Shell Kepler Passed Away!

Actress Shell Kepler, who for years played the gossipy nurse Amy Vining on the TV soap opera "General Hospital," has died. Ms. Kepler died of renal failure shortly after being admitted to a hospital in Portland, Oregon, on February.Kepler's busybody character on "General Hospital" was a fan favorite and enjoyed a long run, 1979-2002. In addition to her run on "General Hospital," she was also in a 1982 Joan Collins film, "Homework," and a couple of episodes of the situation comedy "Three's Company."

On the side, she was a businesswoman, marketing clothing on the former Home Shopping Club. She said in a 1994 Associated Press interview that her "Lacy Afternoon" collection had sales topping $20 million that year alone.Kepler was born in Ohio and the family moved to California when she was 10. She recalled in 1994 that she didn't yet have a driver's license when she began trying out for film roles. She moved to Portland after her TV career and became involved in charity fundraising.

She was 49 years young and had been living in Portland for years, working as a charity fund raiser. Since leaving GH, Shell showed her entrepreneurial spirit by creating her own clothing and accessories line.In addition to GH, Shell appeared on "Three's Company", "CHiPs" and GH spin-off, "Port Charles" during her career. She was twice divorced and is survived by her brother. Soaps.com would like to express our sincere condolences to her brother and all of her loving fans.