John Ingle, Edward Quartermaine On 'General Hospital,' Dies At 84

Actor John Ingle, a mainstay on "General Hospital" for nearly two decades, died this week after losing his battle with cancer. He was 84.

Ingle "died surrounded by his family in California on Sunday, September 16 after a courageous battle with cancer," according to a press release from ABC, which airs the soap opera.

Ingle is best known for his run on "General Hospital," where he portrayed patriarch Edward Quartermaine since. Ingle played the character since 1993, when he first joined the ABC soap opera.

"General Hospital" executive producer Jack Valenti said Ingle enjoyed the role he had for almost 20 years.

"John Ingle achieved great joy from playing the role of Edward Quartermine," Valenti said. "In our brief time working together, I have enjoyed getting to know a great man who embraced life, cherished what he did and, most of all, loved his family. He is already truly missed by the 'General Hospital' family."

"General Hospital" cast member Leslie Charleson remembered Ingle as a class act on the set of the soap.

"He was genuinely interested in people and everything that was going on... his dressing room door was always open, and many of us would find our way there to pick his brain and, in turn, he would lend an ear and offer his wisdom," Charleson said. "Always the professional, after his first [cancer] surgery he was worried about whether 'Edward' would wear a cap. I, for one, will miss that cap, because he wore it well. But above all I will miss him, and especially his wonderful smile."

Ingle's family paid tribute to him on Facebook.

"May you soar with the angels. You will forever hold a special place in the deepest corners of our hearts," posted Ingle's daughter, Jennifer Ingle Briguglio Bandy. "You were joy, light and love. Goodness at its very best. For the rest of our days, we will all do our best to continue to make you proud. Rest in peace and continue to spread your generous spirit in the heavens above."

Ingle once described his character as someone who "likes to think that he's taught everyone to be ruthless," but ABC noted that the actor displayed nurturing traits outside of the role.

The 84-year-old once taught drama at the famed Hollywood and Beverly Hills High schools, the network said. Among his students were successful actors Albert Brooks, Nicolas Cage, Richard Dreyfuss, Joanna Gleason, Barbara Hershey, Swoosie Kurtz, Stefanie Powers, David Schwimmer and Jonathan Silverman.

Aside from "General Hospital," Ingle also scored numerous movie roles. The actor appeared in "Batman and Robin," "Death Becomes Her," "Robocop II," "Heathers" and "Senseless."

On television, Ingle also had roles in "Days of Our Lives," "Beverly Hills, 90210," "Cheers," "Dallas," "Doogie Howser, M.D.," "Night Court."

Aside from Bandy, Ingle is also survived by daughters Jessica, Carey, Melanie and Chrissy, and nine grandchildren. His wife, actress Grace-Lynn Martin, preceded him in death, passing away in February of natural causes.