ABC

Eileen Herlie, who played the irrepressible, vivacious, and just generally amazing Myrtle Fargate on "All My Children" since 1976, has passed away from complications from pneumonia. She was 90.

Born Eileen Herlihy in Glasgow, Scotland, Eileen was trained as a theater actress and working in London when she was cast by Laurence Olivier for his 1948 film version of "Hamlet." She played Gertrude, mother to Olivier's Hamlet, even though she was younger than him! Gertrude became a trademark role for Eileen: She played her in the 1964 Broadway production (starring Richard Burton) and then the film adaptation of the show.

Eileen had a successful Broadway career, including roles in "The Matchmaker," "All American," "Crown Matrimonial," and a Tony Award nomination for "Take Me Along."