The most gracious presence on General Hospital for the last twenty-five years has been Anna Lee, who, as Lila Quartermaine, has consistently brought dignity to the beleaguered, dysfunctional family.
Today comes news from Ms. Lee's son, Jeffrey Byron, that 90-year-old Lee's contract with General Hospital will not be renewed when it ends in November.
Not only has Lee been an important fixture on GH, even with her all too infrequent appearances, but she brings to the show a touch of the old Hollywood. A veteran of 73 films and dozens of TV shows, the British-born Lee began appearing in movies in 1932. Her costars have included John Wayne, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Ronald Colman and Paul Muni. Her most recognizable role was that of Sister Margaretta in the 1965 blockbuster, The Sound of Music.
Lee stayed with General Hospital even though, in 1983, she was in a car accident that left her wheelchair-bound. Over the years, she has been an inspiration not only to the handicapped but to the elderly. Her beautiful voice, her lovely smile and her elegance are a mainstay of the character of "Lila".
Byron was hoping to hear from Jill Farren Phelps, the show's producer, that the decision has been reversed, rather than have to tell his mother. So far, Phelps has not responded. "Anna is devastated," her son says. "They gave her NO reasons...to this second they have not called once to apologize or explain to her.. she has received NO communication from ABC whatsoever ! NONE !" Ms. Lee was married for many years to the acclaimed author Robert Nathan, and the family finances were eaten up with medical expenses in the last years of his life. Lee's General Hospital salary has enabled her to make mortgage payments and afford a caretaker. Now her future is uncertain. There is as of now no work for Lee on the show, and no final airdate. Her contract runs out in a few weeks.
It is very difficult to understand why Ms. Lee's annual contract cannot be continued. Is General Hospital so bereft of funds that they cannot keep an important character on salary? What is the justification for letting her go? Is she taking time away from the mob plots? Or, like a lot of people in Hollywood - particularly women -- has Ms. Lee gotten too old for anyone to care about?
(Anna Lee passed away May 14, 2004.)
