'GH' actor John Ingle dead at 84

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Actor John Ingle, who has played millionaire Edward Quartermaine on the U.S. soap opera "General Hospital" since 1993, has died, his family said.

The Oklahoma native was 84 when he lost his battle with cancer Sunday.

"Father, Husband, Grandan, Great Grandan, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Teacher, Inspirer, Mentor: May You Soar with the Angels. You will forever hold a special place in the deepest corners of our hearts," his family said in a Facebook posting Monday.

"John Ingle achieved great joy from playing the role of Edward Quartermaine," executive producer Frank Valentini said in a statement Monday. "In our brief time working together, I have enjoyed getting to know a great man who embraced life, cherished what he did and, most of all, loved his family. He is already truly missed by the 'General Hospital' family."

Ingle taped his last episode of "General Hospital" Aug. 24. His final appearance aired Sept. 11 when Edward offering the only known dose of an antidote to a little girl after a madman put a pathogen in the Port Charles water supply. He was seen giving a thumbs-up sign and smiling.

"He was genuinely interested in people and everything that was going on... his dressing room door was always open, and many of us would find our way there to pick his brain and, in turn, he would lend an ear and offer his wisdom," said actress Leslie Charleson, who played his daughter-in-law, Monica, for years. "Always the professional, after his first surgery he was worried about whether 'Edward' would wear a cap. I for one, will miss that cap, because he wore it well. But above all I will miss him, and especially his wonderful smile."

Ingle founded the performing arts departments at both Hollywood and Beverly Hills High Schools in 1955 and 1964, respectively. Among his students were Albert Brooks, Nicolas Cage, Richard Dreyfuss, Joanna Gleason, Barbara Hershey, Swoosie Kurtz, Stefanie Powers, David Schwimmer and Jonathan Silverman, ABC said.

Ingle retired from teaching in 1985 and began acting full-time the same year. He joined "General Hospital" in 1993. His film credits include "Batman and Robin," "Death Becomes Her," "Robocop II," "Heathers" and "Senseless."

His wife of 57 years, Grace-Lynne Martin, died Feb. 11 of natural causes. Ingle is survived by their five daughters -- Jessica, Jenny, Carey, Melanie and Chrissy -- and nine grandchildren.