Who was actor Stuart Damon?
STUART Damon has died after a health battle with renal failure for the past several years, according to reports. The actor starred on television's longest-running soap opera from 1977-2018. Damon was best known for his 30-year portrayal of Alan Quartermaine in General Hospital. In 1999, he won an Emmy Award for his time on the long-running soap opera. Outside of the United States, he is well known for his role as Craig Stirling in The Champions. He also had television stints in Days of Our Lives, As the World Turns and Port Charles. His last acting credit was in 2013 when he played Edward in the thriller film Rain From Stars. Although he is best known for his time on television, Damon began his acting career on Broadway in New York City and the West End of London. The 84-year-old died after a health battle with renal failure for the past several years, reports stated. Renal failure is a generic term for kidney failure, which covers a wide range of ailments. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Deirdre Ottewill, and their two children. His son, Chris, told ABC7 that being part of the soap was "his favorite place to be. He loved playing Alan and was always so appreciative of that role and that job. It was his passion." ABC's General Hospital is the longest running soap opera in the United States. The show which is always full of drama - has been on the air for nearly 60 years. General Hospital revolves around the fictional community of Port Charles and the people who live there. Producers launched General Hospital in the early 1960s in an attempt to "capitalize on the popularity of prime-time medical dramas such as Dr. Kildare and Ben Casey," according to History.com. General Hospital has survived despite suffering from poor ratings at times, including in the 1970s. Film legend Elizabeth Taylor appeared on the show in the early 1980s, originating the role of Helena Cassadine. "One of four remaining daytime dramas, General Hospital holds the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the prestigious Emmy Award a record 13 times," reads the show description. Filmed in Hollywood, the show aired its 14,000th episode in 2018, and celebrated its 55th anniversary that same year. General Hospital was created by husband-and-wife soap writers, Frank and Doris Hursley.