'General Hospital' star has died from a major disease at the age of 86

Susan Brown, most famously known for her portrayal of Dr. Gail Baldwin on "General Hospital," passed away on Friday.

The cause of death wasn't revealed, and the 86-year-old actor had been living with Alzheimer's disease during the last years of her life.

The news was shared on Twitter by Frank Valentini, "General Hospital's" executive producer. Read more on our Twitter account, @amomama_usa.

He said it was "a sad day in Port Charles," and sent his "sincerest condolences to her family and to all who knew this amazing woman."

Brown first landed the role of Dr. Gail Adamson Baldwin on "General Hospital" in the late seventies and had a recurring part for 22 years.

Her last appearance was in 2004, and she acted in more than 20 episodes. She also reprised the role in 1997 for a spin-off show titled "Port Charles."

Brown's career spanned more than six decades, and she landed her first role, albeit uncredited, back in 1955 in "Artists & Models."

She appeared in various television shows and made-for-TV movies throughout the years before rising to fame as Ann Reynolds in "The Young Marrieds."

Brown landed the role in the early sixties and went on to appear in more in 130 episodes. She also had recurring parts in "Death Valley Days," and "Mariah."

In the late eighties, the Emmy Award nominee joined the cast of daytime soap "Santa Barbara." She also had a minor role in "Fraser," and "Beverly Hills 90210."

She was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category of Best Supporting Actress for her role in "General Hospital."

A year before her retirement from acting, she appeared as herself in the TV documentary titled "Intimate Portrait."

Apart from her career as an actress, Brown also owned and managed an interior design company, and many of her co-stars turned into clients over the years.