Robyn Bernard, who played a lead role as Terry Brock in the ABC soap opera “General Hospital,” was found dead in a field behind a business in San Jacinto, California on Tuesday morning, leaving detectives and fans alike speculating about the circumstances of the 64-year-old’s death.
The cause of death has not been made available by the county coroner, according to the Daily Caller, while the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation.
On “General Hospital,” which still holds the record as the longest-running soap opera in American TV history, Bernard began making appearances as Terry Brock, also known as Terry O’Connor, beginning in 1984 and continuing through seven seasons. Her character struggled with alcoholism while developing a fledgling career as a musician, eventually departing the show in the 1990 season.
Born in 1959 in Gladewater, Texas, Bernard shared musical and acting talent with her sister Crystal Bernard. The two grew up singing together, beginning with gospel music under their father, televangelist Jerry Wayne Bernard. Their mother Gaylon Bernard spent their childhood teaching though moved into the arts as a sculptor by the 1980s. Bernard landed her first credit in the 1981 movie “Diva” and earned her spot on “General Hospital” three years later. Crystal Bernard, meanwhile, earned recurring roles on the shows “It’s a Living” and “Wings” from 1985 to 1997.
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Following “General Hospital,” Bernard guest starred in a number of shows including “Whiz Kids,” “The Facts of Life” and “Simon and Simon” according to Variety, though never again became a staple of American household TV screens. Her final role was as a psychologist in the 2002 film “Voices from High School.”
She is survived by her sisters Crystal and Scarlett as well as her father.
Fans were quick to share their favorite moments of Bernard from her long-running appearances on “General Hospital.”
“Remembering Robyn Bernard, with my favorite song she sang on general hospital as Terry Brock, “you and me against the world” May she rest in peace,” wrote one fan.
“They don’t make soaps like this anymore. I’m glad i was raised on the good, weird, stuff. RIP Robyn Bernard , she stole the show here,” said another, sharing a clip of Terry Brock walking away from her wedding day in song.
“She was the life of the #GH party. Rest in Peace, Robyn Bernard,” added a third, sharing a picture with her.
She was the life of the #GH party. Rest in Peace, Robyn Bernard. pic.twitter.com/skf3mLMnHo
— Eric Ackerman (@ackgh73994) March 13, 2024
