One of the most beloved people on the General Hospital set has passed away.
Last night, Maurice Benard took to Instagram with a heartwrenching tribute to the show’s longtime makeup artist, Donna Messina Armogida, after learning of her death.
“Sometimes you meet someone in life you just connect with and then unfortunately life just takes that person away. And no matter how much your heart breaks you want to remember the good times.
“My best friend my sister Donna used 2 hate taking pictures. I used to have to grab her and hold her. And we would and laugh and laugh. I will never forget this memory and I will never forget what you meant in my life.”
The beautiful words confused some fans who thought he meant his biological sister — but sometimes friends can feel that way.
Ian Buchanan (ex-Duke) shared a comment on Benard’s post saying, “My wonderful friend. My champion. Oh Nick and the boys, I am devastated and gutted for you. For all of us. My heart is heavy this night.”
Vanessa Marcil (ex-Brenda) shared Benard’s tribute to her Twitter account, while Tamara Braun (Kim) tweeted out something as well.
“Tell the people that you love and care about how you feel while you can. ❤️”
Executive producer Frank Valentini released the following statement.
“Donna Messina (Department Head, GH Makeup and Hair department) joined the “General Hospital” family on 8/26/1982. Anyone who’s been to set knows the hair and make-up department is synonymous with Donna.
“To say her presence will be missed, is an understatement. She was an incredibly warm, witty and all around great gal. Our thoughts go out to her loved ones — She touched every life in the studio and we are just heartbroken. We are all grieving this loss.”
Soap Hub sends our condolences to the cast and crew of General Hospital, as well as the family and friends of Donna Messina Armogida.
General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.
Oh, my heart breaks. I had not heard this until now. I was at the studio on Wednesday and as always, wanted to know how she was doing. Now this. She was a fan of the show and a fan of the entire cast and crew. We were HER fans! 😢😢😢 I will miss you Donna… https://t.co/HnKd3TUhYT
— Wally Kurth (@wallykurth) December 7, 2018
Donna welcomed me and treated me like a long lost Italian family member from day 1. Always supportive always smiling. Heart. Broken. Rest easy beautiful Donna https://t.co/3HfbnJJ5lB
— Dom Zamprogna (@dom_zamprogna) December 7, 2018
I’m devastated about Donna. I’ll always remember her kindness in trying to glitz me up for parties, and how she was everyone’s wise pal. Or Mom. Thinking of you, Mo, and the rest of the GH family.
— Jean Passanante (@PFossil) December 7, 2018
Video Credit: General Hospital
General Hospital || Long Live (50th Anniversary)
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