Gone But Not Forgotten: General Hospital Stars Who Have Passed Away
Long before Grey’s Anatomy, General Hospital was the leading medical drama on television. After 60 years on the air, the fictional town of Port Charles has seen its fair share of real-life losses. Here, we remember some of the beloved GH stars who have passed away but will never be forgotten.
Lindsey Pearlman (1978-2022)
Lindsey Pearlman played Barista Margaret on General Hospital in 2020. Though she only appeared in a couple of episodes, her scenes were intense, including a dramatic shootout. Beyond GH, Pearlman had roles in Empire, Chicago Justice, and a parody short Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
In February 2022, she was reported missing and was later found deceased by suicide at age 43. Her husband, Vance Smith, shared his heartbreak on Instagram, writing, “She’s gone. I’m broken.” GH executive Frank Valentini praised Pearlman’s work, while fellow actress Danielle Pinck described her as “hilarious, goofy, stunning, and ridiculously gifted.”
John Ingle (1928-2012)
John Ingle portrayed the formidable Edward Quartermaine for nearly 20 years. A veteran actor, he once joked that his roles followed a predictable pattern: “I’ve either married someone, buried them, fired them, judged them, or lectured them.”
Engle died of cancer in September 2012 at age 84. His final GH episode aired just days before his passing. In a tribute, ABC honored his last scene, where Edward Quartermaine simply said, “I love you too,” with a thumbs up and a smile.
Jay Pickett (1961-2021)
Jay Pickett initially played Lorenzo Alcazar before landing the role of Detective David Harper in 2007. He was heavily involved in storylines concerning the Corinthos and Zakara crime families. Beyond GH, he appeared in Days of Our Lives, Dexter, and several westerns.
In 2021, Pickett tragically passed away from a heart attack while filming Treasure Valley. His co-star Jim Heffel remembered him as a “true cowboy,” noting that he died doing what he loved—sitting on a horse, ready to rope a steer.
Shell Kepler (1958-2008)
For 23 years, Shell Kepler played Nurse Amy Vining, known for her gossip and 1980s hairspray chic. In addition to acting, she launched a successful clothing line that earned $20 million in 1994.
Kepler passed away from kidney failure in 2008 at age 49. Her co-stars remembered her generous spirit, with Jacqueline Zeman recalling how Kepler loved making personalized gifts for friends and family.
Philip Baker Hall (1931-2022)
Philip Baker Hall appeared on GH in 1983 as Judge Simpson, officiating the wedding of Lila and Edward Quartermaine. Best known for his roles in Seinfeld, Boogie Nights, and Magnolia, Hall had a prolific career.
He passed away in June 2022 at age 90 due to complications from emphysema. Seinfeld’s official X account paid tribute, remembering him as “the great Philip Baker Hall.”
Bergen Williams (1959-2021)
Bergen Williams played housekeeper Alice Gunderson, who often found herself wrapped up in Quartermaine drama. Diagnosed with Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic disorder, she left GH in 2014 due to health complications.
Williams passed away in 2021 at age 62. Her co-stars remembered her radiant energy, with Kimberly McCullough calling her “an incredible force to be reckoned with.”
Susan Brown (1932-2018)
Susan Brown portrayed psychiatrist Dr. Gail Baldwin, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1979. She continued to appear on GH sporadically until 2004, with her character being written out in 2019.
Brown passed away in 2018 at age 86 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Her longtime co-star Kin Shriner described her as one of his “besties” both on and off screen.
Stuart Damon (1937-2021)
Stuart Damon played Dr. Alan Quartermaine for over three decades. Despite portraying a wealthy and often arrogant doctor, Damon was known for his humor offscreen.
He won a Daytime Emmy in 1999, fulfilling his dream of playing a character beloved by audiences. Damon passed away in 2021 at age 84 due to kidney failure.
Peter Hansen (1921-2017)
Peter Hansen portrayed lawyer-turned-mayor Lee Baldwin from 1965 to 2004. In addition to GH, he had over 100 credits, including roles in Branded and The War of the Roses.
Hansen passed away in 2017 at age 95. His legacy as an integral part of GH was honored in a heartfelt tribute from the show’s official account.
Barbara Tarbuck (1942-2016)
Barbara Tarbuck played Jane Jacks from 1996 to 2010. A prolific actress, she also worked on Nip/Tuck, Glee, and American Horror Story: Asylum.
Tarbuck tragically passed away in 2016 at age 74 from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare neurological disorder. GH honored her memory with a touching tribute.
John Reilly (1934-2021)
John Reilly played the devilish Sean Donnelly, a key figure in many of GH’s most dramatic storylines. Outside of GH, he starred in Dallas, Sunset Beach, and Beverly Hills 90210.
Reilly passed away in 2021 at age 86. His daughter, comedian Caitlin Reilly, mourned him as “the greatest man alive.” GH honored him with an on-air tribute.
Anna Lee (1913-2004)
Anna Lee portrayed the beloved matriarch Lila Quartermaine. Paralyzed in a car accident, she continued acting from a wheelchair, advocating for disabled performers.
Lee passed away in 2004 at age 91. Her firing from GH the previous year caused controversy, as she claimed she had been promised a lifetime contract.
Gerald Anthony (1951-2004)
Gerald Anthony played Marco Dane, a character that crossed over from One Life to Live. A Daytime Emmy winner, Anthony was known for his charm and intensity.
In 2004, he tragically died by suicide at age 52. His co-stars remembered him as an incredibly dedicated actor with an electric presence.
Norma Connolly (1927-1998)
Norma Connolly played Ruby Anderson, a former sex worker turned diner owner. A strong advocate for AIDS awareness, she worked tirelessly to support those affected by the disease.
Connolly passed away in 1998 at age 71 after suffering a stroke. Her character was written out of GH peacefully off-screen.
Lucille Wall (1898-1986)
An OG GH star, Lucille Wall played head nurse Lucille March Weeks from 1963 to 1976. Her iconic radio career made her instantly recognizable to longtime fans.
Wall passed away in 1986 at age 88. Though she left no survivors, her legacy in television history remains strong.
Jacklyn Zeman (1953-2023)
Jacklyn Zeman played Nurse Bobbie Spencer for 45 years, making her one of GH’s most enduring figures.
She passed away in 2023 at age 70 after a battle with cancer. Her GH family mourned her loss, with producer Frank Valentini calling her “a bright light and true professional.”
Though they are no longer with us, these stars left behind legacies that will live on in the hearts of General Hospital fans forever.
