John Reilly, ‘General Hospital’ Alum, ‘Soap Opera’ Star, Dies at 84

John Reilly, US soap star of General Hospital and Dallas, has died, aged 84.

The actor’s death was announced by his daughter on Instagram on Sunday, in which she described him as the “brightest light in the world”.

John had a recurring role in huge 80s TV hit Dallas before playing retired spy Sean Donely in top ABC daytime series General Hospital.

Such was his popularity at one stage, director Judd Apatow said that unrelated character actor John C. Reilly had to add his middle initial to his name so that he could be identified separately from the soap star.

Announcing his passing on Instagram, John’s daughter Caitlin wrote on Sunday: “The brightest light in the world has gone out. Imagine the best person in the world. Now imagine that person being your dad.”

Caitlin posted a photo of her as a little girl being hugged by her father.

She continued: “I’m so grateful he was mine.

“I’m so grateful I got to love him. I’m so grateful I made it in time to hold him and say goodbye.

“I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do, but I know he’ll be with me. I love you forever Daddy.”