SOAP star Jennifer Leak has died aged 76 following a battle with a neurological disease.
The actress, who was born in Wales, starred in The Young and the Restless and Yours, Mine And Ours.
Her ex-husband and former co-star Tim Matheson confirmed the tragic news in a heartbreaking tribute.
The Virgin River star said: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Jennifer Leak’s passing.
“She wasn’t just my screen sister in ‘Yours, Mine and Ours’ but also my beloved first wife.
“Jennifer was a remarkable woman, strong, lovely, and incredibly talented. My deepest condolences go out to her husband of 47 years, James D’Auria and their multitude of friends.”
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The actress died at her home in Florida on March 18 following a battle with rare neurological disease, progressive supranuclear palsy.
The brain condition affects walking, balance, eye movements and swallowing.
Brave Jennifer had taken part in several research programs to fight the disease.
The actress was born in Cardiff but moved to LA to pursue an acting career.
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She made her on-screen debut as Lucille Ball’s daughter in the 1968 film, Yours, Mine and Ours.
The star went on to appear in Hawaii Five-0, Nero Wolfe and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
In 1971, she landed a role on soap Bright Promise before going to star in The Young and the Restless, Another World, Guiding Light and One Life to Live.
After divorcing The West Wing star Tim in 1971, she married James D’Auria six years later.
Jennifer retired from acting in 1992 and later worked as a sales agent for a real estate company.
