As we have seen in later years, Brenda seems to be struggling with mental health issues. Perhaps it all began in the mid 80's as evidenced by the change in her acting style and the on set issues.
Moving on to one of Y&R's most controversial stories of the 70's. Despite what's stated in the article, there was backlash and it was quickly wrapped up. Wonder where Bill Bell would have taken it, if it had continued?
May 1 1977
The Soap Report A ‘Restless’ Controversy by Jon Michel Reed
A day without a smidgen of sexual strife and sin in the soap opera world is like a day without sunshine. But Anita Bryant, who’s waging a war against homosexuals in Florida, would choke on her orange rinds if she knew what was going on in Genoa City on “The Young and The Restless.” There’s this alcoholic rich widow, Kay Chancellor, you see, who hired chubby waitress Joann Curtzynski to be her live-in companion. Joann was going through a lot of grief after being dumped and divorced by her husband. Jack, who married a slimmer young lady. The two lonely ladies overcame their sorrows together. Joann helped Kay lay off the booze. Kay encouraged Joann to lay off the calories. She also financed a beautifying program for the former fatty.
DURING THIS process of living and sharing together, Kay developed what they used to call an 'unhealthy” interest in her live-in companion. Kay’s eagle-eyed son Brock was the first to become aware and wary of the relationship. He warned Joann about becoming too dependent on Kay. “I’d never take advantage of your mother or her wealth,” said Joann, who missed the point. “We have something together that money can’t buy. She’s given me love and companionship.” Kay was not as oblivious as Joann when Brock accused her of “trying to be Jack’s replacement for Joann.” “She cares for me in a way she never could for ‘that* man,” answered Kay. “That man? Or any man?” retorted Brock. “Hasn’t it gone beyond friendship?”
IT CERTAINLY had, what with references to sharing sleeping quarters for loneliness’ sake, comforting embraces, longingly wistful stares and restrained holding - back - of - hands - upon - hair. Should “Y&R” audiences be prepared for explicit scenes that would make maidens blush? After all, this type of story has been done in graphic detail on “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.” But it’s not the stuff that daytime soap operas are made of. Although it’s implicit what’s going on in the Chancellor mansion, the “Y&R" folks insists they’re not telling “that” kind of story. Jeanne Cooper, who plays Kay, explains, “It’s a story of two people who are very lonely. They just happen to be women sharing the experience of healing their hurts. When people have been hurt, they tend to look for anything to fill the void. These are two vulnerable women who have a psychological attraction and dependency on each other. Kay is desperate to hold onto Joann as the only friend she’s ever had. And Jack is a threat to the end of that relationship.
"EVERYONE connected with the show has worked not to hit the audience with a heavy trip by implying sexual motives for the women’s actions. We’re not telling a homosexual story. We’re telling a tale of two people who need each other psychologically, not physically. Both of them would jump at a chance with a man, because they are not lesbians.
The response from the audience has been positive and encouraging. I receive letters from ministers and women who say it’s an inspirational story. They understand the situation, the needs and the loneliness. Any other suggestive implications are strictly in the eye of the beholder,” Jeanne concludes. ‘‘Y&R” is indeed unraveling an unprecedentedfor-daytime situation with tender cautious care. It’s so poignantly told and subtle that Anita Bryant would undoubtedly approve.
"STILL, AS Brock asked Kay, “Do you realize where this relationship could lead?”
By
Paul Raven ·
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