News
Former Y&R star Christopher Templeton has died
Sad news circulating around the soap world today. Actress, Christopher Templeton passed away on February 15th. Christopher who for ten years (1983-1993) played the Abbott’s loyal secretary Carole Robbins Evans on The Young and the Restless died in San Antonio, Texas at age 58. Templeton battled Polio all of her life, but it never stopped her. On-Air On-Soaps had the good fortune of crossing paths with Christopher on many occasions during our days with SoapCity.com. She was a true inspiration.
From Templeton’s obituary- “Even though Christopher battled Polio her whole life, she courageously broke through all barriers she faced. She was the first disabled actress to receive many contract roles. She was a supporting actress on The Young and the Restless (as Jabot secretary, Carol) for 10 years. She went on to become a successful writer, director, and actress in many movies, independent films, and television productions. Chris’ shows included Simon & Simon, Columbo and In the Heat of the Night among others.
Because of Christopher’s relentless tenacity, she brought her Grey Forest, TX community together through several successful events. Christopher, along with others, started the Grey Forest Farmer’s Market. She was President of the Grey Forest Studio Art Walk for one term. Because she included a fundraiser for the American Breast Cancer Society during the Walk, it was a banner year for them. She was Vice President and member of the Grey Forest Playground Club. Christopher also initiated Relay of Life events at Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Helotes, TX. In the last years of her life, she started a foundation through her business RAWtatoilli which financially aids people in their pursuit of alternative cures to cancer. For more information, visit www.christophertempleton.com. These are among the many gifts that she graciously contributed to her community. Chris herself was a gift!
Christopher is survived by: her brother Edmund Owen Templeton and his wife Karen of Oconomowoc, WI; her sister Hollis I. Templeton of Helotes, TX; her sister Kendall R. Templeton of Oconomowoc, WI; and her brother William T. Templeton of Scottsdale, AZ. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at 10 AM at Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home.
To view a video of Templeton’s life and leave condolences for the family, go to www.ebensberger-fisher.com and select the “obituaries” tab.
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General Hospital and ‘H.R. Pufnstuf’s’ Billie Hayes Dead at 96
She was one-of-a-kind, and now actress Billie Hayes has passed away at the age of 96. Hayes’ family announced her death from natural causes on April 29th at Cedar-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.
Hayes was best-known for her unforgettable role as Witchiepoo on the 1969-70 Saturday morning live-action children’s classic H.R. Pufnstuf from Sid and Marty Kroft.
However, daytime fans will remember that then General Hospital executive producer, Gloria Monty, hired Hayes to play the recurring role of the street-smart international spy, Brighton O’Reilly, back in the 80’s series hey day.
GH’s Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio) took to Twitter to mourn the loss of Hayes on Monday sharing; “My dear wonderful Billie Hayes has died. Sadly I only got to work with her on GH but it was a magical relationship. Right away Gloria Monty saw something unique and ran with it. I cannot tell you how her passing saddens me.”
Photo:ABC
In story, Brighton O’Reilly was shot and killed by Victor Cassadine back in 1981. Billie told Soap Opera Digest back in 2003 about her time as an agent on GH, and her exit from the series: “I asked Gloria why she killed me off, and Gloria said, ‘To tell you the truth, Billie, we really hemmed and hawed at it. But I decided to do it for selfish reasons. I knew if I killed O’Reilly there’d be such an abundance of sympathy and love for Scorpio that his stock would go up. And he’s my new leading man!’ I understand why Gloria knocked me off, but I would have loved to have gone on with it because I feel it could have been developed into a fascinating character.”
Photo: JPI
Sid and Marty Kroft also took to Twitter and expressed: “Margaret Hamilton (Wizard of Oz) once told us that Billie Hayes was “one of the best witches ever” We couldn’t agree more. Rest in Peace dear friend.”
Billie’s career spanned decades including Broadway, television, motion pictures and voice-over work. In addition, she founded the Los Angeles-based animal rescue nonprofit organization Pet Hope, a cause she had championed since adopting a puppy abandoned in the basement of Broadway’s St. James Theatre during the run of Lil’ Abner in which she was featured in the role of Mammy Yokum.
Share your remembrances of Billie Hayes and your condolences for her family and loved ones via the comment section below.
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My condolences to her family and friends. I have many great memories of her on Y&R in past years, and often thought the character she brought to life was very warm, loving and, above all else, REAL. No doubt qualities that she possessed in real life. Thank you, Christopher. God bless.
i worked with chris on Y & R for several years. she was always sweet. later we found out we had mutual friends. i saw her a little over a year ago and she looked great and had a wonderful attitude about her situation.
terrific lady.
I’m deeply saddened by the news of Ms. Templeton’s passing. Her legacy will live on.
Sorry to hear the news. She was beautiful with a smile that was simply contagious…when watching her work if she was smiling, so was I…just automatically. She helped pave the way for many others to find the courage to follow her path. My friend Geri Jewell was one who certainly found her way as an actress, comedian, writer, motivational speaker…I know she admired her very much…for her work but most importantaly for all she did for the handicapped to work in show business in any capacity. I myself respected all that she did…I was unaware of her foundation, helping others… Read more »