CBS Legend Passes Away! General hospital Alum Betty Anne Newman died, Very Heartbreaking News

A Life of Stage, Screen, and Storytelling

Born Elizabeth Anne Rees on April 14, 1943, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, she grew up with a deep love of the arts. After graduating from Shaker Heights High School, she pursued her passion at the University of Miami and continued her training at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse. From an early age, Rees was drawn to performance, and she quickly carved out a career that spanned television, film, and daytime drama.

While she worked in a variety of genres and formats, Betty Anne Rees made a notable impression during her time on General Hospital. In the late 1970s, she portrayed Dr. Susan Ames, a no-nonsense physician with a compelling, mysterious backstory. Though her time on the soap was brief, the strength and authenticity she brought to her character left a lasting impact.

Dr. Ames was ahead of her time—a fiercely independent woman who challenged her male colleagues and refused to play into conventional tropes. Rees’s portrayal was layered, nuanced, and groundbreaking for its era. She didn’t just play a role; she gave the audience a woman of intellect, resilience, and integrity at a time when such portrayals were still rare.

Hollywood Highlights and Cult Classic Fame

Beyond General Hospital, Betty Anne Rees was no stranger to audiences across the entertainment spectrum. She had an extensive resume that included appearances on popular prime-time television shows such as The Mod Squad, The F.B.I., The Incredible Hulk, Barnaby Jones, The Streets of San Francisco, SWAT, and Adam-12. She also appeared on the NBC soap The Doctors, further solidifying her status as a familiar face in daytime television.

In cinema, Rees was celebrated for her roles in genre films and cult classics. Her standout performance as a tough roller derby competitor in The Unholy Rollers (1972)—a film produced by the legendary Roger Corman—showcased her fierce screen presence and ability to dive into unconventional roles. She also left a mark in the 1974 horror blaxploitation film Sugar Hill, where she played a memorable supporting role. These films may not have topped box offices at the time, but they became beloved by fans for their bold storytelling and unique characters—and Rees shined in them all.

A Quiet Strength and a Lasting Legacy

According to her niece Kathleen Locke Rees, the actress was diagnosed with MS in the early 1990s. Though she eventually stepped away from Hollywood, Rees never lost her passion for storytelling or her love for the craft. In her later years, she relocated to the Pacific Northwest, where she led a life of service and creativity. She worked with women’s shelters, taught acting at community theaters, and remained active in local arts initiatives.

Friends and colleagues who knew her during this time described her as kind, thoughtful, and deeply empathetic. She remained deeply engaged with her fans, occasionally participating in interviews and soap conventions. For Rees, acting was more than just a career—it was a way to connect with others and help them process their own stories.

In one memorable interview, she said, “Soap operas are a kind of shared experience. They help people process their own lives. I always felt honored to be part of that.” That sentiment now resonates more deeply than ever.

Remembered by Fans and Colleagues

In the wake of her passing, tributes have poured in across fan forums and social media. Many remember her not just for her acting talent, but for the way she made them feel. One longtime fan shared, “Even when her character wasn’t the focus, you watched her. She had this quiet elegance that you don’t see anymore.” Another wrote, “Her Dr. Ames was so ahead of her time—smart, independent, fearless. I’ll never forget her.”

Former co-stars echoed that praise. One General Hospital alum, who chose to remain anonymous, said, “Betty Anne was one of those rare performers who elevated everyone around her. She didn’t chase the spotlight, she chased truth in the work. That’s what made her unforgettable.”

Despite her early exit from the Hollywood scene, her impact endures. Fans continue to post old scenes of Dr. Ames, remembering how her understated power brought gravity to even the smallest moments. She was a performer who didn’t demand attention—but always earned it.

Honoring a Soap Opera Trailblazer

At the time of writing, ABC and the General Hospital production team have not yet confirmed if a formal on-air tribute will take place. However, many fans are calling for recognition—whether through a dedicated segment, retrospective clip reel, or a tribute in the end credits. For an actress who touched so many lives with her grace and subtle power, even the simplest acknowledgement would be fitting.

Her family released a final statement shortly after her death, saying she passed peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by loved ones. “She lived her life with grace, passion, and purpose,” the statement read. “She cherished her time in the industry and always remembered her fans with love and gratitude.”

A Lasting Star in the Soap Opera Sky

Betty Anne Rees may be gone, but her spirit lives on in the memories she created and the lives she touched. Her work—on General Hospital and beyond—was a testament to the quiet strength and enduring heart of a true artist. She stood as a bridge between the golden age of soap operas and today’s evolving genre, reminding viewers of a time when performance was rooted in craft, compassion, and character.

In the words of one fan: “You may be gone, Betty Anne, but you will never be forgotten. Thank you for the stories, the strength, and the grace. Rest in peace. Your star still shines.”

Stay tuned to CTS for more tributes, updates, and memories from the world of daytime television.