Drake Hogestyn, Jennifer Leak, Renauld White.Photo:Shutterstock(2);Getty
Shutterstock(2);Getty
As we look back on 2024, we also remember those that we have lost.
Below, take a look back at some of the soap opera stars we’ve lost in 2024.
01of 14Bill HayesBill Hayes.NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty ImagesOne ofDays of Our Lives' long-running cast members,Bill Hayesdied on Jan. 13. He was 98.Born William Foster Hayes III, the actor appeared in a staggering 2,147 episodes of the NBC hit soap.“It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes. One of the longest-running characters onDays of our Lives, Bill originated the role of ‘Doug Williams’ in 1970 and portrayed him continuously throughout his life,” a rep for the television series told PEOPLE at the time.“He and his wife, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, remained the foundation of the Williams-Horton family spanning more than 50 years,” they added.
01of 14
Bill Hayes
Bill Hayes.NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
One ofDays of Our Lives' long-running cast members,Bill Hayesdied on Jan. 13. He was 98.
Born William Foster Hayes III, the actor appeared in a staggering 2,147 episodes of the NBC hit soap.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes. One of the longest-running characters onDays of our Lives, Bill originated the role of ‘Doug Williams’ in 1970 and portrayed him continuously throughout his life,” a rep for the television series told PEOPLE at the time.
“He and his wife, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, remained the foundation of the Williams-Horton family spanning more than 50 years,” they added.
02of 14
Jennifer Leak
Jennifer Leak.CBS via Getty
CBS via Getty
Jennifer Leak, known for her roles inThe Young and the RestlessandAnother Worldas well as 1968’sYours, Mine and Oursdied on March 18 at her home in Jupiter, Fla., according toThe East Hampton Star. She was 76.
The actress was diagnosed with the rare neurological disease progressive supranuclear palsy seven years before her death, the newspaper reported.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Jennifer Leak’s passing. She wasn’t just my screen sister in ‘Yours, Mine and Ours,’ but also my beloved first wife,” he wrote.
“Jennifer was a remarkable woman, strong, lovely, and incredibly talented. My deepest condolences go out to her husband of 47 years, James D’Auria, and their multitude of friends.”
Leak was married to Matheson from 1968 and divorced in 1971. She would later meet and wed D’Auria in April 1977.
03of 14
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
The cause and manner of her death was unknown, though a spokesperson for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office informed PEOPLE that foul play was not suspected.
Bernard began her Hollywood career with a role in 1981’sDiva. She went on to appear in 1983’sWhiz Kidsand followed up withThe Facts of Lifein 1984.
She joinedGeneral Hospitalthe same year and immediately became a household name for her role as Terry Brock on the show. She appeared in 145 episodes before leaving the series in 1990.
04of 14Meg BennettMeg Bennett.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyAward-winning soap opera actress and scriptwriterMeg Bennettdied on April 11, according to herobituary, which was first published on April 21 in theLos Angeles Times. She was 75.Throughout her career, Bennett lent her talents to various daytime series acting and writing forThe Young and the Restless,General Hospital,Santa Barbara,among others.“Meg lost her battle with cancer,” the obituary read. “Until nearly the end she was devotedly working with children, writing and engaging with her far-flung family and friends.”
04of 14
Meg Bennett
Meg Bennett.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Award-winning soap opera actress and scriptwriterMeg Bennettdied on April 11, according to herobituary, which was first published on April 21 in theLos Angeles Times. She was 75.
Throughout her career, Bennett lent her talents to various daytime series acting and writing forThe Young and the Restless,General Hospital,Santa Barbara,among others.
“Meg lost her battle with cancer,” the obituary read. “Until nearly the end she was devotedly working with children, writing and engaging with her far-flung family and friends.”
05of 14Barbra FullerBarbra Fuller.Courtesy Everett CollectionBarbra Fuller, star of radio soap operaOne Man’s Family,died aged 102 on May 15.Born in 1925 in Nahant, Massachusetts, Fuller lent her talents toOne Man’s Family,The Red Menace, Flame of Youth,Alias the Champ, The Savage Horde,Lonely Heartand other notable works.“Today my godmother, Barbra Fuller, passed away,” her stepson J.P. Sloanwrote on Facebook. “She was on the radio’s first Soap Opera, ‘One Man’s Family’ playing the role of Claudia for 14 years. She also starred in movies and television.""‘Aunt’ Barbra had a full life and would have turned 103 on July 29 this year. I was truly blessed to have had her for so long,” he added, “She will always be loved and truly missed.”
05of 14
Barbra Fuller
Barbra Fuller.Courtesy Everett Collection
Courtesy Everett Collection
Barbra Fuller, star of radio soap operaOne Man’s Family,died aged 102 on May 15.
Born in 1925 in Nahant, Massachusetts, Fuller lent her talents toOne Man’s Family,The Red Menace, Flame of Youth,Alias the Champ, The Savage Horde,Lonely Heartand other notable works.
“Today my godmother, Barbra Fuller, passed away,” her stepson J.P. Sloanwrote on Facebook. “She was on the radio’s first Soap Opera, ‘One Man’s Family’ playing the role of Claudia for 14 years. She also starred in movies and television.”
“‘Aunt’ Barbra had a full life and would have turned 103 on July 29 this year. I was truly blessed to have had her for so long,” he added, “She will always be loved and truly missed.”
06of 14Johnny WactorJohnny Wactor.Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC ImagesGeneral HospitalactorJohnny Wactorwas shot and killed on May 25, in Los Angeles,TMZreported. He was 37.His mother, Scarlett Wactor, told the outlet that Johnny and a colleague saw three men trying to steal a catalytic converter from his vehicle, and although he didn’t try to stop them, the actor was shot and subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead early Saturday morning.“Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude,” his agent David Shaul told PEOPLE.“In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be,” Shaul said. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”
06of 14
Johnny Wactor
Johnny Wactor.Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images
Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images
General HospitalactorJohnny Wactorwas shot and killed on May 25, in Los Angeles,TMZreported. He was 37.
His mother, Scarlett Wactor, told the outlet that Johnny and a colleague saw three men trying to steal a catalytic converter from his vehicle, and although he didn’t try to stop them, the actor was shot and subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead early Saturday morning.
“Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude,” his agent David Shaul told PEOPLE.
“In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be,” Shaul said. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”
07of 14
Joan Benedict
Joan Benedict Steiger.Michael Tran/FilmMagic
Michael Tran/FilmMagic
Joan Benedict— who starred in various soaps includingGeneral Hospitalthroughout her long career — died on June 24 due to complications from a stroke, a spokesperson for her family toldThe Hollywood Reporter. She was 96.
Benedict was also a noted name in the theater, starring in several one-woman shows and Off-Broadway productions includingPromises, Promises, The Beauty Queen of LeenaneandThe Traveling Lady.
08of 14Renauld WhiteRenauld White.Neilson Barnard/GettyRenauld White, a trailblazing model and soap actor known for his work inGuiding Light, died on June 26. He was 80.White’s longtime friend and fashion designer Jeffrey Banks announced the news on social media and confirmed toWomen’s Wear Daily(WWD)that White died while under hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. A cause of death was not revealed.“It is with tremendous sadness that I report that my dearest friend and work colleague, RENAULD WHITE, left us yesterday,” Banks wrote onInstagramon June 27. “Modeling for me from the very start of my career, RENAULD was always the perfect gentleman and a great ambassador for my brand. When first introduced to my Mother she claimed instantly that he was my ‘older brother.’ I only wished that was so.““I shall miss our talks and times together, but will always remember the barriers you broke in the fashion industry and the love you shared as a trusted friend,” Banks continued. “Good night sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
08of 14
Renauld White
Renauld White.Neilson Barnard/Getty
Neilson Barnard/Getty
Renauld White, a trailblazing model and soap actor known for his work inGuiding Light, died on June 26. He was 80.
White’s longtime friend and fashion designer Jeffrey Banks announced the news on social media and confirmed toWomen’s Wear Daily(WWD)that White died while under hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. A cause of death was not revealed.
“It is with tremendous sadness that I report that my dearest friend and work colleague, RENAULD WHITE, left us yesterday,” Banks wrote onInstagramon June 27. “Modeling for me from the very start of my career, RENAULD was always the perfect gentleman and a great ambassador for my brand. When first introduced to my Mother she claimed instantly that he was my ‘older brother.’ I only wished that was so.”
“I shall miss our talks and times together, but will always remember the barriers you broke in the fashion industry and the love you shared as a trusted friend,” Banks continued. “Good night sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
09of 14
Doug Sheehan
Doug Sheehan.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
AnotherGeneral Hospitalalum,Doug Sheehandied “peacefully at his home on Saturday morning, June 29, 2024, with his loving wife at his side.” He was 75.
A California native, Sheehan first appeared on television in 1978 onCharlie’s Angels,but his breakout role came in 1979 when he got the part of Joe Kelly inGeneral Hospital,which he portrayed until 1982.
10of 14
Esta TerBlanche
Esta TerBlanche.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
All My Childrenactress and former Miss Teen South AfricaEsta TerBlanchedied on July 21, her manager Annie Spoliansky confirmed to PEOPLE. She was 51.
“She had squirrels she fed and looked after daily, her two cats and recent kittens that she cared for as her own children. Esta was never anything but generous and lovely to me, and I’m grateful to have known her for the time that I did, and devastated to learn of her passing,” her statement concluded.
11of 14Ron HaleRon Hale.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyRon Hale, who played the father of mobster Sonny Corinthos onGeneral Hospital,died on Aug. 27, according to anobituary. He was 78.“The entireGeneral HospitalFamily is saddened to hear of Ron Hale’s passing,” the showwrote in a statement. “We would like to extend our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time. He was an incredible actor and an unforgettable colleague. May he rest in peace.”
11of 14
Ron Hale
Ron Hale.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Ron Hale, who played the father of mobster Sonny Corinthos onGeneral Hospital,died on Aug. 27, according to anobituary. He was 78.
“The entireGeneral HospitalFamily is saddened to hear of Ron Hale’s passing,” the showwrote in a statement. “We would like to extend our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time. He was an incredible actor and an unforgettable colleague. May he rest in peace.”
12of 14
Drake Hogestyn
Drake Hogestyn.Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
Days of Our Livesstar Drake Hogestyn died on Sept. 28, his family revealed in a statement. He was 70.
The actor, who played John Black for 38 years, was just one day shy of his 71st birthday when he died.
Days of Our Livesshared a statement from his family on social media: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement began.
13of 14
Wayne Northrop
Wayne Northrop.Dianna Whitley/Getty
Dianna Whitley/Getty
FormerDays of Our LivesandDynastyactorWayne Northropdied at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home on Nov. 29. He was 77.
“He took his last breath in the arms of his family,” Northrop’s wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, shared in the statement. “We wish to thank the most caring and amazing place, the Motion Picture and Television Home for taking such great care of him,” she continued.
“Wayne touched so many people with his sense of humor and wit. A husband for 43 years, the best dad ever to his two boys, Hank and Grady, and a rancher who loved his cows and was a friend to many.”
14of 14Thom ChristopherSteven Bergman/AFF-USA.com / MEGAThom Christopher, who played villain Carlo Hesser onOne Life to Live,died on Dec. 5 at 84. He appeared on the show from 1991 to 2008, winning a supporting actor Daytime Emmy in 1992 for his portrayal of Hesser.His former castmate Anthony Crivello shared the news on Facebook, writing, “He was always a gentleman, always supportive, and he and his wife Judith who proceeded him in death, were always gracious to me and welcoming.”
14of 14
Thom Christopher
Steven Bergman/AFF-USA.com / MEGA
Thom Christopher, who played villain Carlo Hesser onOne Life to Live,died on Dec. 5 at 84. He appeared on the show from 1991 to 2008, winning a supporting actor Daytime Emmy in 1992 for his portrayal of Hesser.
His former castmate Anthony Crivello shared the news on Facebook, writing, “He was always a gentleman, always supportive, and he and his wife Judith who proceeded him in death, were always gracious to me and welcoming.”
source: people.com
