General Hospital actress Sonya Eddy has died aged 55, close friend Octavia Spencer announced this evening – praising the "creative angel".
Taking to Instagram tonight, Octavia penned: "The world lost another creative angel."
Sharing a picture of the much-loved actress, who first appeared in the hit-US TV programme in 2006, said: "My friend Sonya Eddy passed away last night.
"The world lost another creative angel. Her legions of General Hospital fans will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, friends and fans."
She is known for appearing in 543 episodes of General Hospital in her role as Epiphany Johnson, a head nurse and mother of the late Stan Johnson.
Sonya has also appeared in a whole host of other productions, including Patch Adams, Monk, Glee, Castle, Reba, and Fresh Off The Boat.
Her career kicked off when her first big break came in 1995 when she landed a role on The Drew Carey Show.
Replying to Octavia's tragic announcement earlier tonight, one fan said: "This can't be. She was a staple in my house growing up. The best nurse on General Hospital."
Another devastated follower said: "Huge General Hospital fan. This is so sad. Epiphany is one of my favourite characters. This is so sad."
A third penned: "So sad to hear this. General Hospital will not be the same without her. Her character was the best, she will be greatly missed by all her fans. Wonderful actress gone too soon."
Her cause of death is not yet confirmed, but touching tributes are continuing to flood in following the tragic announcement.
"General Hospital won't be the same without her. She was a beautiful woman inside and out," said one viewer.
Another said: "Love Sonya and enjoyed every minute she was on screen. Very sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace."
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