Darlene Conley

Darlene Conley

Darlene Conley Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 17, 2007.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Darlene Conley, a veteran stage and television actress who entertained daytime audiences for nearly two decades as the feisty fashion mogul Sally Spectra on "The Bold and the Beautiful," has died. She was 72.

Conley died Sunday of stomach cancer at her Los Angeles home surrounded by family and friends, Eva Demirjian, a publicist for the CBS serial drama, said Monday.

She was diagnosed with cancer about three months ago, and the show's producers were deciding how to portray the fate of her character, Demirjian said.

"She constantly entertained us with every move, every breath, every inflection of her voice. Whether she was the villain, the damsel, the sexpot or the comedienne, Darlene was brilliant," said Bradley P. Bell, the show's executive producer.

She started on the long-running soap in December 1988, playing the flamboyant, red-haired chief of Spectra Creations and rival to Forrester Fashions. Her portrayal of Spectra earned her two Daytime Emmy nominations for best supporting actress and six Soap Opera Digest awards.

Daytime television "is really the best medium today for women of a certain age to do something really flashy; it's where what we do well as actresses matters," Conley once said.

The Chicago native began her acting career at 15 when she was cast in the touring production of the Broadway hit "The Heiress."

After graduating from high school, she appeared in several stage productions, including "Cyrano de Bergerac," "The Baker's Wife" and "Night of the Iguana."

She later found work in front of the camera, making small appearances in the movies "The Birds" and "Valley of the Dolls" and such television shows as "Murder, She Wrote," "Cagney & Lacey" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

She landed meatier roles, however, on daytime television in the late 1970s, playing a range of characters on "Days of Our Lives," "General Hospital" and "The Young and Restless."

Conley, who was divorced twice, is survived by her son, Raymond Woodson, and sisters Carol Fontana and Sharon Mylan.

Funeral arrangements were pending.

Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press

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June 28, 2022

Mariama Bah posted to the memorial.

June 3, 2021

Cindy Motzny posted to the memorial.

February 8, 2021

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1129 Entries

Mariama Bah

June 28, 2022

"I loved Darlene Conley's role as "Sally Spectra" in the "Bold and Beautiful." She will always be missed. I always think of her when I watch the "Bold and Beautiful." She was a wonderful, inspirational, feisty actress!!!
RIP Sally!
Sheilah, a big fan! " as mentioned by (Sheilah Byrne (Earle)2020.

Cindy Motzny

June 3, 2021

She was one of the best rivalries on the bone beautiful against the foresters!!!
Truly miss her to this day playing the Sally spectra roll!

February 8, 2021

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY

Sheilah Byrne (Earle)

September 14, 2020

I loved Darlene Conley's role as "Sally Spectra" in the "Bold and Beautiful." She will always be missed. I always think of her when I watch the "Bold and Beautiful." She was a wonderful, inspirational, feisty actress!!!
RIP Sally!
Sheilah, a big fan!

Briana Brown

August 3, 2020

I loved her character on bold and beautiful she was a feisty but good. Rest-In-Peace Darlene Conley! My condolence and prayers to the family, friends and fans.

Jan Dobrosielski

June 1, 2020

I loved seeing her today on the Bold and Beautiful. She was such a good actress. She had so much spunk. We lost a great person. Rest in peace Darlene and Sally. ❤

Dameris

June 1, 2020

I loved your character on The Bold and the Beautiful. Watching the episode that aired today, really brought back memories of me watching the show with my mother. Rest in Peace.

Deborah Lee

June 1, 2020

BIG FAN OF DARLENE SHE WAS A WONDERFUL ACTRESS.

Rose-Marie Pepin

May 28, 2020

We're going to miss you. Loved you on the Bold and Beautiful. RIP

Janice Azar

May 27, 2020

She was a very talented actress. Gone too soon but never forgotten. She was good seeing her with Stephanie.

Essie Brown

May 25, 2020

she was a great actress.I miss her on the Bold and the beautiful.Rest in peace

Angie Edwards

May 19, 2020

I always enjoyed watching u play on the young& the restless and The bold& the beautiful. U were very good actress. U will be missed. May u rest in peace.

May 18, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful...woman who made the Bold and Beautiful a good show. RIP Active Military Retiree who watch the show wherever I was station......

Erik Gustafson

May 18, 2020

May you rest in peace

May 15, 2020

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's...

Carole Cottrell

May 11, 2020

Saw you today on B&B fashion week rerun. So much fun to see you again. Wish you were still with us. Miss Sally so much.
RIP.

Donna E Hollar

May 11, 2020

Remembering:
Missing this very talented actress! I loved her many different roles in daytime TV. I was sorry to hear of her passing; even though its been some years back. I am now, just finding the guest book to sign.
Loved you Darlene and what you brought to the TV screen. RIP. 5/11/2020
DEH

Olivia l Perez

May 4, 2020

Darlene you were super on the show loved watching you very sorry to hear you passed RIP you will be very missed

Dorotjy Osborne

May 1, 2020

Followed her on the Bold and the beautiful

Mary

May 1, 2020

What a character ! The role of Sally Spectra must have been written just for you and there will certainly never be a replacement actor! You brought so many laughs to this wonderful long running show and are sorely missed... amazing talent. Gone but never forgotten.

Anne Moller

April 29, 2020

Was just thinking about you today .... sad to hear of your passing ... love The Bold and the Beautiful .... you are very missed. Rest in Peace Darlene

Collette Sychantha

April 25, 2020

Darlene was Extremely talented. I've seen her in several different Soaps But loved her best as feisty Red head Sally. She brought so much excitement to the #Bold & the beautiful the show hasn't been the same without her. I was really happy they brought her niece Sally to keep her legacy going. I wish they had had reached out & did a phone call or cameo one last time . Love her for everything she brought to the fans a true treasure. We will miss you. Rest in peace. prayers to her family at this very sad time.

A devoted fan of the Bold & Beautiful

April 24, 2020

She played Sally Spectra beautifully and I enjoyed her acting. God bless her and her family.

Karen Mckenzie

April 10, 2020

she was a great Actress

Bibi Prasad

April 7, 2020

RIP I really enjoyed her acting. God Bless

Dena Haynes-Green

April 1, 2020

I loved you on The Young and the Restless, who stole Ninas' baby., and I just couldn't, get enough of you as Sally Spectra. You were a breath of fresh air. Gone, but never will you ever be
forgotten. Rest in peace.

Catherine Gray

March 29, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Enjoyed watching you as Sally. RIP

Linda Oleary

March 23, 2020

R.I.P. .I really enjoyed watching you as Sally ..

cyndi motts

March 19, 2020

She was such a vibrant character on many of the soap operas appeared on. She is truly missed especially on Bold & Beautiful. I just love when this series still remembers her and occasionally mentions her name. Lovely Lady!

Aneesah Rasheed

March 19, 2020

Great actress, gone to soon, I enjoyed seeing her play the role of Sally Spectra on the Bold and the beautiful

Renetta Cooper

March 13, 2020

God bless you Sally.

Renee Braithwaite

March 6, 2020

We all loved Darlene Conley (AKA...Sally Spectra). She knew how to entertain and was a beautiful person inside and out. RIP!!

March 1, 2020

I would like to offer my respects to the family and friends of Darlene Conley she was a beautiful actress and entertainer may she be blessed by the God of tender mercies

Crystal martin

February 18, 2020

R .I.P. We all loved you

Margaret

February 18, 2020

May she rest in peace.I loved her in all the movie's she played in.and I loved her in bold and the beautiful.she Wil be greatly missed.

Elizabeth Westlake

February 17, 2020

"Aka"Sally Spectra was a beautiful,gorgeous, wonderful,lovely person inside & out ! She will be remembered & missed!

Elizabeth Westlake

February 17, 2020

Sally was a beautiful,gorgeous,wonderful,lovely person inside & out ! She will be remembered & missed !

Nancy Stadler

February 17, 2020

You will be miss you was a wonderful actress. My condolences to the family. RIP Darlene.

Mary Jorgensen

February 17, 2020

You were such a great actress.I loved when you played Sally on The Bold and the Beautiful. You were missed before when you left the show but more now that the Angels took you up to heaven. God bless you and your family and friends. Your fan Mary J.

Kimberly Malbreaux

February 17, 2020

So for your loss she was a great actress my condolences to the family

Terri Jackson

February 17, 2020

She was an amazing person and actress I loved watching her on the bold and the beautiful.

Debbie Pittman

November 4, 2019

You will be miss you was a wonderful actress Debbie Pittman a Fan

Alice Henderson

October 31, 2019

You were great at what you did, capturing your audiences attention with ease...Now your light has no bounds, it will shine forever seen all around! RIP

Geraldine Hartfield

October 31, 2019

Rest in Peace Darlene Conley, AKA Sally Spectra

Angela Warner

October 31, 2019

You will forever be remembered. Never ever forgotten. Now go ahead and get your reward Darlene. RiP.

Angela Warner

October 31, 2019

I like to Simply say it in songs. Two souls come to memory. Thanks for the memories
And smile. Rest in peace Sally Spectra.

Janelle Noble

June 5, 2019

Thank you

Becky Manchion

May 24, 2019

So sad to here of are lost. You were one hot fesity mom. RIP Sally

Deborah Grant

April 26, 2019

RIP, Sally. Your class and sass will always be remembered

Gloria Moore

April 11, 2019

RIP Sally

Jacqueline Hooper

April 10, 2019

Darlene was an amazing talent. I really miss her on the show. God bless her in heaven.

Debra Fields

March 30, 2019

She was great!

Lisa Herbst

January 6, 2019

Ur. The best my fave bbbeautiful star

Martha Barona

January 2, 2019

I am so sadden to hear of you passing. I will miss you.

Addie Rouse

January 2, 2019

Miss u Sally. RIH

Barbra Dickman

October 10, 2018

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Sirpa Bister

September 6, 2018

Darlene will be forever in my heart as a role model of a wonderfully awesome woman with big W. I know you are in peace wherever you are. Miss you

Irene Reese

July 23, 2018

Miss her much R.I.P Darlene Conley, (Sally).

Irene Reese

July 23, 2018

Irene Reese born Columbus Ohio, lives in Lee Co FL n ft Myers, miss her so much on BB as Sally she was fantastic.

Brenda Davis

May 28, 2018

RIP Sally

May 28, 2018

So Sad will miss you very much RI P

Kathi Cardenas

May 13, 2018

Even after all this time, all these years, people are still missing and grieving the Queen of daytime, the last of the red hot mamas on the beloved shows we grew up with. I'll bet you're still brightening the set of your new Perpetual Home. Shine on, lovely lady

Rose Foley

May 12, 2018

You were the best Mustang Sally. RIP

Barbra Dickman

March 7, 2018

I will miss you sally you were the reason I watched bab love u will remember you always

Anne summons

February 9, 2018

I've been watching her for years she was an awesome actress. She was very feisty on B&B as a fashion mogul. You are solely missed loved your character salley spectra. Continue to R.I.P.

Debra Webb

January 26, 2018

I didn't know she had past but I always liked her she keeped everything lively for sure she is missed.

Harry Simpson

January 15, 2018

Godspeed Darlene, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Arrabella Jordan

November 22, 2017

Sleep in peace Darlene (Sally Spectra ), We love you, and miss you on the B&B.

November 22, 2017

You were the best as Sally Spectra! A force to be reckoned with. I'll always remember your encounters with Stephanie (Susan Flannery) on B&B. I can't believe it's been over 10 years since we lost you. Keep entertaining them in heaven until we meet one fine day. May God Bless You and keep you in his loving arms. We miss you!!!

October 18, 2017

The Bold and Beautiful have come up with the young Sally Spectra and her group of designers. Darlene and Sal are also young adults. It is good to see you as one of the best actress's come back alive as your niece was named after you on the Bold&Beautiful. Darlene you were the best when it came to acting. You are greatly missed. RIP my dear . May God continue to shine his light upon you and give you HIS PEACE! Robin ONeil, Louisville, KY

Frankie Greer

July 14, 2017

I was a big fan of darlene conily she was a very good actress I love the show she was a very comedic on the show and I really enjoyed I can't believe it's been 10 years now but I still miss seeing but now we have Patrica darbo as her sister Shirley and she is very good for the part so may God bless Darlene conily I know she is watching bold and the beautiful in heaven God bless her and her family

Frankie Greer

July 14, 2017

I love darleane so very much she so very funny on the show now we have Patrick's Darbo now playing her sister Sherrie she good in that roil keeping darlean alive in our harts we miss you darlean aka sally

Darlene Quinn

July 6, 2017

I enjoyed your character so much! You brought spunk to the show!! Rest in peace Darlene. Darlene rose quinn

NANCY

May 4, 2017

I hope you are lighting up the heavens as you lit up the world during your earthly life.

Renetta Cooper

May 3, 2017

Rip Sally you are missed

C H

May 1, 2017

Hope you're dancing in Heaven, Sally!!!

Rachel Ramsey

April 28, 2017

I just learned of Darlene Conley's passing.She was a wonderful actress.Prayers for her family.RIP

April 25, 2017

she brought "spunk" to the show



ssproat(CA)

Tara Cureton

April 13, 2017

She was a GREAT actress...

April 6, 2017

she kept the BB HOPPING

Eric Kirk

March 24, 2017

Hard to believe it's been more than 10 years since Darlene Conley passed away. How she, along with other B&B stars have given the daytime show some really great years... as B&B helped make Darlene Conley a star, and she helped make the show the success that it is. Thanks for the memories.

debra cobb

March 21, 2017

I loved her she was the best

diane burns

March 1, 2017

Darlene was a wonderful actress as Sally on the Bold and the Beautiful. She will be sorely missed by all of her fans.-Diane Burns Raleigh,Nc

February 20, 2017

We miss you from South Africa

February 10, 2017

Rest in paradise

Pam Robinson

February 3, 2017

Grew up watching Bold and Beautiful. Sally Spectra gave the show a lot of fire. May she take her rest and prayers go out to her family. We have truly lost an Amazing Actress. She will always be remembered.

Theresa Tenaglia

February 2, 2017

I have been watching The Bold and The Beautiful since 1987. They are all part of my T V family. When I see flash backs of Darlene playing Sally I melt. She was such a big part of the show. God Bless you Darlene Rest In Peace with God and the Angels.

Miss you Sally!

Marilyn

February 2, 2017

RIP Darlene, You were a great actress. I enjoyed every moment of you playing Sally Spectra. You will truly be missed.

Birdie Jimenez

February 2, 2017

A great actress. Truly missed .

Donna Bentley

February 1, 2017

Wow my heart is so saddened,she was a true amazing actress never missed a. Show I pray for peace,love,happiness and comfort for family she will be so missed by so many love and hugs..

Erica Fletcher

February 1, 2017

I miss u being on the b&b.rest in peace Darlene....

February 1, 2017

Loved sally!!!!!!!you are missed! S. From fisherville, kentucky.

Annette Baccili

January 31, 2017

I love the B&B because they NEVER forget their own even when they're no longer on the show! I am so grateful they now have your name sake in a young Sally Spectra!! You will ALWAYS be dear in our hearts, the incredible memories of so many years will never leave us Ms. Conley. My sincere condolences to the family, I pray that you will take comfort in knowing how much this incredible woman was loved! God bless you and I will love you always Mustang Sally!

January 27, 2017

You played Sally back when soaps were great and you were one of the biggest reasons why they were.

Trish Fitzgerald

January 26, 2017

It's been ten years since she transitioned. Hard to believe still that she won't suddenly appear on the Bold and the Beautiful one more time. I still miss her character and I pray "Sally Spectra" is flying around Heaven with a huge pair of wings, red hair blowing. Rest peacefully Ms. Conley. You are missed.

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June 28, 2022

Mariama Bah posted to the memorial.

June 3, 2021

Cindy Motzny posted to the memorial.

February 8, 2021

Someone posted to the memorial.