All My Children Star Candice Earley Dead at 68

Actress Candice Earley, who played Donna on ALL MY CHILDREN, has died at the age of 68. She passed on Jan. 31 at home in her bed surrounded by family following an eight-year struggle with Multiple Systems Atrophy. “She was a lovely woman and I’m grateful I got to know and work with her,” Cady McClain (Dixie) tweeted when she heard the news. “I wish her soul an easy flight.”

Beginning her career on Broadway in stage productions of Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, Earley was cast as Donna Beck on AMC in 1976. Donna was a teenage runaway and prostitute who was originally slated to be a short-term role, but the character proved popular with viewers and Earley remained with the soap until 1992. Donna’s romance with Chuck Tyler antagonized his grandmother, Phoebe, and she was also involved with Tom Cudahy and Ross Chandler. She married three different men: Chuck (twice!), Palmer Cortland, and Benny Sago.

Earley’s Dona with Richard Van Fleet as Chuck in a scene from 1977. (Photo Credit: ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images)

In 1992, Earley married Robert C. Nolan and retired from acting to move to El Dorado, Arkansas. She is survived by her husband, his children Rob, Justin, and Carrie, as well as their extended families. Our thoughts go out to her friends and loved ones during this difficult time. You can read her full obituary at DignityMemorial.com and leave a memory of your own.

For more on your favorite AMC stars, keep reading the ABC edition of Soaps In Depth magazine.