Exclusive: General Hospital Star Michael Easton Recalls Late TV Mom Lisa Banes

Actress Lisa Banes has passed away after suffering a traumatic brain injury. She was 65 years old. On June 4, Banes was struck by a motor scooter while she was walking in New York City. She never regained consciousness and died on June 14. She was known for many roles, like the film Gone Girl, but daytime knew her as Eve McBain on One Life To Live — mom to Michael Easton’s John McBain.

Michael Easton Pays Tribute to Lisa Banes

“We are heartsick over Lisa’s tragic and senseless passing. She was a woman of great spirit, kindness, and generosity, and [she was] dedicated to her work, whether on stage or in front of a camera and even more so to her wife (Kathryn Kranhold), family, and friends. We were blessed to have had her in our lives,” manager David Williams said in a statement to NBC New York.

Banes was born in Chagrin Falls, Ohio on July 9, 1955. She amassed over 85 credits over the course of her career as an actress. Banes’ TV appearances include roles on Spenser: For Hire, China Beach (in which she shared scenes with General Hospital’s Jeff Kober [Cyrus]), NYPD Blue, Six Feet Under, and Desperate Housewives. Banes played series regular, Doreen Morrison, on The Trials of Rosie O’Neill, performing in 34 episodes of the legal drama.

In 2004, she appeared on One Life to Live as Eve McBain, John McBain’s mother, for several episodes. “Although Lisa was only on OLTL for a brief period of time, she was a powerful presence whose impact on the show lasted long after she left,” shares Michael Easton (ex-McBain, OLTL; Finn, GH) with Soap Hub in this exclusive statement.

“From the moment she was introduced, it became clear to me that the strength of John McBain’s character was derived entirely from his mother,” Easton adds. “It was an awareness attributed directly to Lisa’s powerful performance. She left a lasting impression on me and everyone she worked with.”

Soap Hub sends sincere condolences to Kranhold, the rest of Banes’ family, as well as her friends and fans. General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.