Award-Winning ‘General Hospital’ Star Passes Away At 88

From the streets of Fayetteville to the heights of Hollywood, Elizabeth “Betsy” MacRae Halsey has captivated audiences with her performances in soap operas for decades. Halsey, whose career spanned decades and included roles in “General Hospital,” “Days of Our Lives,” and “Another World,” passed away Monday night at the age of 88.

Born in 1936, Halsey embarked on a career in acting after her education at Holton-Arms School in Washington, DC. According to her obituary, she moved to New York City in 1956, igniting a 25-year career that saw her on both small and big screens. Elizabeth shone in TV classics like “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Gunsmoke,” and “General Hospital,” and was most celebrated for her role as Lou Ann Poovie in “Gomer Pyle, USMC.” Her film roles included appearances in “The Conversation” alongside Gene Hackman.

After retiring, she focused on her second career as a drug and alcohol counselor. Elizabeth and her husband Charles later returned to Fayetteville, where they enjoyed their golden years surrounded by friends and family. A dedicated member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, she leaves behind a loving stepfamily and numerous nieces and nephews. Elizabeth’s legacy continues at UNC-Chapel Hill, where her acting memorabilia is preserved.

#RIP Elizabeth MacRae
Her TV credits in shows such as "Route 66," "Surfside 6," "The Fugitive," "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza," "The Andy Griffith Show," and "General Hospital." She was most renowned for her portrayal of Lou Ann Poovie in "Gomer Pyle, USMC."https://t.co/TK2xXXyVQJ pic.twitter.com/0mr7q2I375

— Pete Salisbury @Tuckerpete (@Tuckerpete) May 28, 2024

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“She had a wonderful life,” said nephew Jim MacRae on Monday according to The Kirby File. “She was bright and articulate. She was still getting fan mail at Highland House.”

Mayon Weeks, who inducted Halsey into the Fayetteville Performing Arts Hall of Fame in 2023, had nothing but praise for her. “I can tell you that when she and her husband returned to Fayetteville, they were both a joy to be around,” Weeks shared.

He also highlighted Elizabeth’s undeniable talent, saying, “Elizabeth had the ‘X factor’ that is an important part of being a performer. She did ‘light up the room’ when she was present, and that theatrical presence was in full bloom when she starred in the play, ‘Picnic,’ at Cape Fear Regional Theatre.” Weeks described her as “a warm and delightful person to be with, and an engaging performer in film and on stage. A treasured daughter of our Fayetteville community.”

“She became certified as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor and spent many years offering help to those in need. She is quoted as saying that was one of her accomplishments that she is most proud of,” Weeks said of Halsey.

“Gomer Pyle” was filmed at the Desilu Studios’ Desilu Cahuenga sound stage and the RKO Forty Acres backlot in Hollywood. It was there that Ronnie Schell, who portrayed Duke, worked closely with the actress known for playing Gomer Pyle’s ditzy girlfriend. Schell fondly recalled their time together in an interview with City View Today: “She was so great doing Lou-Ann Poovie,” he said. “I’ve always loved her. She was down to earth. She was not uppity like some actresses. We did about five Gomers together… She and I got along so well.”

A private memorial will be held in her honor, and donations in her memory can be made to the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society or St. John’s Episcopal Church.

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