List of General Hospital characters introduced in the 1960s

{{Short description|None}} {{DISPLAYTITLE:List of ''General Hospital'' characters introduced in the 1960s}} ''General Hospital'' is the longest running American television serial drama, airing on ABC.<ref name="GH">{{cite web|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/general-hospital/about-the-show|access-date=March 16, 2016|work=ABC.com|publisher=Disney–ABC Television Group|title=about general hospital}}</ref> Created by Frank and Doris Hursley, who originally set it in a general hospital (hence the title), in an unnamed fictional city. In the 1970s, the city was named Port Charles, New York.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/tvtownsillustrat00trop|last=Tropiano|first=Stephen|year=2000|title=TV Towns|location=New York City, New York|publisher=TV Books L.L.C.|isbn=1-57500-127-6|url-access=registration}}</ref> The series premiered on April 1, 1963.<ref name="GH"/> This is a list of notable characters who significantly impacted storylines and began their run, or significantly returned, from the years 1963 to 1969. {{TOC limit|2}}

==Tom Baldwin== {{Infobox soap character | name = Tom Baldwin | series = General Hospital | portrayer = Paul Savior (1966–72) Don Chastain (1976–77) | years = {{flatlist| *1966–72 *1976–77}} | first = December 12, 1966 | last = 1977 | creator = Frank and Doris Hursley | introducer = James Young (1966) Tom Donovan (1976) | image1 =  | caption1 = | image2 =  | caption2 = | alias = | occupation = Physician | siblings = Lee Baldwin | spouse = Audrey March Hardy (1967–77) | children = Tom Hardy | grandchildren = Tommy Hardy | nieces/nephews = Scott Baldwin (adoptive) }} '''Thomas "Tom" Baldwin''' is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera, ''General Hospital''. The role was originated by Paul Savior<ref name="Savoir 70">{{cite web|last=Newcomb|first=Roger|title=General Hospital Classic Photo Of The Day (Baldwins)|url=http://www.welovesoaps.net/2013/03/gh50-photo12.html|work=We Love Soaps|publisher=welovesoaps.com|access-date=March 16, 2013|date=March 15, 2013}}</ref> in 1966. The character was presumably killed off in 1972, but brought back on canvas in September 1976, portrayed by Don Chastain,<ref name="Chastain Start">{{cite news|last=Pike|first=Charlie|title=Pike's Peak|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=b3sfAAAAIBAJ&dq=tom-baldwin%20general%20hospital&pg=5580%2C2106458|access-date=March 16, 2013|newspaper=The Dispatch|date=September 24, 1976}}</ref> who left in 1977 amongst a large number of cast changes that occurred when Irving and Tex Elman took over as head writers.<ref name="Chastain exit 77">{{cite news|last=Reed|first=Jon-Michael|title='General Hospital' Gets Major Transfusion|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=B5dPAAAAIBAJ&dq=tom-baldwin%20general%20hospital&pg=6185%2C4643066|access-date=March 16, 2013|newspaper=Ocala Star-Banner|date=August 18, 1977}}</ref>

Tom Baldwin joined General Hospital in December 1966 to replace Dr. Peter Lindsay. Tom soon became interested in Jessie Brewer, R.N. but Jessie was in a relationship with Dr. John Prentice. Dr. Prentice's daughter, Polly, was also interested in Tom. In 1967, Tom Baldwin is treating Dr. John Prentice for his heart condition when John dies. When it is revealed that John had died because of a barbiturate overdose, John's daughter Polly Prentice tries to frame Jessie Brewer for murder. Tom is charged as an accessory before Phil Brewer returns to town with evidence that clears them both. Meanwhile, nurse Audrey March returns from Vietnam, trying to forget about her divorce from Steve Hardy, and marries Tom. When Audrey refuses to sleep with him, Tom is furious and rapes Audrey. When Audrey learns she is pregnant, she files for divorce and leaves town.

In 1972, Audrey returns, claiming the baby had died so that Tom would not protest the divorce. Audrey and Steve decide to remarry, but the lies Audrey was telling begin to hurt their relationship and they break up. Tom finds out about the baby and tries to get custody. Audrey is forced to stay in their marriage, and they rename the baby Tom "Tommy" Baldwin Jr. When their relationship ends, Tom leaves the country with the child, with the help of Florence Andrews. Eventually, the child is sent back to Audrey, who is told that Tom died of a heart attack.

In September 1976, Tom is revealed to be alive and returns to fight for custody of the child, while begging Audrey not to divorce him. When Tommy runs away, Tom agrees to the divorce and moves to Salt Lake City. Audrey and Steve remarry while Steve adopts Tommy, renamed Tom Hardy. {{-}}

==Meg Bentley== {{Infobox soap character | name = Meg Bentley | series = General Hospital | portrayer = Patricia Breslin (1965–69) Jen Shepard (1967) Elizabeth MacRae (1969–73) | years = 1965–73 | first = July 7, 1965 | last = July 16, 1973 | creator = Frank and Doris Hursley | introducer = James Young | occupation = Nurse | parents = Henry Quinton Emma Quinton | husband = Lloyd Bentley (pre-1965) Lee Baldwin (1966–73) | sons = Scott Baldwin | stepdaughters = Brooke Bentley Clinton | grandchildren = Robert Frank Karen Wexler Logan Hayes Serena Baldwin Christina Baldwin (adoptive) }}

left|thumb|150px|Elizabeth MacRae took over the role of Meg in 1969.'''Meg Baldwin''' (also '''Quinton''' and '''Bentley''') is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera ''General Hospital''. Patricia Breslin originated the role in 1965.<ref name="Breslin 1965">{{cite news|title=TV Key Mail Bag|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bz0xAAAAIBAJ&dq=meg-bentley%20general-hospital&pg=4609%2C2654143|access-date=March 16, 2013|newspaper=Toledo Blade|date=September 2, 1965}}</ref> Jen Shepard temporarily portrayed the character from June 27 to July 19, 1967, when Breslin had an emergency appendectomy.<ref name="Shepard Temp 67">{{cite news|last=Handsaker|first=Gene|title=TV Fare Features Specials|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fusrAAAAIBAJ&pg=2232%2C7549927|access-date=March 16, 2013|newspaper=Kentucky New Era|date=June 27, 1967}}</ref> Breslin left in 1969 when she married Art Modell.<ref name="Breslin Obit CNN">{{cite web|title=Patricia Modell, actress and wife of Art Modell, dead at 80|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/12/showbiz/obit-modell/|work=CNN|publisher=cnn.com|access-date=March 16, 2011|date=October 12, 2011}}</ref> The role was taken over by Elizabeth MacRae,<ref name="MacRae Start">{{cite news|title=TV Key Mailbag|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fs1RAAAAIBAJ&dq=meg-baldwin%20general-hospital&pg=4802%2C896539|access-date=March 16, 2013|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=September 3, 1969}}</ref> in August 1969,<ref name="8th Season">{{cite news|title='Hospital' Begins 8th TV Season|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yHFIAAAAIBAJ&dq=lucille-wall%20general-hospital&pg=758%2C4706373|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=Youngstown Vindicator|date=April 12, 1970}}</ref> who left the series when the character died in 1973.

In 1965, Meg Bentley becomes a nurse at General Hospital. Her husband Lloyd has just died and she moves to town with her son Scotty and stepdaughter Brooke. Meg is engaged to Dr. Noel Clinton, which Brooke does not approve of. Brooke seduces Noel away from Meg, and Meg is comforted by Lee Baldwin. Soon they are married. In 1969, Meg learns she has breast cancer and has a radical mastectomy.<ref name="WLS Breast Cancer">{{cite web|title=National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Watch Jennifer Brooks, Monica Quartermaine, Lillian Raines, Dorian Lord, Lucinda Walsh, Reva Shayne & Others Battle Breast Cancer, Educate Audience|url=http://www.welovesoaps.net/2011/10/nbcam.html|work=We Love Soaps|publisher=welovesoaps.net|access-date=March 16, 2013|date=October 12, 2011}}</ref> After the mastectomy, Meg has a mental breakdown and has to be committed to a sanitarium. She is eventually cured, but seeks treatment from Dr. Lesley Webber for high blood pressure. Meg dies, and Lee adopts Scotty. {{-}}

==Angie Costello== {{Infobox soap character | name = Angie Costello | series = General Hospital | portrayer = Jana Taylor | years = {{flatlist| *1963–1966 *1993}} | first = April 1, 1963 | last = April 1, 1993 | creator = {{ubl|Theordore Ferro|Mathilde Ferro}} | introducer = Selig J. Seligman (1963) Wendy Riche (1993) | image1 =  | caption1 = | alias = | occupation = | parents = Mike Costello | spouse = Eddie Weeks Mr. Collins | children = Jessie<ref>According to ''The Complete Scrapbook'', Angie had a boy; but in the 1993 30th anniversary episode, she has a daughter whom she says she had given up for adoption and Steve helped her get back.</ref> | grandchildren = Unnamed grandchild }} '''Angie Costello Collins''' (formerly '''Weeks''') is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera, ''General Hospital''. Jana Taylor originated the role on the series' premiere on April 1, 1963.<ref name="Premiere Annoucement">{{cite news|title=Premiere of Daytime Show|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ac0fAAAAIBAJ&dq=jana-taylor%20general%20hospital&pg=2259%2C6786733|access-date=March 16, 2013|newspaper=The Southeast Missourian|date=March 29, 1963}}</ref> Taylor portrayed the role until September 22, 1966. She returned for a guest appearance on the show's 30th anniversary episode on April 1, 1993.

Angie Costello is the first patient of Dr. Steve Hardy (John Beradino), the Chief of Staff at General Hospital. Angie is brought in with severe cuts on her face from a car accident where her boyfriend Eddie Weeks (then Craig Curtis) was driving. After surgery, Angie is upset that her face will be disfigured and causes trouble and stress for Dr. Hardy and Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin). Angie recovers from plastic surgery and has an illegitimate child with Eddie, which they give up for adoption to Fred and Janet Fleming (Simon Scott and Ruth Phillips). Angie and Eddie get married, and want their child back. They kidnap the baby and are arrested. The court gives them custody of the baby and they leave town for Chicago. Angie returns in April 1993 and visits with Steve the same day as his 30th anniversary at General Hospital. Angie is related to Steve and Audrey through marriage, as her father-in-law, Al Weeks, married Audrey's sister, Lucille, years after Angie was seen on the show. {{-}}

==Howie Dawson== {{Infobox soap character | name = Howie Dawson | series = General Hospital | portrayer = Ray Girardin | years = 1968–74 | first = May 16, 1968 | last = August 8, 1974 | creator =  | introducer = James Young | image1 =  | caption1 = | alias = | occupation = Administrator at General Hospital | parents = | siblings = | spouse = Jane Dawson | children = Joanne Dawson }} '''Howie Dawson''' is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera, ''General Hospital''. Ray Girardin<ref name="Spy 95">{{cite journal|last=Power|first=Samantha|title=War & A Piece|journal=Spy|date=July–August 1995|volume=9|issue=4|page=53|publisher=Sussex Publishers, LLC|issn=0890-1759|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zgu9QCTT_SwC&q=%22howie+dawson%22+%22general+hospital%22&pg=PA53}}</ref> originated the role in 1968 and played the character until 1974.<ref name="Girardin Tenure">{{cite web|last=Boucher Stetson|first=Debi|title='Social Security' to offer comic relief|url=http://www.wickedlocal.com/harwich/news/x1563283475#axzz2NkVN1BEd|work=Harwich Oracle|publisher=wickedlocal.com|access-date=March 16, 2013|date=April 4, 2006}}{{Dead link|date=April 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>

Howie is driving when he gets into a car accident with his pregnant girlfriend Jane Harland, who miscarries. They marry but face problems due to his mother. Howie becomes involved with Jane's cousin Carol during a difficult time in their marriage, but reconciles with Jane after their child is born. When Jane wants another child, Howie feels pressured and starts seeing Augusta McLeod. He goes back to Jane when he needs to improve his image to get an important position at General Hospital. They eventually separate and Howie leaves for New York City. {{-}}

==Jane Harland== {{Infobox soap character | name = Jane Harland | series = General Hospital | portrayer = Shelby Hiatt | years = 1968–75 | first = May 13, 1968 | last = 1975 | creator =  | introducer = James Young | image1 =  | caption1 = | alias = | occupation = Nurse | parents = | siblings = | spouse = Howie Dawson | children = Joanne Dawson | adoptivechildren = | stepchildren = | cousins = Augusta McLeod, Carol }} '''Jane Harland''' (previously '''Dawson''') is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera, ''General Hospital''. Shelby Hiatt originated the role in 1968. She briefly left on maternity leave in 1972.<ref name="Hiatt Maternity Leave">{{cite news|title=Reader's Mailbox|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=E0waAAAAIBAJ&pg=2898,1580144&dq=shelby-hiatt+general-hospital&hl=en|access-date=March 16, 2013|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|date=November 12, 1972}}</ref> Hiatt portrayed the character until she was let go by the series in August 1975.<ref name="Hiatt Fired">{{cite news|last=Pike|first=Charlie|title=Pike's Peak|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EnIcAAAAIBAJ&dq=shelby-hiatt%20general-hospital&pg=6009%2C3311233|access-date=March 16, 2013|newspaper=The Dispatch|date=August 8, 1975}}</ref>

Jane is brought to General Hospital as a patient after a car accident caused by her boyfriend Howie Dawson, that makes her miscarry her baby. She joins the nursing staff at the hospital and marries Howie. Their marriage struggles due to Howie's mother. Jane becomes involved with Tom Baldwin during a difficult time with Howie. When Tom's wife Audrey becomes pregnant, he resumes their marriage and Jane reconciles with Howie after their child is born. They eventually separate and Howie leaves town. After Jane's child suddenly dies, she is grief-stricken and leaves to work at another hospital. {{-}}

==Lucille March== {{Infobox soap character | name = Lucille March Weeks | series = General Hospital | portrayer = Lucille Wall (1963–82) Mary Grace Canfield (temp. 1973) | years = {{flatlist| *1963–76 *1982}} | first = April 18, 1963 | last = 1982 | creator =  | introducer = James Young (1963) Gloria Monty (1982) | image1 =  | caption1 = | image2 =  | caption2 = | alias = | occupation = Registered nurse | parents = | siblings = Audrey March Hardy Edith Logan | spouse = Al Weeks (1974—) | children = | stepchildren = Eddie Weeks | grandchildren = | nieces/nephews = Anne Logan Tom Hardy }} left|thumb|150px|Lucille Wall portrayed the role for over a decade.'''Lucille March Weeks''' is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera, ''General Hospital''. Lucille Wall originated the role on the fourteenth episode of the series.<ref name="8th Season" /> Wall won a special Emmy Award for her portrayal of Lucille,<ref name=Wall>{{cite web|last=Folkart|first=Burt A.|title=OBITUARIES : Lucille Wall, Star of Radio Show 'Portia'|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-07-16-mn-19460-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|publisher=latimes.com|access-date=August 31, 2012|date=July 16, 1986}}</ref> as well as an award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Daytime Drama in 1975 at the ''Afternoon TV'' Writers and Editors Awards.<ref name="Afternoon TV Award">{{cite news|title=Daytime series honored|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=K-sgAAAAIBAJ&pg=3534%2C4843689|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=The Day|date=September 26, 1975}}</ref>

Lucille March is the senior nurse on the seventh floor of General Hospital. One of Lucille's first patients is troubled Angie Costello, who is badly injured in a car accident caused by her boyfriend, Eddie Weeks. Gruff on the surface but hiding a heart of gold, she is nicknamed "Sarge" by her student nurse charges. In 1964, her sister Audrey March comes to visit and gets involved with Dr. Steve Hardy. In 1974, Lucille marries Eddie's father, Al Weeks, a widower who is a custodian at the hospital. Throughout the years, Lucille gives advice to her sister. In 1976 she retires to a farm in upstate New York, and Audrey becomes Head Nurse. Lucille pays a visit to Port Charles in 1982, having earlier invited niece Annie Logan and her adopted son Jeremy to pay her a visit. {{-}}

==Diana Taylor== {{Infobox soap character | name = Diana Taylor | series = General Hospital | portrayer = Valerie Starrett (1970–77) Davey Davison (temp. 1977) Brooke Bundy (1977–81) | years = 1970–81 | first = April 8, 1970 | last = February 1981 | creator =  | introducer = James Young | books = | spinoffs = | image1 =  | caption1 = | image2 =  | caption2 = | alias = | occupation = Waitress | parents = Pearl Maynard | siblings = Beth Maynard | spouse = Peter Taylor (1972–1979) | children = Unnamed child<ref name=GH042870>{{Cite episode |series= General Hospital|series-link= General Hospital |credits= James Young (Executive producer); Frank and Doris Hursley (Head writers) |network= ABC |date= April 28, 1970 |season= 8 |language= English}}</ref> Tracy Taylor Martha Taylor | adoptivechildren = Steven Webber | stepchildren = | aunts/uncles = | nieces/nephews = | cousins =  }} '''Diana Taylor''' (maiden name '''Maynard''') is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera, ''General Hospital''.

Originally portrayed by Valerie Starrett when the character was introduced in 1970, Davey Davison played the role temporarily in February 1977 while Starrett was recovering from minor surgery.<ref name=Davison>{{cite news|last=Hirsch|first=Lynda|title=Emmy Seekers Nominate Selves|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hPROAAAAIBAJ&dq=valerie-starrett%20general-hospital&pg=6975%2C4842219|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=Toledo Blade|date=February 20, 1977}}</ref> That September, the series did not renew Starrett's contract and she was replaced with Brooke Bundy,<ref name="77 Exit">{{cite news|last=Scheuer|first=Steven H.|title=New Life, New Wife|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rx1UAAAAIBAJ&dq=brooke-bundy%20general-hospital&pg=7197%2C9278103|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=Boca Raton News|date=August 28, 1977}}</ref> reportedly due to her more youthful appearance.<ref name="Starrett Replaced">{{cite news|title=Soaps|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pgtPAAAAIBAJ&dq=valerie-starrett%20general-hospital&pg=4890%2C1847509|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=Toledo Blade|date=April 26, 1978}}</ref> Others reported Starrett was let go due to conflicts with executive producer at the time Tom Donovan, who was shortly replaced by Gloria Monty at the beginning of 1978.<ref name="78 Cast">{{cite news|title=Networks Slugging It Out For Daytime Supremacy|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EbFPAAAAIBAJ&dq=valerie-starrett%20general-hospital&pg=7067%2C6397945|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=Ocala Star-Banner|date=February 23, 1978}}</ref> Starrett had become popular with fans, resulting in mail from upset viewers to Bundy<ref name="Bundy Mail">{{cite news|last=Hirsch|first=Lynda|title=Soap Opera Fans Offer Candid Views on Shows|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ofJYAAAAIBAJ&dq=brooke-bundy%20general-hospital&pg=599%2C2391812|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=Youngstown Vindicator|date=March 6, 1978}}</ref> and the network.<ref name="78 Cast" /> In 1980, the character saw less screen time due to the show's focus on the adventure storyline between popular couple Luke and Laura and mob boss Frank Smith.<ref name="Bundy Screentime">{{cite news|title=Soap star plays college student|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EDZOAAAAIBAJ&dq=brooke-bundy%20general-hospital&pg=3614%2C517408|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=The Virgin Islands Daily News|date=October 11, 1980}}</ref> Bundy left the series when the character was killed off in 1981.<ref name="Bundy EW 95">{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Alan|title=Brooke Bundy: Our Missed Brooke|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,299982,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018133434/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,299982,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2007|work=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=March 17, 2013|date=December 15, 1995}}</ref> Soap opera syndicate writer Lynda Hirsch reported that Bundy had wished to remain on the show, but there was lack of storyline for her when Richard Dean Anderson left the role of Jeff Webber.<ref name="Hirsch Bundy">{{cite news|last=Hirsch|first=Lynda|title=Lynda Offers Answers About Popular 'Soaps'|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=u-tIAAAAIBAJ&dq=brooke-bundy%20general-hospital&pg=3027%2C5153508|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=Youngstown Vindicator|date=May 29, 1981}}</ref>

thumb|150px|left|Brooke Bundy took over the role of Diana in 1977.Diana dates Phil Brewer while he is on-the-run and using an assumed name. When he returns to his wife Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin), Diana confides to Peter Taylor (Craig Huebing) that she is pregnant with Phil's child. They have a marriage of convenience, but develop real feelings for each other. The baby dies of pneumonia, but Phil becomes obsessed with Diana and rapes her. Diana becomes pregnant again and tells Peter he is the father. The truth comes out after the baby is born and after Diana has a hysterectomy, she and Peter become estranged, especially because he has trouble loving her daughter Martha. Phil realizes his obsession with Diana is in vain and leaves town. Diana becomes involved with patient Owen Stratton, but he dies before they marry. Peter becomes closer with Martha and reconciles with Diana.

In 1975, Diana becomes one of five suspects in the murder of Phil Brewer. The network filmed versions of each character committing the crime, in an effort to ensure the public would not find out the secret, and the actors were not told which character would be guilty. Starrett told the Associated Press: "It's an interesting idea, but as an actress, I want to know what I'm doing. I'm playing innocence based on what I feel about my character. You have to go on some assumption, and that's mine."<ref name="Brewer Murder">{{cite news|last=Margulies|first=Lee|title=TV Audience Won't Learn Whodunnit Yet|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JkxQAAAAIBAJ&dq=valerie-starrett%20general-hospital&pg=7005%2C2957034|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=The Evening Independent|date=January 13, 1975|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Starrett's character Diana eventually confesses to the murder to protect her husband Peter.<ref name="15th year">{{cite news|title=Daytime drama beginning 15th year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=opJfAAAAIBAJ&dq=valerie-starrett%20general-hospital&pg=3668%2C3004703|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|date=April 9, 1977}}</ref> Augusta McLeod confesses and Diana is released. {{-}}

==Peter Taylor== {{Infobox soap character | name = Peter Taylor | series = General Hospital | portrayer = Paul Carr (1969) Craig Huebing (1969–79) | years = {{flatlist| *1969–79}} | first = August 4, 1969 | last = September 1979 | creator =  | introducer = James Young | books = | spinoffs = | image1 =  | caption1 = | image2 =  | caption2 = | alias = | occupation = Psychiatrist | family = | parents = | siblings = | spouse = Jessie Brewer (1969–1970) Diana Taylor (1972–1979) | children = | adoptivechildren = Martha Taylor Steven Webber | stepchildren = Tracy Taylor | grandchildren = | aunts/uncles = | nieces/nephews = | cousins =  }} '''Dr. Peter Taylor''' is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera, ''General Hospital''. Craig Huebing took over the role in 1969.<ref name=Huebing>{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Mark|title=Actor turned Eugene retiree Craig Huebing dies at age 77|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NGBWAAAAIBAJ&dq=craig-huebing%20general-hospital&pg=5128%2C3718560|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard|date=March 17, 2006}}</ref> Huebing remained on the show during cast cutbacks in August 1977, although stated his character was on the backburner.<ref name="77 Exit" /> Huebing left the series when the character was killed off in September 1979, which soap opera syndicate writer Lynda Hirsch speculated was due to Huebing's contract demands.<ref name="Huebing Exit">{{cite news|last=Hirsch|first=Lynda|title=The Soaps|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xTBPAAAAIBAJ&dq=brooke-bundy%20general-hospital&pg=4099%2C518910|access-date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=Toledo blade|date=September 9, 1979}}</ref>

Peter Taylor, a psychiatrist at General Hospital, marries Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) when she believes her husband Phil Brewer is dead. Phil is alive and dating Diana Maynard (Valerie Starrett) under an assumed name. When Jessie finds him, her marriage to Peter is annulled. Peter and Diana plan a marriage of convenience when Diana reveals she is pregnant with Phil's child, but develop actual feelings for each other. The child dies and when Diana becomes pregnant again, Peter believes he's the father. When he learns the truth, he has a hard time loving the child, Martha, and he and Diana become estranged. He later becomes closer with Martha and reconciles with Diana. They renew their vows but Phil threatens to tell Diana that Peter is the father of Augusta McLeod's unborn child. Phil is murdered, and Peter becomes one of five suspects during a long investigation. Diana confesses to protect Peter, but Augusta confesses to Peter and he tells the police, releasing Diana. {{-}}

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

1960s