As The World Turns
As the World Turns Alum Rita Walter Dead at 71
We’re still losing so many beloved soap opera actors as 2022 comes to a close. Now comes word that former As the World Turns alum, Rita Walter (nee McLaughlin) passed away at the age of 71. Walter had been diagnosed with Multifocal Glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive form of terminal brain cancer.
Rita had an 11-year-run as Oakdale’s Carol Deming Hughes Stallings Andropoulos Frazier.
The former actress-turned-optician, died on Christmas. Rita’s brother, David McLaughlin revealed the news on the 26th which also happened to be the anniversary of Walter’s exit from the defunct CBS soap opera in 1981.
In his posting on Facebook, McLaughlin shared: “My sweet, loving sister Rita was called to Jesus today on Christmas day, his birthday. She was a well known actress as well as dedicated server of the Lord Jesus. May you rest in peace Sis, I love you forever. You’ve taken my heart with you.”
Photo: SOD
Before playing good girl, Carol Deming, who always found herself in distress as only a good heroine could do, Rita started her career as Patty Duke’s double on The Patty Duke Show, before getting her first foray into soaps with a role on The Secret Storm as Wendy Phillips.
We clearly remember when on ATWT, Carol was married to Jay Stallings, but Jay was having an affair behind her back. Carol also had failed relationships and marriages to Tom Hughes and Steve Andropolous. Eventually, Carol left Oakdale after falling in love and marrying Reverend Norman Frazier. In a case of life imitating art, Rita married Reverend Normal Walter in 1976.
Walter is survived by her three children, Brian, Jill, and Amy, and her husband, Reverend Norman.
Share your condolences and remembrances for ATWT’s Rita Walter in the comment section below.
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Such a year of loss. I remember her as Carol Hughes on ATWT. She was truly a heroine and she and Tom made a great couple, for a while.
I have red hair too & I always loved her. I was just a kid watching with my grandmother & mother. I am so sorry to hear about this. So much loss this year.
I grew up with mostly CBS soaps playing in our house because my Mom was an avid fan. Years later I had the good fortune to meet and take a picture with Ms. Walter in the town in NJ where I lived and she worked as an optician. She was a kind, gracious, sweet and inspiring woman of faith!! Meeting her was a highlight. So sorry to hear of her passing. May she rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of her passing. I remember her well from ATWT and also The Secret Storm.
Heaven got another Angel! I remember her very well on ATWT. Always loved her character. On a personal note, my nephew was diagnosed with the same cancer and our family got a miracle on June 9. A true miracle! Finally, I would like to thank all those donors who donated to Rita, to help with her medical costs. Rest In Love.
what a beautiful soul Rita was. Full of vigor- funny as can be an
Effervescent personality. Beautiful godly woman inside and out. I knew her from Calvary Tabernacle where her husband was pastoring way back in the 80’s. A deep loss for sure. Prayers for peace and comfort to Norm and her 3 children grandchildren and all the family
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