As "All My Children" fans get ready to say goodbye to the soap on September 23, they're also bidding farewell to "AMC" actress Mary Fickett, who has passed away. According to the New York Times, Fickett died Thursday at her home in Callao, Va., at the age of 83. Her daughter tells the Times the cause was complications from Alzheimer's. Fickett was one of the original cast members, and portrayed the outspoken nurse Ruth Martin from 1970-1995 and again from 1998-2000. In 1973, the character earned Fickett the first Emmy given to an actor for a daytime drama on the strength of a speech delivered against the Vietnam War. The network says in a statement that they're "very saddened to learn about the passing" of Fickett. "As we honor 'All My Children’s' 41 years on ABC, we cannot help but recognize and remember Mary’s wonderful depiction of Pine Valley’s revered Ruth," the statement continues. "Ruth’s marriage to chief
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