The following article mentions suicide, addiction, and mental health struggles.
If you are a soap opera fan, chances are you are loyal to a fault.
It can be incredibly sad to see a favorite actor (and favorite character) leave the show.
Sadly, a number of those actors have died.
Jacklyn Zeman
Jacklyn Zeman was a force to be reckoned with.
Zeman’s portrayal of Bobbie Spencer earned her four Daytime Emmy nominations.
Bobbie entered into prostitution as a teen and got pregnant with a baby she eventually gave up for adoption.
But over time, she had managed to turn her life around through becoming a nurse at General Hospital.
Jacklyn Zeman diedat 70 years old from cancer on May 9, 2023.
“General Hospital” EP Frank Valentini took toXthat night to issue a statement.
Zeman left behind a legacy of outstanding work that fans will continue to enjoy for decades to come.
Eddy joined the cast of “General Hospital” in 2006 as the brutally honest but endearing nurse.
Eddy appeared in an impressive 543 episodes of the show over a period of 16 years.
Sadly, Eddy died at 55 years old after experiencing complications after a non-emergency surgery.
Prior to her sudden passing, Eddy was scheduled to go in for a pre-scheduled procedure.
Eddy was placed on life support and died shortly after.
Her dear friend and fellow actor Octavia Spencer announced the news of her death on herInstagram.
“My friend @sonyaeddy passed away last night,” Spencer wrote in her Instagram post.
“The world lost another creative angel.
Her legions of @generalhospitalabc fans will miss her.
My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, friends, and fans!”
Billy Miller
The devastating death of actor Billy Miller shattered the daytime television community.
Miller joined the cast in 2014, and was a present actor on the soap up until 2019.
On September 15, 2023, Miller died at 43 years old.
Tyler Christopher
Tyler Christopher was long an essential part of the “General Hospital family.
He brought the character of Nikolas Cassadine to life through heartfelt acting that tugged on viewers heartstrings.
Christopher was awarded a Daytime Emmy for best actor in 2016.
To many, Christopher embodied what it meant to be a legendary soap actor.
Leading up to his death, Christopher suffered from alcoholism and mental health struggles.
After news of his death broke, his colleagues took to social media to mourn the loss.
Through portraying Edward, Ingle was awarded Outstanding Scene Stealer at the Soap Opera Awards in 1999.
Edward Quatermaine as a character was ruthless and conniving with a sharp sense of humor.
He was a corporate billionaire in his role as a founder, chairman, and CEO of ELQ Enterprises.
Edward often pitted his grandsons against each other to prove worthiness in battle for control of the company.
Ingle died on September 16, 2012, from cancer.
“You will forever hold a special place in the deepest corners of our hearts.”
Williams joined “General Hospital” in 2002, and made her last appearance in 2014.
Williams died on July 20, 2021, from Wilson’s disease at 62 years old.
Anna Lee
Nobody represented the beating heart of “General Hospital” quite like Anna Lee.
Lee was cast as Lila in 1979, and her final appearance was in 2003.
She possessed kindness, wisdom, and most important, unconditional love for those around her.
Pickett died on July 30, 2021, on the set of his movie “Treasure Valley.”
According to filmmaker Jim Heffel, Pickett died while on a horse for a scene.
Pickett will forever be remembered for honorable work and contributions to “General Hospital.”
John Reilly
John Reilly was a respected professional in daytime television.
John Reilly passed away on January 9, 2021, from a heart attack.
His daughter Caitlin Reilly confirmed the sad news.
Shell Kepler
Shell Kepler takes us back to the golden days on “General Hospital.”
Kepler died on February 1, 2008, at 49 years old of renal failure.
“Shell was always generous with her time, energy, and creativity,” Zeman toldSoaps.com.
“In addition to her acting she was also an artist.
Shell was a good friend to me and to my daughters, Cassidy and Lacey.
Brown passed away on August 31, 2018 at 86 years old from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Her on-screen son Kin Shriner spoke toSoaps in Depthabout the impact she had in his life.
“She kind of shepherded me right through the whole thing.”
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available.
Visit theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration websiteor contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
On May 25, 2024, Wactor was fatally shot at 37.
The thief opened fire at him.
Wactor was brought to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“My heart is so utterly broken … Johnny was the absolute best.
Incredibly hard working and humble.
With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy,” she wrote.
“He always made sure everyone around him felt seen, heard and loved.
I admire the man he was so much and I’m a better person for having known him.
Benedict’s other TV roles include one-episode runs on “Dollhouse” and “The Incredible Hulk.”
Benedict is survived by a daughter from her first marriage and two granddaughters.
She was a schizophrenic.”
In 2014, Bernard traded her life in Hollywood for a trailer park home.
However, she later abruptly stopping acting and kept an extremely low profile.
Likewise, “The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed.”
One of the best I’ve ever had.
Suffice it to say thatLindstrom and Pryor’s friendshipstood the test of time.
But to his surprise, Doherty not only remembered him but was overjoyed to see an old friend.
His co-star, Billy Warlock, who played A.J.
My dear friend Ron Hale has passed away.
Ron was an amazing talent and an even better friend.
The soap opera star was married to Dood Hale until she passed away in 1989.
I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set,” he wrote.
PerDeadline, her declining health was the reason she had to leave the show.
Her final appearance, which took place in December 2023, saw Monica in a wheelchair.
