Legendary General Hospital and Ryan’s Hope writer Claire Labine dead at 82

Creator and long time soap scribe passes away.

Claire Labine, who wrote for many daytime dramas since the seventies, has passed away at 82. Labine began her career in 1971 writing for the CBS soap “Where the Heart Is” and later “Love of Life.” In 1974 ABC asked her to create a spin-off of their popular daytime drama “General Hospital,” and thus “Ryan’s Hope” was born. In 1993, after the cancelation of “Ryan’s Hope,” ABC asked Labine to take on the position of head writer at “General Hospital.” It Labine who created the iconic roles of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Brenda Barrett (Vanessa Marcil). Labine’s last position before retiring was as head writer for “Guiding Light” between 2000 and 2001.

During her career, Labine earned 9 Daytime Emmy wins for writing “General Hospital” and “Ryan’s Hope.” She also won 3 Writers Guild of America awards for writing for the same shows. ABC released the following statement about Labine’s passing:

“We are sad to learn of the death of our friend and former colleague Claire Labine. As creator of ‘Ryan’s Hope’ and head writer of both ‘General Hospital’ and ‘One Life to Live’ in the 90s, Claire was an imaginative storyteller who inspired hope and sparked conversations through her stories and characters paving the way for a new generation of writers who would follow in her footsteps. We are proud and honored she was a part of our ABC Daytime family. We send our deepest condolences to her family and those closest to her.”

Several daytime vets have taken to Twitter to express their appreciation for Labine. Soaps.com sends our condolences to her family.

Claire LaBine you will be missed you gave me a chance to play a character that had so many levels when no one else would so grateful to you

— Maurice Benard (@MauriceBenard) November 12, 2016

God Bless #clairelabine who contributed so much to our #Daytime family We will always remember you + treasure the memories u have given us

— Jackie Zeman (@JackieZeman) November 14, 2016

Claire LaBine healed my soul & millions of others hearts through her art. She always stepped away if things became inauthentic #BadassChicks https://t.co/o7eN7OcVU8

— Vanessa Marcil (@VanessaMarcilM) November 12, 2016

So sad to hear of the brilliant, big-hearted, generous Claire Labine’s death.A writer’s writer, an inspiration, a friend GH #OLTL #RyansHope

— Jean Passanante (@PFossil) November 12, 2016

Soap Headwriter Claire Labine was one of the best! Rest In Peace dear gifted lady. #oltl #amc #ryanshope

— Kassie DePaiva (@KassieDePaiva) November 11, 2016