Michelle Alaine "Shell" Kepler Dies at 49

Michelle Alaine "Shell" Kepler, actress, died on February 1st at the Oregon Science & Health University hospital in Portland. Kepler was only 49 years old. TMZ.com has reported that the Medical Examiner's office has stated that the actress died of renal failure.

The actress was a long standing member of the cast of "General Hospital". She portrayed Nurse Amy Vining for more than 20 years. She will be remembered and missed. She was a fixture and a familiar face on the show for over 20 years, portraying the adopted sister of Laura Webber Spencer (Genie Francis)., according to ABC. She entered the show and became a candystriper. Later she graduated to nurse and was a fixture at the sixth floor nurses station. She was known as the town gossip, so while no secret remained safe with her character, she certainly added some drama to the daytime show.

Shell began her acting career at the age of nine. A Chattanooga, Tennessee production of "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie", gave her the start in acting. She moved to Los Angeles and worked as a reporter before she got her role on "General Hospital". Kepler also guest starred on sitcoms like "Three's Company" and "CHiPS". In 1982, she starred with Joan Collins in "Homework". She also made guest appearances on GH's sister soap, "Port Charles"; as Amy.

Acting was only one facet of this actresses talents. During the 1980's, she wrote, recorded and released a record album with her band. "Shell and the Crush" sang songs like "Popular Girl" and "When You Look My Way". The album was titled "Popular Girl".

Shell was also a businesswoman. Her clothing collection, "Lacy Afternoon" had sales topping $20 million in 1994. Marketed on the former Home Shopping Club, her "Lacy Afternoon" label became a best-seller. It is reported that she also invested in real estate and was writing screenplays and a pilot. Shell was a multi-talented person who passed from this world too soon.

She was also the author of a book, "Make Fashion Magic", which was published by Oxmoor House, now available at online venues like Amazon and eBay.

Sources
TMZ, God Pages Nurse Vining To Heaven

Boston Globe, Obituary