Sonya Eddy’sGeneral Hospitalcostars are keeping her memory alive.
Three months after the actress’s unexpected death, the soap opera’s cast will has paid tribute to her in a special episode airing Wednesday that will also commemoratethe show’s 60th anniversary. Ahead of the tribute episode, Eddy’s castmates alsoremembered their late friend and colleaguein a segment for ABC News.
“She was just — one word that I can think of isjoy,” saidMaurice Benard.
Kirsten Stormsshared, “Sonya — I’m getting emotional talking about it — was one of the most positive people, I think, that has ever worked in this building.”
Lynn Herring noted how “tough” it was to pinpoint a memory with Eddy that instantly made her smile because the late actress “was a spark of joy.”
“Sonya was such a beautiful soul,” added Herring, 64. “Her smile would light up everybody’s day. She never complained about being tired.”
Donnell Turner recalled, “She had a big spirit and a light around her. You knew when she was in the room, but I mean that in all the best ways.”
Michael Tullberg/Getty
“I know she was the head nurse ofGHbut she truly was that figure in all of our personal lives. It’s been really hard,” saidRebecca Herbst.
Finola Hughesadded, “She had such a mix of humor and strength and was ready to laugh at anything and gave the best hugs I’ve ever had.” And Storms, 38, echoed the sentiment: “I told her once she gave good hugs, and from that point on she hugged me every time she saw me.”
Eddy was best known for playing head nurse Epiphany Johnson onGeneral Hospital. Shediedin December 2022 at age 55 afterexperiencing complicationsfrom a non-emergency surgery.
Announcing the news of her death,Octavia Spencerwrote alongside a headshot of Eddy:“My friend @sonyaeddy passed away last night.”
“The world lost another creative angel,” the Oscar winner, 52, continued. “Her legions of @generalhospitalabc fans will miss her 💔🕊️”
Rick Rowell/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Frank Valentini, an executive producer forGeneral Hospital, also reacted to the upsetting news in a statement to PEOPLE. “I am heartbroken about the loss of the incredible Sonya Eddy. I truly loved her not only as an actress, but as a friend,” he said.
“The lights in the hub of the nurse’s station will now be a little dimmer, but her spirit and light will live on in both the show and our set,” he added. “On behalf of the entireGHcast and crew, we send our deepest sympathy to her family, friends, and fans. She will be very missed.”
General Hospitalhas tapped Eddy’s actress friendYvette Nicole Brownto appear in the special tribute episode.
Carol Kaelson/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
TheCommunityalum continued, “What I love about them letting Epiphany pass is that we’ll get to see the residents of Port Charles pay tribute to her as well as see these great actors pay tribute to Sonya. I would love the idea of Epiphany saving lives at Mercy Hospital as a doctor,butI think [whatGHis doing] is a perfect way of honoring her.”
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General Hospitalairsweekdays (check local listings).
source: people.com
