With “General Hospital” preparing to kick off its 60th anniversary celebration in the coming weeks, the series will welcome back “Grey’s Anatomy” star Chandra Wilson as red carpet correspondent Sydney Val Jean. Meanwhile, “Community” star Yvette Nicole Brown will be on hand for a special episode of the soap that honors the life of Sonya Eddy, the beloved actress who died on December 19 following complications from a surgical procedure she had undergone days prior. Eddy had portrayed head nurse Epiphany Johnson on the daytime drama series since March 2006.
Episodes featuring Wilson will air during the week of April 3 when the Nurses Ball marks its return following a two-year absence – the result of real-life events preventing the show’s entire cast from being in close proximity with each other for an extended period. Photos featuring Wilson on the red carpet are currently available via TVLine.
The Nurses Ball is an annual event put together by General Hospital nurses to bring HIV/AIDS awareness. The event was first introduced in 1994 and has been emceed by Lucy Coe (played by Lynn Herring) more than a dozen times.
The special episode dedicated to Eddy will air on Wednesday, March 29. Brown’s role is currently being kept under wraps, but her appearance is noteworthy as she and Eddy had been real-life friends for decades.
“I first met @sonyaeddy back in 2003 when we both were testing for the sitcom #TheBigHouse. From that moment on she became a dear friend of mine. I collected her,” said Brown in an Instagram post following news of Eddy’s passing.
“Sonya, @octaviaspencer, @thecurvycritic and I walked with each other thru the “salad” days of our careers. Supporting each other as we chased this dream. Often auditioning for the same things, always celebrating whoever won the gig. Sonya was a force. She was unapologetically joyous and a loyal friend. The world lost a real one last night. @generalhospitalabc will never be the same without her and none of us who knew and loved her will be either. Thanks @dionimichellecollins for all you did. You took good care of our friend. Rest well, Sonya #RIPSonyaEddy.
TV Insider first reported Brown’s casting.