Former ‘General Hospital’ Head Writer Claire Labine Has Died

‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘One Life to Live’ alum Kassie DePaiva shared the sad news that Claire Labine has died. Labine served as a head writer for ‘All My Children,’ ‘One Life to Live,’ ‘Ryan’s Hope,’ ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Guiding Light.’ At this time, no cause of death has been released.

Kassie, who is battling acute myeloid leukemia, wrote on Twitter, “Soap Head writer Claire Labine was one of the best! Rest In Peace dear gifted lady. #oltl #amc #ryanshope.” Kassie portrayed Blair Cramer on ‘OLTL’ and Labine created one of soap history’s most dynamic love triangles involving Blair, Todd Manning [Roger Howarth] and Tea Delgado [Florencia Lozana].

‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ writer Michele Val Jean also shared the devastating news via Twitter. “As if this week couldn’t get any worse. I’m heartbroken. Rest in power, Claire Labine. I’ll always carry what you gave me with gratitude.”

Claire Labine began her career as a writer for the soap opera ‘Where the Heart Is’ and then moved on to ‘Love of Life’ working closely with Paul Avila Mayer. The two became a writing team and were approached by ABC to create the soap opera ‘Ryan’s Hope’ in 1974.

The prolific writer was a mentor to many, also writing for ‘All My Children’ and ‘Guiding Light.’ Claire Labine won nine Daytime Emmys – 1995 Outstanding Writing, ‘General Hospital, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1993 & 1994 Outstanding Writing, ‘Ryan’s Hope,’ as well as 1977 and 1979 Outstanding Drama Series, ‘Ryan’s Hope.’ 

Claire Labine also received three Writers Guild of America Awards. She is survived by son Matthew Labine and daughter Eleanor Labine.

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