TMZ first reported on the death of former General Hospital starlet Robyn Benard on March 13. New details have since emerged that paint a most tragic picture of the actress’ final years.
Robyn Bernard R.I.P.
Per the Daily Mail, who did an extensive deep dive into her life post-retirement from stage and screen, Benard had fallen prey to a rash of addictions, racked up considerable criminal charges, and apparently struggled to cope with unmedicated paranoid schizophrenia.
Following a relocation to San Jacinto, a small city of about 45,000, approximately 85 miles east of Los Angeles back in 2014, Bernard moved into a trailer park for senior citizens. Resident Norma Teyechea remembered that Bernard was “a good singer,” while reputed close friend Margot Nichols granted, “She was something else. She was a sweetheart. But what can you say? She had addictions and then if you’re schizophrenic and you don’t take your medication…”
One year later, Bernard lost her home, all earthly possessions, and seven beloved cats in a fire (an eight would pass in the coming days from smoke inhalation).
House surfing proved untenable, and no help was forthcoming from the family from whom Benard had become estranged (including her televangelist father Jerry Wayne Bernard, and sister, Crystal Benard, of Wings fame).
Thanks to Riverside County’s Adult Protective Services Department, Bernard was housed in a small trailer in a community called Parkview Estates — but her troubles, and her addictions, reportedly intensified.
The investigation by the Daily Mail uncovered no less than five arrests on charges that included driving under the influence of drugs, being under the influence of drugs in public, and theft.
The patch of desolate land where Benard’s body was discovered in the early morning hours of March 12 was a known transient gathering spot.
Six of Benard’s former costars spoke exclusively to Soaps In Depth in the aftermath of her passing, chief among Kevin Bernhardt, who played Kevin O’Connor, the gaslighting, murder-minded spouse of Robyn’s alter-ego. He recalled that “Robyn so perfectly embodied the character of Terry Brock that oftentimes Terry Brock seemed embodied in Robyn. Robyn lived life to the fullest and left every ounce of herself on those sets, as well as a big piece of her heart — with her songs.
“I am saddened to hear of the personal challenges she suffered after she had graced the show, but I will continue to hold this beautiful and talented leading lady in my heart — as I remember Mrs. Kevin O’Connor. Robyn’s surely in a better place now, where she, Terry Brock, and their gospel songs will be just as beloved as they were by those who loved them on General Hospital.”
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