Although not an original cast member, Eileen Herlie, as Myrtle, was as much a part of AMC as Phoebe, Joe, Ruth, and Erica. Her character's trajectory is how veteran characters should be treated and used. I enjoyed how much she became Erica's surrogate mother, her understanding of and relationship with Zach, and her last crazy storyline with Red/Santa Claus? (Remember that?) As many in this thread have already stated, her onscreen memorial will hopefully be as dignified and stately as the actress, but with a touch of the bawdiness and "carnie-flavor" of the character. My heart will no longer zing at the sight of that flaming red hair on my television screen, knowing I was in for a treat of acting and true class.

It's amazing that she was on the show continuously for THIRTY TWO YEARS ... and she didn't even start working there until she was 58 years old!!! She will be missed.

Damn why Myrtle I loved her since I started watching AMC as a kid. I hope AMC and ABC does not use this as a excuse to kill her in the Tornado

I'm heartbroken over this news, she was a true treasure, such an amazing lady and an amazing actress. I loved scenes with her and TK(it was said she had a bit of a crush on TK, awww)

RIP Eileen, my thoughts are with her family and friends

Oh no! How heartbreaking. RIP Eileen Herlie. :(

RIP.

RIP

Oh no! :( :(

Rest in peace Eileen, you're presence on AMC will never be forgotten. I'm going to miss Myrtle so much.

Does anyone else find this odd?

1994. Tornado. Fra Heflin (who plays Erica's mother, Mona Kane) passes.

2008. Tornado. Eileen Herlie (who plays Erica's surrogate mother, Myrtle Lum Fargate) passes.

Rest in peace.

Does anyone else find this odd?

1994. Tornado. Fra Heflin (who plays Erica's mother, Mona Kane) passes.

2008. Tornado. Eileen Herlie (who plays Erica's surrogate mother, Myrtle Lum Fargate) passes.

Come to think of it.. Yes!!!!

R.I.P., Eileen.

It's sad to see such an integral part of Pine Valley pass away. My thoughts go out to her family and friends, too.

Does anyone else find this odd?

1994. Tornado. Fra Heflin (who plays Erica's mother, Mona Kane) passes.

2008. Tornado. Eileen Herlie (who plays Erica's surrogate mother, Myrtle Lum Fargate) passes.

I find it quite odd too.

I guess we can stay a permanent 'good-bye' to the boarding house now. I wish another character could take it over, but keep it named Fargate Boarding House as a tribute to Myrt.

Opal would be a good choice. Have Opal give back Cortlandt Manor to Palmer, and then she can move into the boarding house and have the Glamorama in the back.

Edited October 10, 200817 yr by Pine Charles

I loved the boarding house so! When they had all of the 20somethings living at Wildwind last year (or was it 2006?), the whole time I kept thinking that they should have been living at the boarding house instead. That house NEEDS to be a part of the show again!