'General Hospital' actor Stuart Damon is dead at 84

Holywood is missing another legend with the news that soap veteran Stuart Damon has passed away at age 84 from renal failure. Entertainers and forme castmates are expressing their condolences to the family and their heartbreak that such a strong and enduring presence is no longer with us. The actor is best known for his role as Alan Quartermaine on the ABC soap GENERAL HOSPITAL but he got his start on Broadway and had a beautiful singing voice.

Baby boomers remember Damon as the dashing Prince Charming in Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1965 television musical CINDERELLA. Damon had young girls everywhere crushing on him each year when the musical returned to television but in later years said he no longer recalled his role as the prince. Those who would like a trip down memory lane can click on the following link and watch CINDERELLA in its entirety.

Alan Quartermaine first showed up on GENERAL HOSPITAL on May 13, 1977. Damon won nominated several times for a Daytime Emmy Award and finally won the honor in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category for his portrayal of Alan in 1999. This was during the time when Dr. Quartermaine was dealing with an addiction to Hydrocodone. Sadly, Damon was fired from the ABC soap after 30 years of portraying Alan Quartermaine.

GENERAL HOSPITAL viewers were stunned and complained but it was no use. Damon's character passed away in February 2007 but the actor remained on the soap until December 23, 2008, as Alan's Ghost who basically appeared to his sister Traci. Damon returned to the show in a dream sequence on August 29, 2011. In October 2012, Nelson Branco from TV GUIDE revealed that Stuart Damon was taping scenes for GH once again. SOAP OPERA DIGEST later verified that the soap vet would be back as Alan's ghost in November.

In honor of GENERAL HOSPITAL'S 50th anniversary, Damon returned as Alan on April 1 and 2, 2013. Alan Quartermaine came to Port Charles at the request of Dr. Steve Hardy and fell began clashing with and then fell in love with the very married Monica Weber. Alan decides to remain in town and his wealthy, and offbeat family soon follows him. Alan marries Monica on March 7, 1978 but their marriage becomes a circus with both of them having affairs.

Alan's dalliance with Susan Moore produced his son Jason and in later years it was revealed that Drew Cain was his twin. Alan and Monica's only child was Alan Junior, (AJ) Quartermaine who was shot to death by Sonny Corinthos. In February 2007 after Jerry Jax caused chaos at the Metro Court Alan suffers a heart attack and later dies in the hospital. GENERAL HOSPITAL viewers were already concerned because the popular actor had been placed on the backburner for no apparent reason and were shocked when he died.

The rumor mill said Damon was distraught at losing his job after 3 decades but he went on for a short time to portray Ralph Manzoon AS THE WORLD TURNS and in 2010 played Governor Jim on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Damon married Diedre Ottiwill in 1961 and they have two children Christopher and Jennifer Zonis. Damon was born on February 5, 1937, to Marvin Zonis and his wife who is not named and they were Russian Jews. Thoughts and prayers to those who are mourning the beloved actor.