Joan Benedict, General Hospital and Candid Camera Actress, Dies at 96

The actress died on June 24 from complications of a stroke, according to a family spokesperson

Joan Benedict Steiger poses in front of a photo of her late husband, actor Rod Steiger in 2013 at her home in Malibu, California
Joan Benedict Steiger poses in front of a photo of her late husband, actor Rod Steiger in 2013 at her home in Malibu, California. Photo:

Roxanne McCann/Getty

Joan Benedict, an actress who starred in Candid Camera and various soap operas including General Hospital, has died.

On June 24, Benedict died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles due to complications from a stroke, a spokesperson for her family announced, per The Hollywood Reporter. She was 96.

PEOPLE has reached out to representatives for Benedict for comment.

The Brooklyn-born actress was best known for her role as Edith Fairchild on General Hospital. She also appeared in recurring roles on Days of Our Lives and The Capitol.

The late star began her acting career in the 1950s, starring in the original iterations of hits including Candid Camera and The Steve Allen Show. She went on to appear in several other famous TV shows of the era, including Fantasy Island and The Incredible Hulk.

Benedict also boasted an impressive theater background, starring in several one-woman shows and Off-Broadway productions including Promises, Promises, The Beauty Queen of Leenane and The Traveling Lady.

Joan Benedict on Candid Camera
Joan Benedict on 'Candid Camera' with Jimmy Dean in 1962.

Everett

The actress was married several times, starting with a 30-year marriage to actor John Myhers, who was known for starring in 1967's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. After his death, Benedict was married to actor Rod Steiger for just two years, from 2000 until he died in 2002.

She went on to spend a few years with actor Jeremy Slate before his 2006 death.

Joan Benedict Steiger arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "The November Man" held at TCL Chinese Theatre on August 13, 2014 in Hollywood, California
Joan Benedict Steiger arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "The November Man" held at TCL Chinese Theatre on August 13, 2014 in Hollywood, California.

Michael Tran/FilmMagic

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She is survived by her daughter, Claudia, who she shared with Myhers, and two granddaughters, Hanna and Ashley.

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