Ellen Weston, the accomplished actress, writer and producer whose career spanned Broadway, television, daytime soap operas and music, has passed away at the age of 87.
Weston died on May 28 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to her longtime friend, producer and manager Susan Zachary.
A familiar face on daytime television, Weston portrayed Robin Fletcher on The Guiding Light (1963–64), Carol Pearson and Karen Gregory on Another World (1964–65), and Suzanne Thurston on The Young and the Restless (1978–80). She later transitioned behind the scenes, writing for Capitol before returning to The Guiding Light in 2003 as co-head writer under executive producer John Conboy. Her work earned her a Writers Guild of America Award.
Born Ellen Rachel Weinstein in New York on April 19, 1939, Weston was the daughter of educators. She studied at the High School of Performing Arts, Hofstra University, New York University and Hunter College before making her Broadway debut in 1960 as an understudy in Toys in the Attic. She later appeared in productions of A Far Country and Mary, Mary.
Weston also enjoyed a successful television acting career, appearing in numerous popular series. She played Dr. Steele, a glamorous CONTROL chemist, on Get Smart during its third season and had a recurring role as Betty Harrelson, the wife of Lt. “Hondo” Harrelson, on the first season of S.W.A.T. Her extensive television credits also included Bonanza, Bewitched, Mannix, The Bob Newhart Show, Wonder Woman, Cannon, Baretta, and Barnaby Jones, among many others.
Beyond acting, Weston was a gifted lyricist. She collaborated with singer Lesley Gore, co-writing seven songs for Gore’s 1972 comeback album Someplace Else Now and writing all the lyrics for the 1975 album Love Me by Name, produced by Quincy Jones. Together, Weston and Gore created around 60 original songs.
Later in life, Weston attended law school and worked in CBS’ business affairs department before launching a successful career writing and producing television movies, including the 1999 ABC film And the Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story.
Weston was married to recording engineer Ami Hadani and composer Marvin Laird. Both marriages ended in divorce. She is survived by her son, sound designer Jon Weston.
Friends remembered her as a woman of extraordinary talent and intelligence, describing her as someone equally gifted in the arts and the law. They praised her unwavering loyalty, compassion and wisdom, calling her a trusted confidante and fierce advocate. Even in her later years, Weston remained active, embracing new hobbies and continuing to dance and take classes, including pottery just weeks before her passing.
Ellen Weston leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a performer, writer, producer and creative force whose contributions touched television, theater and music for more than six decades.