Michelle Alaine Kepler, known professionally as Shell Kepler (October 5, 1958 – February 1, 2008), was an American television actress best known for her work on General Hospital as "Nurse Amy Vining", from 1979 until 2002.

Early life

Kepler was born in Ohio, and her family moved to California when she was 10.^[1] She had one brother, Fred, who is named after their father. ^[2][3]

Career[edit]

Kepler portrayed busybody nurse Amy Vining, a "fan favorite" and sister of Laura Spencer's, on General Hospital, from 1979 to 2002.^[1] She also appeared on the General Hospital spinoff Port Charles, other shows such as CHiPs and Three's Company, and the movie Homework (1982) with Joan Collins.^[1]

Kepler was also a businesswoman, who marketed a line of clothing on the former Home Shopping Club. In a 1994 Associated Press interview, she claimed that her "Lacy Afternoon" collection had earned more than $20 million in sales that year.^[1]

After her TV career ended, she moved to Portland, Oregon and was active in charitable fundraising.^[1]

Personal life[edit]

Kepler married and divorced twice, and had no children.^[4][5]

Death[edit]

Kepler died from renal failure, on February 1, 2008, at Oregon Health & Science University.^[6][7] The February 26, 2008 episode of General Hospital was dedicated to her, "In loving memory".^[8][9]