Eileen was born in Glasgow, Scotland on March 8, 1918. She studied theatre and appeared in small roles in movies. But she got her big break when she was cast opposite Laurence Olivier in the film version of Hamlet in 1948. She played Hamlet's mother Gertrude even though she was 13 years younger than Olivier!She appeared on Broadway as well, most notably in the musical Take Me Along which she was nominated for a Tony for.
In 1976 she made the leap to the small screen and debuted as former carnival worker, Myrtle Fargate. She endured everyone as the ultimate den mother at the boarding house where just about everyone has lived at one time or another. And has been surrogate mother to, most recently, Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) and confidant to Zach Slater (Thorsten Kaye).
In 1984, 1985 and 1986 she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in the Best Supporting Actress category. And she is one of only a few actresses ever to appear on the three soaps (AMC, Loving and OLTL) as the same character.
Eileen has been married, but was divorced and has no children. She is survived by her brother Alfred as well nieces and nephews.
Eileen's legend will live on in the hearts of AMC fans who will never forget Myrtle's wise advice and calming influence in the chaotic world of Pine Valley.
Please enjoy this wonderful scene between Myrtle and Zach. Their scenes always brought a smile to my face.
Ohhhh! What sad news......"Myrtle" has been a joy to watch on AMC for decades. She was a rock for Erica to hold onto when Mona passed and a rock for many other characters who spent time at her boarding house and shopped at her boutique. I hope that AMC will pay her the tribute that she so well deserves in their story line. She was a great lady, a fun character, and will be greatly missed!
ReplyDeleteBig dissapointment. Losing Eileen is awful! Atleast she's in a better place
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear this about Eileen
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad news! I had been hearding rumors that AMC was going to kill Myrtle off, but now Eileen passing away.. so sad indeed.
ReplyDeleteI actually cried when I read that the adorable Myrtle had died. I loved her relationship with Zach and her surrogate mother roll with Erica.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweetheart. I'm going to miss her rare appearances, especially the stuff with Zach. She always made him seem more "down to Earth" than he nornally is.
ReplyDeleteHow sad....I will miss her character in Pine Valley. She was the glue that held people together. Will AMC do a tribute to her? I don't want to miss it. She SO deserves a rightful farewell.
ReplyDeleteMona and Phoebe, now Myrtle - what great gals. Though I haven't watched the show in years, I'll always remember the trio fondly.
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