Former ‘General Hospital’ Actress Passes
Monday, February 4, 2008 9:00 PM | By Errol Lewis
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — “General Hospital” and fans mourn the loss of veteran actress Shell Kepler, who passed away on Friday, February 1, 2008 in Portland, Oregon. Kepler, 49, played Nurse Amy Vining on the ABC Daytime drama series from 1979-2002.
Website TMZ.com is reporting she died of renal failure, however the Associated Press is reporting that the Oregon Health & Science University, where the actress passed, did not give out the cause of death.
Kepler began her career in 1978 when she appeared in an episode of the popular series “CHiPs,” which starred Erik Estrada (“The Bold and the Beautiful”). After joining “GH,” she appeared in a number of episodes of ABC’s “Three’s Company.” Upon the arrival of ABC’s “Port Charles” in 1997, the actress was able to bring her character of Nurse Vining to an audience craving non-stop hospital drama. On the film side she appeared in “Bus 17 is Missing,” “Getting Wasted” and the Joan Collins headed, “Homework.”
On top of a successful acting career, Kepler started her “Lacy Afternoon” clothing line that was marketed on the Home Shopping Network. She also co-wrote a book called “Make Fashion Magic” in 1996 with Danica D’Hondt and corporate author Inc. Leisure Arts. Oxmoor House served as publisher.
When asked for comment, “General Hospital” issued the following press statement, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague Shell Kepler who portrayed the role of Nurse Amy Vining on ‘General Hospital’ (and on the spin-off ‘Port Charles’) for over two decades. She was one-of-a-kind and well loved by her fellow cast and crew members. We will all miss her and send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.”
“I was shocked to hear of the recent and untimely passing of Shell Kepler. She was a wonderful person and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time,” said “General Hospital” executive producer, Jill Farren Phelps.
On behalf of Soap Opera Network, our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Kepler’s family as they go through this trying time.
Pictured: Shell Kepler courtesy ABC Photo Archives
- General Hospital
- Shell Kepler
- Jill Farren Phelps