GH star passes away

Former General Hospital star George Gaynes, who originated the role of mob boss Frank Smith, has died.

Former General Hospital star George Gaynes (ex-Frank Smith) passed away in his North Bend, Washington, home on Monday night. He was 98.

Though Gaynes is most known for his role as grouchy foster dad Henry on Punky Brewster and for appearances in movies like 1982's Tootsie and 1984's Police Academy, longtime soap opera fans probably recognize him as the Port Charles mob boss who tortured Luke (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis) back in the early 80s.

Gaynes originated the role of Frank in 1980, when the character hired Luke to run the Campus Disco as a money-laundering operation. The actor left the show within that same year, with Frank going to prison (and later returning when Mitchell Ryan and then Joe Cortese took on the role).

In addition to GH, the Finland-born actor played Sam Reynolds on Search For Tomorrow and appeared in countless television shows and films, including Chicago Hope, Hearts Afire, Matlock, and Cheers.

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Gaynes is survived by his wife, Allyn Ann McLerie, daughter Iya Gaynes Falcone Brown, a granddaughter, and two grandsons. His son, Matthew, died in a car accident in 1989.

What is your favorite memory of Gaynes on GH or Search For Tomorrow? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our message boards, or by submitting Feedback.

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