Bergen Williams, best known for starring as Big Alice Gunderson on General Hospital, dead at 62 after battle with rare condition

  • The actress had an inherited condition called Wilson's Disease which causes copper to accumulate in vital organs including the brain 
  • It could be treated if diagnosed early enough but can cause liver failure, kidney problems, and even death 
  • On Tuesday, someone claiming to be her sister announced on Twitter that she had succumbed to the illness on July 20 but the family chose to keep it private until this month 
  • The post read: 'Bergen Williams succumbed to the ravages of Wilson’s Disease surrounded by loving family' 
  • She starred as Big Alice Gunderson on General Hospital from 2001 to 2014 
  • Williams had a long acting career which spanned two-and-a-half decades from 1990 to 2015 

By Justin Enriquez For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

Longtime General Hospital castmember Bergen Williams has died at age 62 after battling a rare health condition in which copper accumulates in the organs.

 The talented actress - full name Laura Lynn 'Bergen' Williams - had an inherited condition called Wilson's Disease which causes copper to accumulate in vital organs including the brain.

It could be treated if diagnosed early enough but can cause liver failure, kidney problems, and even death.

Tragic: Longtime General Hospital castmember Bergen Williams has died at age 62 after battling a rare health condition in which copper accumulates in the organs

Tragic: Longtime General Hospital castmember Bergen Williams has died at age 62 after battling a rare health condition in which copper accumulates in the organs

Signature role: She (seen in March 2010) starred as Big Alice Gunderson on General Hospital from 2001 to 2014

Signature role: She (seen in March 2010) starred as Big Alice Gunderson on General Hospital from 2001 to 2014

On Tuesday, someone claiming to be her sister announced on Twitter that she had succumbed to the illness on July 20 but the family chose to keep it private until this month.

The post read: 'Bergen Williams succumbed to the ravages of Wilson’s Disease surrounded by loving family.

'Bergen was a writer, inventor and actress who played Big Alice on the TV soap "General Hospital."'

'Rest in power': On Tuesday, someone claiming to be her sister announced on Twitter that she had succumbed to the illness on July 20 but the family chose to keep it private until this month

'Rest in power': On Tuesday, someone claiming to be her sister announced on Twitter that she had succumbed to the illness on July 20 but the family chose to keep it private until this month

She had quite the run on the longest-running soap opera in production as she starred as Big Alice Gunderson on the ABC daytime program from July 2001 to December 2014.

Williams was featured in a total of 155 episodes over her run on the series. 

On the show, Williams portrayed a live-in housekeeper who works for the Quartermaine family at their mansion. 

Quite the gig: She (seen second from left in July 2007) had quite the run on the longest-running soap opera in production as she starred as Big Alice Gunderson on the ABC daytime program from July 2001 to December 2014

Quite the gig: She (seen second from left in July 2007) had quite the run on the longest-running soap opera in production as she starred as Big Alice Gunderson on the ABC daytime program from July 2001 to December 2014

Staple: On the show, Williams (seen center) portrayed a live-in housekeeper who works for the Quartermaine family at their mansion

Staple: On the show, Williams (seen center) portrayed a live-in housekeeper who works for the Quartermaine family at their mansion

What is Wilson's Disease?

Wilson's disease is a rare inherited disorder that causes copper to accumulate in your liver, brain and other vital organs. Most people with Wilson's disease are diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 35, but it can affect younger and older people, as well.

Copper plays a key role in the development of healthy nerves, bones, collagen and the skin pigment melanin. Normally, copper is absorbed from your food, and excess is excreted through a substance produced in your liver (bile).

But in people with Wilson's disease, copper isn't eliminated properly and instead accumulates, possibly to a life-threatening level. When diagnosed early, Wilson's disease is treatable, and many people with the disorder live normal lives.

 

Source: Mayo Clinic 

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The family has been a staple of the soap since their introduction in the 1970s.

General Hospital - which is still currently in production - premiered in 1963 and is not only the longest-running American soap opera but is also the longest-running Hollywood-produced serial in production.

Williams had a long acting career which spanned two-and-a-half decades from 1990 to 2015. 

She had roles in other series including Nip/Tuck, 7th Heaven, V.I.P., NYPD Blue, Sons Of Tucson, Happy Endings, Babylon 5, Scrubs, and  Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

Williams also had roles on the big screen including Clifford, Lord Of Illusions, Killer Pad, and Without Charlie.

Gone too soon: Williams (seen in October 2008) had a long acting career which spanned two-and-a-half decades from 1990 to 2015

Gone too soon: Williams (seen in October 2008) had a long acting career which spanned two-and-a-half decades from 1990 to 2015

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