Pamela Peters Solow, who originated the role of Peggy Brooks on The Young and the Restless, passed away on June 4 at age 75. The actress resided with her husband, Marty Levy, in North Hollywood at the time of her death.
The news of Solow’s passing was announced through a Facebook post by celebrity eyewear specialist Todd Hirsch, who described her as one of the coolest people he had ever known. Hirsch met Solow and her husband in 2017 when he moved his office next to theirs in North Hollywood, and he indicated that their friendship was instant.
Solow began her portrayal of Peggy Brooks on the CBS soap opera in 1973, making her one of the show’s original cast members. She first appeared in the second episode of the series, which aired on March 27, 1973. Solow played the character during multiple runs throughout her time on the show, including 1973 to 1977, 1980 to 1981, and again in 1984.
In the show’s storyline, Peggy Brooks was the youngest daughter of Jennifer Brooks and Stuart Brooks, and sister to Lorie, Leslie, and Chris Brooks. The character was known for facing numerous challenges and dramatic storylines that highlighted various social issues. Peggy’s storylines included difficult situations such as becoming involved with a married professor named Jack Curtis, nearly losing her life while attempting to expose a cult, and being the victim of sexual assault.
Beyond her work on “The Young and the Restless,” Solow appeared in numerous television shows throughout the 1970s. Her television credits included appearances on popular series such as “Happy Days,” “The Partridge Family,” “Emergency!,” and “Butch Cassidy.” She also worked extensively in commercials during her career.
Hirsch, in his tribute post, noted that Solow had a sense of humor similar to his own and described her as his “second mom.” He expressed that both Solow and her husband were actors who maintained their own business alongside their entertainment careers. Hirsch wrote, “I hope we meet again someday.”
Solow was born on May 8, 1950, in New York City. She launched her acting career in the early 1970s and quickly became a recognizable face on television. Her film work included a role in “Omega Cop” in 1990, though she was primarily known for her television appearances.
Patricia Everly later took over the role of Peggy Brooks, replacing Solow on December 14, 1978. However, Solow returned to reprise her original role on April 25, 1980, and continued until September 9, 1981. She made final guest appearances as the character on April 12 and 13, 1984.
The Brooks family was considered one of the core founding families of “The Young and the Restless,” representing the show’s original vision and character-driven storylines. Solow’s portrayal of Peggy Brooks contributed to the soap opera’s early success and helped establish the program’s reputation for addressing social issues through dramatic storytelling.
In addition to her entertainment career, Solow was also noted as the creator of Chocolate Fortunes. Her husband, Marty Levy, also worked in the entertainment industry with credits including “Back to the Future II,” “LA Law,” “Ally McBeal,” and “ER.”
Solow’s death represents another loss for the daytime television community in 2025. Her contribution to “The Young and the Restless” during its formative years helped establish the show’s foundation and contributed to its eventual success as one of television’s longest-running soap operas.
The actress is remembered by colleagues and friends for her professional work and personal warmth. Her portrayal of Peggy Brooks remains part of the show’s historical record, representing the early era of the soap opera that began more than 50 years ago.
Solow’s career spanned multiple decades in television, with her work on “The Young and the Restless” serving as her most significant and memorable role. Her performances helped shape the character of Peggy Brooks and contributed to the show’s exploration of complex social themes through dramatic storytelling.