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Darlene Conley Obituary
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
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
How you can show support
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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