Jeanne Cooper Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Jeanne Cooper — A Life in Spotlight and Legacy Beyond the Screen

The story of Jeanne Cooper reads like a testament to endurance, talent, and quiet influence. Born Wilma Jeanne Cooper on October 25, 1928, in Taft, California, she would grow to become one of daytime television's most iconic figures. That birthdate anchors a remarkable arc — from early Hollywood to decades-long success on the small screen, culminating in a net worth and legacy that endure.

The Rise of a Character Actress Turned Soap-Opera Legend

Cooper’s early years were rooted in modest beginnings. Raised in California as the youngest of three children to Albert Troy Cooper and Sildeth Evelyn Moore, she spent her youth in rural areas such as Taft and Bakersfield.

Her professional ambitions surfaced early. After training at institutions including the famed Pasadena Playhouse, she began appearing in films in the 1950s. Her first credited role came in the 1953 western The Redhead from Wyoming, and over the decades she racked up dozens of film and television parts — from B-movie westerns to episodic guest roles in popular mid-century series.

But it was in 1973 that Cooper landed the role that would define her career: the formidable, elegant, and resilient businesswoman–socialite Katherine Chancellor on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. 

For nearly forty years she embodied Katherine — navigating storylines involving love, loss, addiction, wealth, and reinvention. Her performance resonated deeply with audiences, making Katherine Chancellor one of the most recognizable figures in daytime television history.

A Life Off-Screen: Family, Struggles and Strength

Cooper’s personal life included marriage to television producer Harry Bernsen Jr.. The couple remained together for 23 years before divorcing. After their split, they reportedly had limited contact.

Together they had three children — all of whom pursued acting: Corbin Bernsen (born September 7, 1954), Collin Bernsen (born March 30, 1958), and Caren Bernsen (born August 17, 1960).

While fame and accolades marked her public life, she also faced challenges. In her later years, Cooper suffered from chronic illness — a condition exacerbated, it is widely reported, by long-term smoking.

Financial Standing and Public Value

Estimates place Jeanne Cooper’s net worth at around US$8 million, a figure that reflects her decades of work in film and television, especially her long tenure on The Young and the Restless. 

Given the longevity of her career — spanning over half a century and comprising hundreds of appearances — that valuation underscores the sustained value she delivered to audiences and the entertainment industry alike.

Craft, Recognition and Enduring Presence

Beyond her longevity, Cooper drew critical acclaim. She earned multiple Emmy nominations over her career — both Primetime and Daytime — and in 2008 she won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress. In 2004, she received a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Her cultural imprint was cemented further with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — a tribute to a life spent shaping the fabric of American television. 

Equally notable was her off-screen persona. Though less publicized, she maintained a commitment to family, and — according to some sources — even explored ventures outside acting.

The Final Curtain — and a Lasting Legacy

Jeanne Cooper passed away on May 8, 2013, in Los Angeles, after a brief but serious illness. Her last scene, taped in March of that year, coincided with the 40th-anniversary celebration of The Young and the Restless. 

Yet her influence persists. Through reruns, fan memories, and the legacy of Katherine Chancellor, Cooper remains a touchstone of classic soap-opera glamour and resilience — a proof that commitment, versatility, and presence can outlast time.

Why Her Story Matters — Still

In an entertainment landscape often defined by fleeting fame, Jeanne Cooper’s journey stands out for its durability. She bridged Hollywood’s golden age, the rise of television, and the modern era of serialized storytelling. Her birthdate, October 25, 1928, marks the beginning of a life that would evolve alongside show business itself; her birthday once a personal milestone, today reminds fans and historians of how one actress helped shape the backbone of daytime TV.

Her net worth, relationships, and professional landmarks tell a broader story — one of constancy, reinvention, and impact. For anyone tracing the evolution of American television, or exploring the human stories behind the screens, Jeanne Cooper remains a figure worth remembering.