Joan Benedict, an esteemed actress known for her roles in General Hospital and The Incredible Hulk, has passed away at the age of 96. Her family confirmed that she died on June 24 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles due to complications from a stroke, leaving behind a rich legacy and a multitude of fans expressing their condolences.
Benedict led a remarkable life, both personally and professionally. She was married to John Myhers and, later, to Rod Steiger, and also shared a deep connection with Jeremy Slate. All three men, as she shared in an interview with Women Fitness, respected her acting career, and she cherished her memories with them, despite their tragic deaths from cancer.
The actress built an impressive career, starting with Candid Camera and The Steve Allen Show. She went on to grace numerous notable TV shows with her talent, including Fantasy Island, Days of Our Lives, and, of course, her recurring role as Edith Fairchild on General Hospital. Even in her later years, Benedict remained active in the industry, with projects like Dollhouse and Opus of an Angel.
Her passing comes as a sorrowful event, especially with the recent losses of other General Hospital stars, including Doug Sheehan and Johnny Wactor. Sheehan, who played Joe Kelly, passed away at 75, while Wactor, known for his role as Brando Corbin, was tragically killed at 37 in a senseless act of car-related violence.
The soap opera world, and indeed the entertainment industry as a whole, has experienced profound losses with the deaths of Benedict, Sheehan, and Wactor. Their contributions to General Hospital and other projects will forever be remembered, and they will be sorely missed by their fans, friends, and families.
“She lived an extraordinary life and left a lasting impression on the industry. May her soul rest in peace,” expressed one admirer, encapsulating the sentiments of many.
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