Elizabeth “Betsy” MacRae Halsey, best known for her roles in a series of soap operas, including “General Hospital,” “Days of Our Lives” and “Another World,” died Monday night at the age of 88.
Halsey died peacefully at Highland House Rehabilitation and Healthcare. The beloved actress was a trusted, familiar face on the small screen, and is being remembered for her incredible contributions to television. “She had a wonderful life,” nephew Jim MacRae said, according to a post published Tuesday by City View. “She was bright and articulate. She was still getting fan mail at Highland House,” until the time of her passing, he told the local publication.
Halsey’s roles were plentiful and diverse, and truly showcased the depths of her talents. She had roles in “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza,” “Route 66,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” “The Fugitive” and “The Andy Griffith Show,” according to City View.
The star landed her very first role on the CBS telecast, “The Verdict Is Yours,” in 1958, playing a courtroom witness. She went on to perform in “Naked City,” which led to roles in “Maverick,” “77 Sunset Strip,” “Hawaiian Eye” and “The Untouchables.”
She appeared in “Gunsmoke” alongside the likes of Burt Reynolds and Ken Curtis, and “Rawhide” with Clint Eastwood. Fans adored her in the role of the iconic girlfriend of Jim Nabors on “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.”
Halsey’s big screen appearances included “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” and the Oscar-nominated film, “The Conversation,” directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola.
Her staple appearances in soap operas generated widespread fanfare, as her loyal viewers routinely tuned in to see her appear in “General Hospital,” “Days of Our Lives,” “Guiding Light,” “Search for Tomorrow” and “Another World.”
The beloved actress took her final bow April 21, 2023, as the 33rd inductee into the Fayetteville Performing Arts Hall of Fame, according to City View.
“Such an honor,” she said at the time. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude, and I thank you so much,” she said, according to City View.
Jim Macrae noted that Halsey’s health rapidly deteriorated soon after the passing of her husband of 55 years, Charles Halsey, who died at the age of 96 in March.
“It’s sad, but she has crossed the river,” he said, according to City View. (RELATED: Al Ruddy, Producer Of ‘The Godfather,’ Dies At 94)
“The last few years were rough, but she is with my dad, who she adored, her father and mother, sister and husband. She lived a good life,” he said.
Funeral arrangements have not been publicly shared.
