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Who is John Reilly's wife Liz? 'General Hospital' star dies at 84, daughter Caitlin calls him 'brightest light'

John was known for his incredible roles in soap operas such as Dr Dan Stewart in 'As the World Turns'. He also was part of shows such as 'How the West Was Won', 'Quincy ME' and 'Dallas'

Caitlin Reilly, daughter of veteran actor John Reilly has revealed that her father has died. John, 84, who played Sean Donely on the acclaimed soap opera 'General Hospital' from 1984 to 1995 died on Saturday, January 9, evening, and the cause of death has not been revealed yet.

Caitlin shared the devastating news on her Instagram along with a picture of her father and her as a child, writing, "John Henry Matthew Reilly AKA Jack. The brightest light in the world has gone out. Imagine the best person in the world. Now imagine that person being your dad. I’m so grateful he was mine. I’m so grateful I got to love him. I’m so grateful I made it in time to hold him and say goodbye. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do, but I know he’ll be with me. I love you forever Daddy.” 

The actor is survived by his wife Liz and three daughters.

Early life of soap opera star

John was born in Chicago and was known for his incredible roles in soap operas such as Dr Dan Stewart in 'As the World Turns'. He also was part of shows such as 'How the West Was Won', 'Quincy ME' and 'Dallas'. Most remember him from 'General Hospital' and he joined the soap opera in February of 1984 and stayed on for 11 years.

After that, the veteran actor played the voice role of Hawkeye on the 'Iron Man' (1994-1996), Bill Taylor, Kelly Taylor’s father on 'Beverly Hills, 90210' (1996-1998), Del Douglas on 'Sunset Beach' (1997-1999) and Alistair Crane on 'Passions' (2000-2008). He also reprised his role as Sean Donely in 'General Hospital: Night Shift' in 2008.

'Kindest man you ever could find'

Finola Hughes, John's 'General Hospital' co-star, told TVLine that the actor was "a big brother" to her calling him the "kindest man you ever could find." She further added, "I cannot express how sorry I am to hear of his passing".

The actress also took to Twitter to post a picture of the two of them writing, "Darling #JohnReilly 1st day at GH a tall handsome man in a leather jacket sauntered towards me & welcomed me to the show, claimed me as a fellow ‘Irish’ & assured me he’d take care of me no matter what. A kind, true friend who loved his family above all else #ripJohnReilly."

Who is John Reilly's wife?

John Reilly locked eyes with his wife, Liz, in the early 1980s and the two exchanged vows on July 11, 1981. The couple has three daughters, of which Caitlin is one. Not much is known about his wife and their relationship as the couple kept everything under wraps.

However, his co-star and close friend Finola Hughes described their relationship in her post. Shedding light on his loving nature, she said, "John’s sensitivity and kindness was most apparent with his family and friends. His love of his wife Liz and their gorgeous daughters was legion. I am so happy I got to experience and see that love firsthand. One of a kind."

Fans pay their condolences

The official account of 'General Hospital' also expressed their condolences writing, "The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of John Reilly's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. Rest in peace. #GH" 

Many took to social media to share their condolences and grief of the soap vet's passing. They also added pictures of the actor from when he was younger with many feeling nostalgic about his acting days.

"Completely devastated to hear that John Reilly has passed. As wonderful as an actor as he was, he was an even greater person to get to know off screen. Deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We will be paying tribute to him with "new" slides today," wrote one user. "RIP John Reilly you were one of the good guys.  Sending condolences to his family & friends. #SeanDonnelly #GH," added another.