Joan Benedict Steiger dies at 96: 'General Hospital' star's fans pay tribute to 'amazing' actress
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'General Hospital' and 'Candid Camera' star Joan Benedict Steiger has died at 96.
A family spokesperson announced that the widow of actor Rod Steiger died on June 24 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following a stroke. Benedict is survived by her daughter Claudia Myhers Tschudin and granddaughters Hanna Tschudin and Ashley Tschudin.
Who was Joan Benedict Steiger?
Joan Benedict was born on July 21, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, and began her career in the entertainment industry at the age of seven with tap dancing at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. She continued her training in entertainment at the Rome Opera Ballet School. She later studied at The Actors Studio in New York City under the guidance of the late Stella Adler, as per DailyMail.
Regarding her theater work, she said, "The theatre for me is like being in church. 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."
Early in her career, she appeared on the game show 'Masquerade Party' and served as Elizabeth Taylor's stand-in in the 1960 film 'Butterfield 8'. She appeared in several films throughout the 1970s, including 'The Prize Fighter' (1979), 'The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington' (1977), and the short film 'Let's Call It Quits' (1974).
Her final onscreen appearances included roles in the series 'Dollhouse in 2009' and films like 'Opus of an Angel' (2017) and 'Dead Border' (2013). In May 2016, she published her memoir titled 'Brooklyn Baby: A Hollywood Star's Amazing Journey Through Love, Loss & Laughter'.
Joan Benedict Steiger’s prominent projects
Benedict was involved in several prominent projects throughout her career, including 'Candid Camera,' the original 'Steve Allen Show,' and soap operas like 'General Hospital' and 'Days of Our Lives'.
She notably portrayed the late hotelier Leona Helmsley in the stage play 'Leona,' performing solo within a jail cell. Another notable one-woman show she performed was 'The Loves of My Life,' which drew from her own autobiography.
In her personal life, Benedict was married to actor John Myhers from 1962 until he died in 1992. She later married Academy Award winner Rod Steiger in 2000, a partnership that ended with Steiger's death in 2002. Professionally, they collaborated on two films in 2001 - 'A Month of Sundays' and the TV movie 'The Flying Dutchman'.
She was also romantically involved with actor Jeremy Slate until he died in 2006. Reflecting on her relationships, Benedict shared in September 2016 "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."
Throughout her career, Benedict maintained an association with Allen Funt's 'Candid Camera' franchise and was known for her comedic roles, including using a feather in her cap to amuse bystanders and playing comedic skits on 'The Steve Allen Show'.
Fans pay tribute to Joan Benedict Steiger after her death at 96
Bendict's fans took to social media following the announcement of her death and shared their tributes for the actress.
One user said, "Wow I didn't realize she was the age she was. Very lovely lady. Rest in.peace , thoughts and prayers to her family."
Another user expressed, "Rest beautiful lady Rest 96 wow what a blessing"
The thrid user claimed, "RIP Joan Benedict my condolences goes out to her family and friends." The fourth user asserted, "Rest In Peace. You were amazing."
The last user added, "Rest in heaven dear Joan Praying. for her family and friends."
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