Credit: Image: ABC

The cast of the daytime soap share memories of a fellow crew member.

Soaps.com readers may have noticed at the end of January 4’s episode that it was dedicated to Donna Messina, who died on December 6, 2018 at the age of 59 in California. Messina was the head of the make-up and hair department at General Hospital. As part of the team, she won six Daytime Emmys over the years and was nominated twelve times. She joined GH in 1982 and also worked in the hair and make-up department on ABC’s America’s Funniest Home Videos.

Messina was remembered on social media by many from the cast. Maurice Benard (Sonny) wrote, “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.” Jon Lindstrom (Kevin Collins and Ryan Chamberlain) added, “Life is often mystifying in this way. Donna Messina preceded my arrival to GH, and I got there in ‘92! I loved her, as we all did, for her support and kindness, her no-bullshit attitude and honesty. I miss her already. R.I.P..” Wally Kurth (Ned Quartermaine) expressed his sympathy as well, writing, “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…” Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) shared, “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.”

In light of her passing, the cast and crew of GH have set up a Go Fund Me page in order to raise money to help pay for the education of the three sons she left behind. Soaps.com sends our condolences to her family and friends.