‘Days of Our Lives’ Actress Lynne Marta Dead at 78
Lynne Marta
Lynne Marta, an actress known for her roles in Footloose and Joe Kidd, along with a number of notable television appearances, has passed away. She was 78 years old.
The Days of Our Lives alum died at home in Los Angeles on Thursday, Jan. 11, her friend Chris Saint-Hilaire confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Her death followed a battle with cancer, though Saint-Hilaire did not specify what her diagnosis was.
Though it's been nearly two decades since Marta acted on camera, fans are sure to remember her from recurring roles on Starsky & Hutch, Barnaby Jones, Medical Center, The F.B.I, Charlie's Angels, and Love, American Style.
You may have also caught her in guest appearances on Cannon, Vega$, Dan August, and more.
Born on Oct. 30, 1945, in Somerville, New Jersey, Marta began her career with a syndicated teen dance program called The Lloyd Thaxton Show before landing her first gigs in 1966: an episode each of Gidget and The Monkees. Her final role was in an episode of American Dreams in 2004.
According to People, Marta had an open relationship with Starsky & Hutch star David Soul in the early '80s while the actor was married to actress Karen Carlson. Marta and Soul reportedly lived together throughout the duration of the series while spending time with other people.
In 1989, she served as a witness in the death of fellow actress Rebecca Schaeffer after she was shot by an obsessive fan a few apartments down from Marta.
At the murderer's trial, she recounted how the door and wall both shook with the gunshot, causing her to fall to the ground and crawl into the bedroom. After hearing Schaeffer screaming, she called 911.
Marta is survived by her sister, MJ, and her cat, Mr. Peaches.
