As we look back on 2024, we also remember those that we have lost.
Soap opera fans in particular have seen the death of some of the most prominent faces of the genre. Those losses include Days of Our Lives’ Bill Hayes — one of the show’s longest-running actors — who died in January, and the show’s Drake Hogestyn who died of pancreatic cancer in September. General Hospital also lost some beloved alumni, including Ron Hale, Robyn Bernard and Johnny Wactor.
Below, take a look back at some of the soap opera stars we’ve lost in 2024.
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Bill Hayes
One of Days of Our Lives‘ long-running cast members, Bill Hayes died on Jan. 13. He was 98.
Born William Foster Hayes III, the actor appeared in a staggering 2,147 episodes of the NBC hit soap.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes. One of the longest-running characters on Days of our Lives, Bill originated the role of ‘Doug Williams’ in 1970 and portrayed him continuously throughout his life,” a rep for the television series told PEOPLE at the time.
“He and his wife, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, remained the foundation of the Williams-Horton family spanning more than 50 years,” they added.
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Jennifer Leak
Jennifer Leak, known for her roles in The Young and the Restless and Another World as well as 1968’s Yours, Mine and Ours died on March 18 at her home in Jupiter, Fla., according to The East Hampton Star. She was 76.
The actress was diagnosed with the rare neurological disease progressive supranuclear palsy seven years before her death, the newspaper reported.
Following her death, her first husband Tim Matheson, 76, penned a tribute to her on Facebook.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Jennifer Leak’s passing. She wasn’t just my screen sister in ‘Yours, Mine and Ours,’ but also my beloved first wife,” he wrote.
“Jennifer was a remarkable woman, strong, lovely, and incredibly talented. My deepest condolences go out to her husband of 47 years, James D’Auria, and their multitude of friends.”
Leak was married to Matheson from 1968 and divorced in 1971. She would later meet and wed D’Auria in April 1977.
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Robyn Bernard
General Hospital actress Robyn Bernard was found dead in an “open field behind [a] business” in San Jacinto, California on March 13 at 4:08 a.m, according to a press release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. She was 64.
The cause and manner of her death was unknown, though a spokesperson for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office informed PEOPLE that foul play was not suspected.
Bernard began her Hollywood career with a role in 1981’s Diva. She went on to appear in 1983’s Whiz Kids and followed up with The Facts of Life in 1984.
She joined General Hospital the same year and immediately became a household name for her role as Terry Brock on the show. She appeared in 145 episodes before leaving the series in 1990.
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Meg Bennett
Award-winning soap opera actress and scriptwriter Meg Bennett died on April 11, according to her obituary, which was first published on April 21 in the Los Angeles Times. She was 75.
Throughout her career, Bennett lent her talents to various daytime series acting and writing forThe Young and the Restless, General Hospital, Santa Barbara, among others.
“Meg lost her battle with cancer,” the obituary read. “Until nearly the end she was devotedly working with children, writing and engaging with her far-flung family and friends.”
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Barbra Fuller
Barbra Fuller, star of radio soap opera One Man’s Family, died aged 102 on May 15.
Born in 1925 in Nahant, Massachusetts, Fuller lent her talents to One Man’s Family, The Red Menace, Flame of Youth, Alias the Champ, The Savage Horde, Lonely Heart and other notable works.
“Today my godmother, Barbra Fuller, passed away,” her stepson J.P. Sloan wrote on Facebook. “She was on the radio’s first Soap Opera, ‘One Man’s Family’ playing the role of Claudia for 14 years. She also starred in movies and television.”
“‘Aunt’ Barbra had a full life and would have turned 103 on July 29 this year. I was truly blessed to have had her for so long,” he added, “She will always be loved and truly missed.”
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Johnny Wactor
General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor was shot and killed on May 25, in Los Angeles, TMZ reported. He was 37.
His mother, Scarlett Wactor, told the outlet that Johnny and a colleague saw three men trying to steal a catalytic converter from his vehicle, and although he didn’t try to stop them, the actor was shot and subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead early Saturday morning.
“Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude,” his agent David Shaul told PEOPLE.
“In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be,” Shaul said. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”
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Joan Benedict
Renauld White, a trailblazing model and soap actor known for his work in Guiding Light, died on June 26. He was 80.
White’s longtime friend and fashion designer Jeffrey Banks announced the news on social media and confirmed to Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) that White died while under hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. A cause of death was not revealed.
“It is with tremendous sadness that I report that my dearest friend and work colleague, RENAULD WHITE, left us yesterday,” Banks wrote on Instagram on June 27. “Modeling for me from the very start of my career, RENAULD was always the perfect gentleman and a great ambassador for my brand. When first introduced to my Mother she claimed instantly that he was my ‘older brother.’ I only wished that was so.”
“I shall miss our talks and times together, but will always remember the barriers you broke in the fashion industry and the love you shared as a trusted friend,” Banks continued. “Good night sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
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Doug Sheehan
Another General Hospital alum, Doug Sheehan died “peacefully at his home on Saturday morning, June 29, 2024, with his loving wife at his side.” He was 75.
A California native, Sheehan first appeared on television in 1978 on Charlie’s Angels, but his breakout role came in 1979 when he got the part of Joe Kelly in General Hospital, which he portrayed until 1982.
He later appeared in Knots Landing, Day by Day, MacGyver, Diagnosis Murder, Columbo, Cheers and more. His last appearance in front of the camera came when he guest-starred in What I Like About You and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
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Esta TerBlanche
All My Children actress and former Miss Teen South Africa Esta TerBlanche died on July 21, her manager Annie Spoliansky confirmed to PEOPLE. She was 51.
“We are deeply saddened by this news,” Spoliansky said. “As for a personal statement, I’d like to say that Esta was such a kind, loving, giving, and caring person. She cared so deeply for all people and animals.”
“She had squirrels she fed and looked after daily, her two cats and recent kittens that she cared for as her own children. Esta was never anything but generous and lovely to me, and I’m grateful to have known her for the time that I did, and devastated to learn of her passing,” her statement concluded.
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Ron Hale
Ron Hale, who played the father of mobster Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital, died on Aug. 27, according to an obituary. He was 78.
“The entire General Hospital Family is saddened to hear of Ron Hale’s passing,” the show wrote in a statement. “We would like to extend our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time. He was an incredible actor and an unforgettable colleague. May he rest in peace.”
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Drake Hogestyn
Former Days of Our Lives and Dynasty actor Wayne Northrop died at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home on Nov. 29. He was 77.
Northrop was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s back in 2018, according to a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
“He took his last breath in the arms of his family,” Northrop’s wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, shared in the statement. “We wish to thank the most caring and amazing place, the Motion Picture and Television Home for taking such great care of him,” she continued.
“Wayne touched so many people with his sense of humor and wit. A husband for 43 years, the best dad ever to his two boys, Hank and Grady, and a rancher who loved his cows and was a friend to many.”
Source: People
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