Jennifer Robyn Bernard, best known to daytime audiences as Terry Brock on General Hospital, was found dead this week at her home in San Jacinto, California. The former soap star—who graced Port Charles in 145 episodes between 1984 and 1990—was discovered on Tuesday, and Riverside County authorities confirmed her identity via fingerprint analysis. An autopsy has been scheduled for Wednesday, though the cause of death remains under investigation.
Bernard first won fans’ hearts as the vulnerable yet determined Terry, whose trials and triumphs enlivened storylines throughout the mid-’80s. After leaving General Hospital in 1990, she resurfaced onscreen in 2002, playing a psychologist in the indie drama Voices from the High School. Colleagues remembered her as both a consummate professional and a warm presence behind the scenes.
In a statement released by the General Hospital family, executives paid tribute not only to Bernard but also to fellow original cast member Jackie Zeman—whose own passing the show mourned last year. “Jennifer brought light and authenticity to every scene,” they said. “Her kindness and talent enriched our crew’s lives, just as Jackie’s did. We will miss them both dearly.”
Among those sharing memories was Rick Springfield, who portrayed Dr. Noah Drake opposite Bernard’s Terry. In an interview with People, Springfield described his shock at the news and spoke fondly of their early days on set. “Jennifer was generous with her time and her spirit,” he recalled. “She made every late-night shoot feel like a family gathering.”
Bernard is survived by her two daughters, Lacey and Cassidy, who issued a joint statement expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support: “Our mother lived for her work and her family. She taught us strength, compassion, and how to laugh even when times were hard. We will honor her memory every day.”
As fans await details from the coroner’s report, retrospectives on Bernard’s most memorable storylines are already circulating online, celebrating the warmth and depth she brought to daytime television. Though the cause of her untimely passing has yet to be revealed, Jennifer Robyn Bernard’s legacy—as a beloved actress and cherished friend—will long endure in the hearts of those who watched her journey unfold on screen.