Heartbreaking update! 17 “General Hospital” Actors Who Have Tragically Passed Away

For nearly six decades, the enduring drama of General Hospital has captivated audiences, chronicling the lives of Port Charles residents and amassing a dedicated fan following. Notably, the show has attracted notable figures from Hollywood, including Mark Hamill, Elizabeth Taylor, Ricky Martin, and Demi Moore, who have graced its episodes with their presence.

General Hospital holds the distinction of being the longest-running drama series produced in Hollywood and boasts a significant place in ABC television history as the longest-running entertainment program. With an impressive 14 wins, it also holds the record for the most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. Despite its longevity, the show has navigated changes in its cast over the years, with viewers experiencing the departure of beloved characters and actors.

John Berardino

John Berardino, a pivotal figure in the history of General Hospital, portrayed the iconic character of Dr. Steve Hardy from the show’s inception in 1963 until his retirement in 1996, marking an impressive three-decade tenure. Throughout his time on the soap opera, Berardino’s onscreen presence was marked by a notable shift from mainstream film and television to the serialized drama format.

While his focus was primarily on General Hospital, Berardino still made occasional appearances in primetime television movies and series during the 1970s and 1980s, often portraying medical professionals. Despite his success on the show, Berardino’s career milestones extended beyond acting accolades. He earned three Daytime Emmy Award nominations for his portrayal of Dr. Hardy, a testament to his enduring impact on daytime television. Following his retirement from acting in 1996 after over 4,000 appearances, Berardino’s legacy remained intertwined with both Hollywood and sports history, being one of the few actors on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to possess a World Series Championship ring. Berardino’s life was cut short by cancer at the age of 79 on May 19, 1996.

Stuart Damon

Dr. Stuart Damon was a familiar face to fans of General Hospital, where he portrayed the character of Alan Quartermaine. As a central figure in the fictional town of Port Charles, Alan’s presence was defined by his intricate relationships with other characters and his involvement in the ongoing conflicts within the esteemed Quartermaine family. Despite his privileged background, Alan faced personal struggles, including battles with addiction and tumultuous romantic entanglements.

Damon’s contributions to the entertainment industry extended beyond his role on General Hospital, earning him recognition with an Emmy Award in 1999. Internationally, he was also celebrated for his portrayal of Craig Sterling in the series The Champions. Damon passed away on June 29, 2021, at the age of 84, succumbing to kidney failure at the Motion Picture and Television Foundation retirement community in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles.

Peter Hansen

Lee Baldwin, a fixture in the fictional realm of Port Charles, made his debut on General Hospital in 1963, initially serving as an addiction counselor before ascending to positions of prominence such as town mayor and member of the hospital’s board of directors. Portrayed by actor Peter Hansen starting in 1965, Baldwin became a central figure on the show for nearly four decades until his departure in 2004.

Hansen’s portrayal earned him acclaim, including a Daytime Emmy Award in 1979. Prior to his acting career, Hansen served as a United States Marine Corps pilot during World War II, later transitioning to Hollywood, where he secured roles with Paramount Pictures in the 1950s. In the 1980s, Hansen expanded his repertoire with guest roles on popular television shows such as Cheers and The Golden Girls, along with supporting roles in films like The War of the Roses. Sadly, Hansen passed away at the age of 95 at his home in Tarzana, California, on April 9, 2017.

Shell Kepler

Shell Kepler brought the vibrant character of registered nurse Amy Vining to life on General Hospital, dedicating a significant portion of her life to portraying the spirited and mischievous younger sister of Laura Spencer, played by Genie Francis. Kepler’s portrayal of Amy resonated with audiences as she captured the character’s youthful energy and penchant for stirring up trouble with humor and charm.

Notably, Kepler’s talents extended beyond acting, as she ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a successful clothing line marketed through the former Home Shopping Club under the brand Lacy Afternoon. In a 1994 interview with the Associated Press, Kepler revealed the impressive sales figures of her collection, surpassing $20 million in sales that year alone. Kepler’s life was tragically cut short when she passed away at the age of 49 due to kidney failure in 2008.

John Reilly

John Reilly brought to life the character of Sean Donely, a captivating and mysterious presence woven into the fabric of Port Charles. Initially introduced as a suave and cunning agent of the WSB (World Security Bureau), Sean Donely’s enigmatic past added layers of intrigue to the show’s storyline. Throughout his time on General Hospital, Sean navigated a web of espionage plots, often finding himself in perilous situations while navigating the complexities of his relationships with other characters.

In addition to his role on General Hospital, Reilly had notable appearances on other television series, including a recurring role on the nighttime soap opera Dallas. He also took on the character of Alistair Crane on the NBC soap opera Passions. However, on January 9, 2021, tragedy struck when Reilly’s daughter Caitlin announced via Instagram that her father had passed away on the same day. Reilly’s death was attributed to a heart attack.