Who was Beth Peters?
Beth Peters, a 92-year-old actress and singer known for her recurring role as Mrs. Whitaker on “General Hospital,” passed away on March 14 in central Florida following a brief illness. During the early 1980s, she appeared in eight episodes of the popular ABC soap opera.
Peters’ son shared an obituary with Variety that talked about her persona.
“The motherly Mrs. Whitaker dispensed country wisdom from her farm kitchen in Beecher’s Corners, serving as a surrogate mother to Laura Spencer, played by Genie Francis, as the teenager’s story arc saw her fall in love with Luke Spencer, portrayed by Anthony Geary.”
Career
Beth Peters’ journey into the world of acting and singing began during her teenage years in coastal New Jersey. She made her Broadway debut in 1955 as a background performer in the play “Inherit the Wind,” eventually landing the role of Mrs. Brady during the final months of the play’s run.
Throughout her career, Beth Peters performed in regional theater, taking the stage at various locations. These include the Sacramento Music Circus, Circle Star Theatre, Melodyland, Carousel Theater, Hyatt Music Theater, Dallas State Fair Summer Musicals, Fiesta Dinner Playhouse, and Galveston Summer Musicals.
She portrayed the role of Mrs. Paroo, the matriarch, in “Marion the Librarian” for over 20 performances. Additionally, she had multiple appearances in “Sound of Music,” “Show Boat,” “Big River,” and “Funny Girl.”
Peters has an extensive television resume, with appearances on popular shows like “General Hospital,” “Mr. Belvedere,” “Quantum Leap,” “Beyond Belief,” “Hart to Hart,” “Simon and Simon,” “Highway to Heaven,” and “The Waltons.” She has also acted in several movies, such as “Where Love Has Gone,” “Fitzwilly,” “Kandyland,” and “Back to School.”
“General Hospital“, an American daytime soap opera, has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running soap opera currently in production in the United States, second only to Guiding Light in American history.
Additionally, it has received the most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series, boasting a total of 14 wins. Beth Peters portrayed Agnes Whitaker in the daily and appeared in 8 episodes between 1982 and 1984.
Personal Life
Surviving Beth Peters is her son, Sean Williams, step-daughters Barbara Davison (Don) and Monica Lange, as well as nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her late husband, actor Jack Danon, passed away in 1996.
Peters had been a member of the Actor’s Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists for a long time. Instead of sending flowers, contributions can be made to the Entertainment Community Fund in Peters’ honor.
