Joan Benedict, best known for her roles in General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, has passed away aged 96.
It was reported that Benedict, also known by her married name Steiger, died on June 24 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles as per The Hollywood Reporter.
A spokesperson for the family also confirmed that the veteran actress suffered from complications related to a stroke.
Benedict was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where she developed a love for acting at a young age.
Her early career was rooted in theatre work, where she gained critical acclaim for her performances, including roles in classic plays such as 'Promises, Promises,' 'The Beauty Part,' and 'The Impossible Years,' earning herself a reputation as a versatile and dedicated actress.
However, this wasn't always how she saw her life going.
“I always thought when I was little I would be a dancer," Benedict told Women's Fitness back in 2016. "I was never really built for ballet, but I was tap dancing in public at age seven when I performed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music."
She continued: "I remember the first film I ever saw was with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and as I was leaving the theatre, I wanted to run back in, I knew I had to be a part of that world."
That's why the tehatre always held a special place in the actress' heart.
"The theatre for me is like being in church," she told the outlet. "When you feel the audience, and feel that communication with other souls, it’s like music. As a performer, I’m always pursuing that wonderful experience where you are completely alert and clear, and yet transported through your imagination."
The 96-year-old then transitioned towards television where she appeared in a variety of popular TV shows, including General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, and The New Phil Silvers Show.
During this time, her personal life also became a point of interest as fans couldn't help but idolize her relationships as they helped shape her later career.
Benedict was first married to fellow actor John Myhersfrom 1962 until his death in 1992 and then to Oscar-winning actor Rod Steiger from 2000 until his death in 2002.
Steiger tragically passed away aged 77 due to complications from surgery for a gallbladder tumor.
She then had a relationship with actor Jeremy Slate until he died in 2006 from esophageal cancer at 80.
Speaking of the loves of her life, she told Women's Fitness: "Both of my husbands, and my lifetime partner, Jeremy, were wonderful men who respected me as an actress.
"They all died from different forms of cancer, so my memories are sometimes bittersweet, but with no regrets," she added.
By the end of her career, which continues all the way until the end of her life, the star had built up a loyal fanbase, who have been left devastated upon hearing the news of her death.
"What a fantastic age to live to. May Missus Benedict Rest in Peace," wrote one user, while another added: "May her soul rest in peace. I really liked that woman."
Benedict is survived by her daughter Claudia Myhers Tschudin and granddaughters Hanna Tschudin and Ashley Tschudin.
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