possible, as we celebrate her life and vibrant spirit and share it with the audience who loved her as much as we did."
Cooper, who died Wednesday at 84, played grande dame Katherine Chancellor. She joined the soap six months after its March 1973 debut, staking claim to the title of its longest-tenured cast member.
The role earned her 11 Daytime Emmy nominations and a trophy for best actress in a drama series in 2008.