An American actress who played the iconic role of Nurse Jessie Brewer on the popular soap opera "General Hospital" from 1963 to 1971. She was a pioneering figure in daytime television, paving the way for future generations of soap opera stars.
Emily McLaughlin was an American actress, best known for her longstanding role as the original Nurse Jessie Brewer on the daytime soap opera General Hospital, a character she portrayed from 1963 until 1991. Her iconic character's phrase, "Seventh floor, nurses' station," became a staple in the show's early years, making her a household name in the world of soap operas.
Born on December 1, 1928, in White Plains, New York, McLaughlin was the daughter of Frederick C. McLaughlin, the city's mayor. She received her education at Middlebury College, where she developed a passion for drama. After college, she began her career in the performing arts, appearing in various Broadway and off-Broadway productions.
Mclaughlin made her television debut in 1959, with a regular role as Eileen Seaton on the daytime soap opera Young Doctor Malone. She later moved to Hollywood in 1961, where she began landing guest starring roles on anthology dramas such as The Twilight Zone, Studio One, and Kraft Television Theatre. However, it was her role as Nurse Jessie Brewer on General Hospital that brought her the most recognition and acclaim.
In 1974, McLaughlin received a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for her role as Nurse Jessie Brewer. This nomination made her the first and only actress to be recognized for a daytime soap opera role.
McLaughlin's portrayal of Nurse Jessie Brewer not only made her a household name but also contributed to the success of General Hospital. Her character's on-again, off-again romance with Dr. Steve Hardy, played by John Beradino, was a central part of the show's early years. As one of the original leading actresses on the series, McLaughlin helped pave the way for future generations of daytime television actresses.
Despite her success on General Hospital, McLaughlin's personal life was marked by health issues, which affected her ability to work on the show. In the 1980s, her character's appearances became less frequent, and she was eventually demoted to dayplayer status. McLaughlin passed away on April 26, 1991, just a few weeks after her final appearance on General Hospital.
Emily McLaughlin's legacy continues to be felt in the world of daytime television. Her iconic character, Nurse Jessie Brewer, remains a beloved figure in the General Hospital franchise, and her contribution to the show's success is still celebrated by fans today.
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