She was portrayed by actress Sonya Eddy since the character's debut on March 3, 2006. Originally it was a one-day role.[5]
Epiphany was the head nurse at General Hospital since the character's debut.
It was revealed that Epiphany was diagnosed with type II diabetes in 2016. No one knew until she confided in Bobbie because she has the same condition.
On December 20, 2022, it was revealed by Octavia Spencer that Eddy passed away on December 19, 2022[6] from an infection resulting from surgery.[7] As a result of Eddy's passing, her final in-person appearance on the show was October 20, 2022.
On January 11, 2023, it was revealed there will be a tribute episode to Epiphany coming up in March 2023.[8] The end of that day's episode had a brief montage dedicated to Sonya Eddy.
On February 15, 2023, it was confirmed that Eddy's tribute episode will officially air on Wednesday, March 29.
In the March 2023 issue of Soap Opera Digest it was confirmed by Frank Valentini that Epiphany's episode will revolve around her memorial service.
Epiphany Johnson first appears on General Hospital in 2006 as the new Head Nurse after Audrey Hardy steps down. Epiphany has mostly been a background character, although she was on contract for a short while, but more has been learned about her over the years.
Non-nonsense nurse Epiphany Johnson is a force to be reckoned with. A full-figured woman who speaks her mind and doesn't mince words, Epiphany is quite intimidating. She is a dedicated nurse who doesn't tolerate anyone giving less than 110%. She will call out doctors and nurses alike, when she feels that they are being less than professional.
Others were surprised to learn that Stan Johnson, who is a computer expert for Sonny Corinthos and Jason Morgan, is her son. Epiphany hates the idea of her son working for the mob, but can't convince him to leave. Her worst fear is realized in 2008 when she is talking on the phone to him one day while he is on business in Florida. Over the phone, Epiphany hears her son die in a mob hit ordered by Jerry Jacks. In February 2008, Epiphany suffered a serious heart attack and collapsed in the hospital locker room. She had just received her son's cremated ashes and was clutching them in her hands when they found her. Luckily, the doctors were able to save her life
In May 2012, Epiphany begins helping Dr. Patrick Drake cope following the supposed death of his wife, Robin Scorpio. She has given him helpful advice on more than one occasion since Robin's "death" in January 2012.
In March 2013, Epiphany tells Felix Dubois, a student nurse (now an RN), that his fellow student nurse Sabrina Santiago scored perfectly on the nursing exam and there is evidence of her cheating (i.e. "anonymous letter" obviously written by the rival Dr. Britt Westbourne and the answer key to the exam is in Sabrina's locker). She is persuaded to let Sabrina re-take the exam with the following circumstances - she can be watched for the whole testing period and must score 100% again to graduate. Sabrina aced the exam again and Epiphany tells them that she is investigating on who framed Sabrina.
Epiphany and Milo
Later, Epiphany helps Patrick Drake get ready for surgery and tells him that he should figure out his feelings for Sabrina soon. (3-27-13) Epiphany resides over the graduation ceremony that includes Sabrina Santiago and Felix DuBois. She also helps out with the ER situation with Nikolas Cassadine, who was shot in Dante's and Lulu's apartment. (3-24-13) She is part of the opening number of the 2013 Nurses' Ball. She is also seen kicking out "Dr." Kelly Curtis, a reporter for the Access Port Charles when Nikolas is questioned about the Cassadine/Spencer situation. Epiphany eventually started dating Milo.
In January 2016, Epiphany is the first person to see Sonny stand up from his wheelchair.
On February 10, she introduces Sonny to his new doctor, who turns out to be Dr. Munro.
In late 2016, her close friend Sabrina was killed by Paul Hornsby and she deeply mourned at the loss of her close friend and colleague.
In June 2019, Epiphany tells Bobbie that she also had Type II Diabetes which was diagnosed in 2016. Due to her Diabetes, Epiphany had a heart attack while on vacation back then but she never told anyone about it.
In August 2020, Jason brings Taggert to the safehouse to recover from a gunshot wound. He also invites Epiphanyto the safehouse to care for Taggert.
Epiphany was demoted from being head nurse due to Cyrus Renault in September of 2020. On October 29, Epiphany tells Elizabeth that she and Milo broke up.
In 2022, Epiphany begins dating Marshall. On January 18, 2022, Marshall Ashford collapses while on a date with Epiphany Johnson at the PC Grill. He is taken to GH where Hamilton Finn had called ahead for a cardiac care team.
Later Epiphany goes to talk to Dr. Rose about his patient Marshall. He says that she knows he can't discuss the case with her. Epiphany realizes this but says that she noticed that he quickly determined it was a simple medication issue. Rose says he was confident in his diagnosis.
Epiphany says that in her experience it is best to perform ambulatory monitoring to rule out any underlying causes of hypertension. Rose says that he understands that Epiphany is a very experienced nurse but he is Marshall's doctor and knows what he is doing.
On March 21, at GH, Dr. Ben Nelson was Willow's doctor and treated her for her fainting. He sees Epiphany with Willow in a room and asks her what is going on. He wants to speak with Epiphany privately. They go out in the hallway and Epiphany talks about how her and TJ have been in touch with Dr. Nelson about Willow who happens to be a nursing student. Dr. Nelson suggests that Willow gets special treatment then. Epiphany says Willow has been waiting for a while. Dr. Nelson says that Epiphany is busy and patients are seen based on the severity of their condition.
Epiphany says she is aware of the rules. Dr. Nelson points out that Willow was stable which puts her further down the list. Epiphany says that Willow only needed an IV of saline and electrolytes. Dr. Nelson would have written it up and signed off and she would have set it up. She's sorry she skipped a step but it isn't like she hasn't done it before.
Dr. Nelson says that isn't the point as Epiphany stepped outside the chain of command and took it upon herself to treat a patient. The protocols are in place for a reason. Epiphany says she understands. Dr. Nelson says they will finish their discussion later and he walks back in Willow's room.
Dr. Nelson asks Willow how she is feeling. She says much better. Epiphany says that T.J. examined Willow upstairs and filled Epiphany in. It is all in Willow's chart. Dr. Nelson says that since Epiphany has already begun treatment, he will let her finish it and then he leaves.
After her experiences with Dr. Rose and Dr. Nelson, Epiphany decides to become a doctor and begins studying for the MCATs. Portia and T.J. help her study. In October when the test was being given, Epiphany was nervous at first but when she looked at the first question, she smiled as she knew the answer.
On February 7, 2023, Marshall tells Trina Robinson that Epiphany passed her MCATs and is out west checking out med schools. He isn't sure if she is moving but hopes she isn't.
On March 22, Portia tells Liz that they haven't been able to reach Epiphany for a letter of support as the hospital board is deciding if Liz will keep her job. Epiphany is said to be shadowing a resident at Johns Hopkins and may not have received the request yet. Liz is reinstated at the hospital despite not hearing from Epiphany. Liz texts Epiphany the news and doesn't get a response. After worrying for a while, she gets a call on March 28 from State Trooper Carlson and tears up at what he tells her.
On March 29, 2023, the day after Epiphany's sudden death, her friends and colleagues gathered first at the GH chapel to memorialize her, then onto the rooftop to watch (illegal) fireworks, per her request. There her friends meet the nurse that Epiphany died saving, as they all fondly eulogize Epiphany with great memories and advice she gave. At the chapel, Liz takes a call from the esteemed and beloved Dr. Monica Quartermaine, who is out of town as a keynote speaker...Monica reads Elizabeth the wonderful note Epiphany had written in her support, including her wish that Elizabeth be made Head Nurse.
After Epiphany's death, her portrait is hung on the memorial wall at General Hospital.
Crimes Committed[]
Helped fake the death of Marcus Taggert [Mar 2-Dec 17, 2020; revealed Aug 19, 2020]
Grabbed Taggert and threw him into a room for his own good [Nov 17, 2020]
Heath and Vitals[]
Had breast cancer and a secondary infection from chemotherapy [1996][9]
Suffered a heart attack [Feb 12, 2008]
Taken hostage at gunpoint by Jason Morgan (it was staged) [Nov 2006]
Has Type II Diabetes [diagnosed in 2016; revealed on Jun 27, 2019]
Had a heart attack due to her type II Diabetes while on vacation [2016; revealed on Jun 27, 2019]
Died of heart complications [revealed on Mar 28, 2023; details revealed on Mar 29, 2023]
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