There is a connection between the audience, the actors, and the characters they play in the soap opera genre that is so unique, that no other form of entertainment has it. What we have seen play out leading to the highly-anticipated tribute episode for the late Sonya Eddy (Epiphany, GH) is the perfect example.
Here on this site, when we posted items and previews on this upcoming episode, fans were ready to also mourn the loss of the character and the actress they loved. Many of the GH cast already shared that being on the set the day of the taping of this tribute to Sonya was cathartic, real and raw as they were also honoring and mourning their beloved co-star.

Photo: ABC
If you watched yesterday’s episode of GH, you could see the utmost care that was taken by the GH writing team, who wrote a beautiful script and send-off. We are sure, many of you reached for the hankies throughout, and well you should, it was extraordinarily touching.
When we start, Port Charles residents are already dressed and heading to Epiphany’s memorial service, headed up by Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) at the GH chapel. Elizabeth is uptight, yet on the verge of breaking down over the loss of her dearest friend and champion. Liz tells Finn (Michael Easton) that she believes Epiphany was disappointed with her in the end for the whole Esme and Nikolas mess that she was a part of. She so wishes she could have made it right with her before she died. It is Liz’s hope that this memorial is the perfect way to make it up to her mentor and friend.
One of the key questions that everyone wanted answers to was finding out just how did the writers decide to kill-off Epiphany. We learned much of the back-story from special guest, Yvette Nicole Brown, who was excellent as the woman Epiphany saved before her untimely death. Making this even more emotional was the fact that in real-life, Yvette was one of Sonya Eddy’s closest friends.
The woman reveals to Liz and Finn that her car crashed into an electrical pole. Epiphany happened to be driving by and ran out to save her life. She did so successfully, but when the woman asked for an update on Epiphany, she learned that she collapsed at the scene from smoke inhalation, but as Elizabeth put together, Epiphany had a heart attack, because she had a pre-existing heart condition.

Photo: ABV
Elsewhere, Anna (Finola Hughes) is mourning Epiphany and cannot attend the memorial because she is currently tucked away at the safe house. However, she gets a surprise visitor! Emma Drake (Brooklyn Rae Silzer) has come back to Port Charles to attend the memorial and gives her grandmother the biggest of hugs. Emma is attending in place of her parents, Patrick and Robin, who couldn’t get away from their doctor duties to fly back to town in time.
Next, we learn Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy) is the executor of Epiphany’s will. She seeks out the former head nurse’s mortal enemy, Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati), with some written instructions to be handled following the memorial service.

Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, several returns helped round out Epiphany’s history including: Marc Anthony Samuel as Nurse Felix, and Drew Cheetwood as her ex-boyfriend, Milo. In fact, Drew was very heart-tugging in scenes with Maurice Benard (Sonny).

Photo: ABC
Marshall (Robert Gossett) is blaming himself for Epiphany’s death telling Portia (Brooke Kerr) and Curtis (Donnell Turner) that if he hadn’t pushed her to go after her dreams as a doctor, maybe her life would have been saved. Portia tells him that’s nonsense, he actually helped Epiphany achieve her goal.

Photo: ABC
When it’s time for the memorial, it starts with Elizabeth, and one by one people get up and speak on Epiphany including: Deanna (Dionni Michelle Collins), Portia, Sonny, Carly (Laura Wright) and others. Throughout, we get flashbacks of how the she impacted their lives. At the end of the service, Diane gets up and tells everyone Epiphany has asked that everyone go to the roof following the memorial. Once on the GH rooftop, Diane reads a letter from Epiphany that she wants no more tears and to be celebrated. Cue the fireworks, that were set off and lit by none other than Liesl! Epiphany’s voice is heard singing her signature Nurses Ball song, “You’re Not Alone” as everyone takes a moment to reflect and honor her, including Anna alone at the safe house watching the fireworks in the sky.

Photo: ABC
At the end of the episode, Elizabeth, who has returned to the GH chapel, receives a phone call from Monica (and we hear Leslie Charleson’s voice). Monica tells her she received a glowing letter of recommendation from Epiphany a few days ago and reads it aloud to her. Liz learns that Pif has suggested to the GH hospital board that despite the mistakes she had made, that Liz become the head nurse at the hospital. Monica tells her she plans on taking this to the board. Elizabeth is overcome in a beautifully-played moment by Becky Herbst.

Photo: ABC
The conclusion came too soon for us as we knew we had to say goodbye to our friend, Sonya, who was so memorable as the beloved Epiphany. A series of flashbacks, reminding us why we fell in love with the tough-as-nails GH nurse in the first place, began to play. Later, we see that Epiphany has joined the GH wall of remembrance for those revered doctors and nurses we have lost.
This was definitely a labor of love for the production, the writers, the crew, and the cast and it showed in the final product. All we can say is … we have always loved Epiphany, and GH will never be the same without the presence of Sonya Eddy.
Now, share your thoughts on the Sonya Eddy tribute episode in the comment section below.
I don’t even care anymore. Guza seems to be serving up leftovers almost every day. I’ve heard some of the dialogue so many time. I ran a Website for 8 years about GH. I wrote Intenet articles about GH and also wrote a satirical series “Annie’s Apples” about GH. My husband once said he thought GH and I should pick out some new draperies for the sunroom. My disillusionment really started before Michael was sent to prison. I was sorry to see Drew Garrett leave, but I do think Chad Duell is doing a brilliant job as Michael. Brook’s return… Read more »
I think that Michael was raped and that he will be HIV positive. I came up with this scenario because there has been so much discussion about Stone. Michael being HIV positive will prompt Robin to be even more a part of Sonny’s life, thus creating further conflict for her and Patrick. Sonny will be overwhelmed with guilt and Carly…well let’s just say, while the storyline would be heartbreaking, the performances will all be Emmy worthy. But of course, this is speculation on my part.
I Love chad duell so much I won’t what him rape in prison by cater again do not send him back to prison any more
Well, it seems from the way he is behaving, Michael probably was raped, as repulsive as that is. So the question is, can Jason be there for him at all times and what would Jason do to protect Michael? Because, Jason will probably have to stay in prison once Michael gets out. So where is the justice for that sacrifice Jason made? I will be anxious to see how this is all resolved……
I ‘am so happy for michael he is out but jason adore him so much I what Jason
morgan quartermaine be michael father not sonny
I rally hope rape is not written in the script . Disgusting
I know they will not
Rape is an ugly and disgusting act whether it is done to a female or male. It is a reality and I respect them for opening this topic up for discussion, since it is rarely discussed. Liz was raped as a teen and so was Laura. What makes this topic untouchable, the fact that it happens to a man? It may give men who have gone through this the strength to tell someone.
I am leaning toward the rape, but I am not happy with the idea that day time television exploring it. Not, because of the issue that it is a reality but like everything else on television. It’s too much, because what televison does that is not going to be reality is make it seem as if everything is going to eventually seem as if its okay and they are not going to explore all alternatives of what could lead to that poor young mans reality. I think they should have left that alone.
The storyline between the Michael and Carter character was very gripping, and very well acted. I would say there was a homosexual subtext, as nothing was stated explicitly. However, I think it posited the homosexual Carter as seductive/subversive while the heterosexual Michael was painted as white. Is there some sexual ideology at work here? There should be more of these storylines, as they use diverse characters.
I notice that the ‘Carter’ character was later ‘killed off’ for his sexual transgression, which lent it some dubious morality.