Occupation: President of Merteuil Industries and Board Member of Sunset Studios

Parents: Charles and Ann Merteuil

Children: Sierra Merteuil (with Nathan Blackthorne)

Relationships: Nathan Blackthorne, Kenny DeWitt, Jordan Rydell, T.T. Levitt

Appearances: Seasons 1-Current; The Blackthornes (Seasons 1-6)

Who’d Play Her: Sheryl Lee Ralph

The Woman Behind the Secrets: Renee Merteuil remained one of Hollywood’s most elegant and influential businesswomen. As the head of Merteuil Industries, she built a cosmetics empire while maintaining close ties to the Blackthorne family and the entertainment world surrounding Sunset Studios. Sophisticated, direct, and fiercely loyal, Renee was often the friend others trusted for advice—even while carrying painful secrets of her own.

Renee was formerly married to Kenny DeWitt and spent years raising Sierra as her adopted daughter. In reality, Sierra was Renee’s biological child from an earlier relationship with legendary actor Nathan Blackthorne. Fearful of the scandal surrounding Nathan, Renee secretly gave birth in Europe and then adopted her own daughter, concealing the truth until a medical emergency finally exposed it.

Her relationship with Sierra became the emotional center of Renee’s life. She could be protective and controlling, particularly when she believed her daughter was being hurt by Malcolm Harris or endangered by Benji Rydell. Despite her efforts, Sierra was ultimately murdered by Benji after refusing to reconcile with him. Renee was present in the immediate aftermath and was devastated by the loss of the daughter around whom she had built much of her life.

Renee found support in T.T. Levitt, the longtime love she had first met during a Mediterranean cruise decades earlier. Their original romance ended when she discovered that he was engaged to another woman, but they eventually found their way back to one another. T.T. remained beside Renee through Sierra’s death and helped her begin moving forward when grief threatened to consume her.

Professionally, Renee remained connected to Sunset Studios and continued offering her experience and judgment when the Blackthornes faced major business decisions. She also maintained close friendships throughout Hollywood, including a longtime bond with actress Siobahn Saxton. During the season, Miranda turned to Renee for insight as she fought to keep Siobahn from leaving the Miranda Blackthorne Agency.

Renee also became concerned when her longtime friend Suzanne Rogers began seeing Mickey Donovan. Familiar with the danger surrounding the Bravetti family, she joined Heather, Brett, and James in warning Suzanne that Mickey’s charm could not erase the violence and criminal power behind him.

Renee has survived betrayal, corporate warfare, romantic disappointment, and the unbearable loss of her daughter without surrendering the poise that defines her. Beneath the designer clothes and commanding presence is a woman shaped by secrets she once believed were necessary to protect the people she loved. Now, with T.T. beside her, she continues rebuilding a life permanently changed by Sierra’s death.