Sonya Eddy Dead At 55: 'General Hospital' Co-Stars, Octavia Spencer And More Pay Tribute
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KEY POINTS
- ABC confirmed that "General Hospital" star Sonya Eddy passed away Monday
- Eddy had played the role of head nurse Epiphany Johnson in the soap opera since 2006
- Eddy's friend Octavia Spencer, "General Hospital" co-stars and more paid tribute to her on social media
The "General Hospital" family just lost one of its members.
ABC confirmed to Page Six in a statement via email that Sonya Eddy passed away. She was 55.
"'General Hospital' is sad to confirm the passing of actress Sonya Eddy, who embodied her character ... the tough but compassionate, head nurse, Epiphany Johnson ... and immediately became a fan favorite and beloved member of our 'GH' family when she joined the show in 2006," the statement read.
Executive producer Frank Valentini told the outlet that he is "heartbroken about the loss of the incredible Sonya Eddy" because he loved her as a friend.
"The lights in the hub of the nurses' 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 entire 'GH' cast and crew, we send our deepest sympathy to her family, friends, and fans. She will be very missed."
Octavia Spencer also announced via Instagram the sad news that her friend passed away Monday.
"My friend @sonyaeddy passed away last night. The world lost another creative angel. Her legions of @generalhospitalabc fans will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, friends, and fans!" she wrote Tuesday alongside a photo of Eddy.
There were no details provided regarding the cause of death.
Other celebrities also paid tribute to Eddy on social media, including her "General Hospital" co-stars Kathleen Gati, Jon Lindstrom, Jacklyn Zeman and Eden McCoy.
"Her smile could power a reactor. I loved the few times we worked together, but I REALLY loved the times we would talk about life, meditation, acting. She was a gift [and] she is missed already. Condolences to her loved ones," Lindstrom wrote.
"God bless you, Sonya, in heaven. You are loved by so many. You were always an inspiration. So talented and so very special. I will miss your beautiful shining presence," Zeman wrote.
McCoy wrote on her Instagram Story: "Rest in peace to the great Sonya Eddy. One of [a] kind, truly. Your 'General Hospital' family will miss you."
"I am so sad to hear this. Sending you love," Nina Parker commented on Spencer's post.
See more tributes below.
I am in shock and disbelief and heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend #sonyaeddy. We shared many good laughs and I always enjoyed working with her. Condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and fans. She will be missed. May she R.I.P.💝 https://t.co/F6PaSYd2GE
— Kathleen Gati (@gatitweets) December 20, 2022
💔💔💔 #SonyaEddy #RIP pic.twitter.com/jG1RNFgLwB
— Kathleen Gati (@gatitweets) December 20, 2022
A few words in a post for the very beloved #SonyaEddy https://t.co/2SAk2zOF6y #GH 💔
— Nancy Lee Grahn (@NancyLeeGrahn) December 20, 2022
The official announcement makes it real. 😔@TheRealSonyaEd was my friend & I am heart-broken by this news.
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) December 20, 2022
Nothing lately feels real. Nothing. What is going on?!@GeneralHospital Actress #SonyaEddy Dead At 55, @octaviaspencer announces https://t.co/M6Na8AliaH via @TMZ
I just cannot let myself believe that this beautiful, incredible, hilarious, super-talented amazing soul is no longer with us. I’m so lucky I got to work with her. I was hoping it was just the beginning #RIPSonyaEddy https://t.co/0zLwmwl3eg
— Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) December 21, 2022
Eddy joined the ABC soap opera in 2006 and gave life to Epiphany Johnson, a no-nonsense head nurse and the mother of the character Stan Johnson, who became involved with the mob. She reprised the role in the hit SOAPnet spinoff "General Hospital: Night Shift," Page Six noted.
She also appeared on other TV shows and films, including "Seinfeld," "Patch Adams," "Reba," "Monk," "Joan of Arcadia," "CSI," "Glee," "Castle" and "Fresh Off The Boat."
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