Soap star Patricia Modell dead at age 80

(CBS) Actress Patricia Modell, known for her work on television in soap operas like "People's Choice," "Peyton Place" and "General Hospital" as well as her marriage to former NFL team owner Art Modell, has died. She was 80.

The actress, born Patricia Breslin, made her TV debut as Juliet in the NBC production of "Romeo & Juliet" in 1952, according to IMDB. She co-starred as Amanda "Mandy" Peoples Miller in "People's Choice" with actor Jackie Cooper, and also played the role of nurse Meg Baldwin in the soap opera "General Hospital." Modell was also known for portraying Laura Brooks on the prime time soap opera "Peyton Place."

She also had regular stints on "Twilight Zone," ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents," ''Perry Mason," and "Maverick."

She retired from acting in 1969 when she married noted bachelor and former owner of the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens, Arthur "Art" Modell.

She then dedicated her time to charity work including serving on the board at Ursuline College, her alma mater, and working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Cleveland Musical Arts Association, the Cleveland Ballet, the Playhouse Square Foundation, and the Cerebral Palsy Association. Modell also founded the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. When the couple moved to Baltimore in 1996, Modell served on several local boards, including House of Ruth, Gilchrist Hospice, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and The Walters Art Museum.

She and her husband started and funded the Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland. They were also donors to the St. Vincent's Center and the Baltimore Museum of Art, and  gave $3.5 million to the Lyric Opera House, which was recently renamed the Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric.

Modell is survived by her husband, two sons, John and David, and six grandchildren.