NEW YORK (AP) - An actor who for two decades played a scheming patriarch on the daytime drama ``General Hospital'' has died in Los Angeles. ABC says John Ingle was 84.

Ingle took over the role as the ruthless Edward Quartermaine in 1993 and made his final appearance in an episode airing last week. He died Sunday.

In a career spanning more than 30 years he had acting credits in TV shows including ``Days of Our Lives,'' ``Big Love'' and ``The Drew Carey Show'' and in films such as ``Batman and Robin'' and ``Heathers.''

The native of Tulsa, Okla., was a graduate of Occidental College. He taught at Hollywood High School, UCLA and Beverly Hills High School.

His wife of 57 years, Grace-Lynne Martin, died in February. He is survived by their five daughters.