Daytime alum Lisa Brown, known for playing Guiding Light's Nola Reardon and As the World Turns' Iva Snyder, passed away on November 24 after a brief illness. She was 67.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1954, Brown struck the big time when she landed the role of Guiding Light's Nola Reardon in 1980. The character was created by writer Douglas Marland, and she was a success, with Brown wearing Nola's shoes until 1985 and returning again for a stint from 1995 to 1998. Nola and Quint Chamberlain (Michael Tylo) became a popular pair during Brown's time on the show, with fans calling for the return of the couple all throughout the 2000s. The actress last appeared on GL in 2009, during the CBS soap opera's final weeks on the air.
Brown is also known for playing the role of As the World Turns' Iva Snyder, who was also created by Marland. She played the role of Iva from 1985 to 1994, returning for several guest appearances from 1998 to 2003. Brown was nominated for two Outstanding Supporting Actress Daytime Emmy Awards -- in 1987 and 1988 -- for her work on the CBS soap opera.
Brown's acting work also included a brief appearance as a corrupt FBI agent on Loving in 1995, as well as a starring role in the Broadway production of 42nd Street, which she did while working on GL. She also served as an acting coach for both GL and One Life to Live.
"How blessed were we all are to have Lisa share her immense talent with us for decades," shares Martha Byrne, who played Nola's daughter, Lily, on ATWT. "She was my friend since I was 15 years old from the day Doug Marland introduced me to my 'mother'. Lisa was my mentor, mother, sister and so much more for my entire life. As a scene partner she was always present and full of creativity. As a writer and director her instincts were second to none. I will miss our daily calls about our families, our careers and everything in between. For the fans, she loved and respected you all more than you will ever know. She loved entertaining you and her appreciation for your support was immeasurable. We are devastated at the loss of an incredible woman."
"Gobsmacked to learn of the death of my great colleague Lisa Brown," shares John Wesley Shipp (Kelly Nelson, GL; Doug Cummings, ATWT; Eddie Ford, OLTL). "Life is made of many memories and some of my most wonderful include Lisa. My Heart goes out to her family."
Gobsmacked to learn of the death of my great colleague Lisa Brown. Life is made of many memories and some of my most wonderful include Lisa. My Heart goes out to her family🙏🏼♥️
— John Wesley Shipp (@JohnWesleyShipp) November 28, 2021
*50th Anniversary--John Wesley Shipp, Lisa Brown & Tom Niel... https://t.co/AThdDYVlVp via @YouTube
R.I.P. Lisa Brown what fun we had doing that play together . pic.twitter.com/xfxa4GdYgI
— Kin Shriner (@kinshriner) November 27, 2021
Brown is survived by son James "Buddy" Nielsen and daughter Victoria from her first husband, Tom Nielsen (ex-Floyd Parker, GL); two grandchildren, Penelope Ruiz-Nielsen and Brayden Hopf; and her second husband, Brian Neary.
What are your favorite memories of Lisa Brown's time as GL's Nola Reardon and ATWT's Iva Snyder? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
