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Farewell, Tamara!

Soaps In Depth has your exclusive invite to the parties for GENERAL HOSPITAL's Tamara Braun (Carly)!

Walking onto the ABC lot for her last day of taping on March 22, Tamara Braun knew it wouldn't be easy. So by the time best bud Alicia escorted her to a darkened rehearsal hall at midday and flipped on the lights to reveal the soap's cast and crew, the tears could no longer be held back. "I've been trying not to deal with this until the end of the day," Braun admitted, vacillating between laughter's and tears. "It's been like a family, with its up and downs, with it's laughter and joy and growth. I'm going to miss you guys more than I can express. But I will always take you with me where I go."

After a long day of taping her scenes- which concluded with Carly finding Reese and Sonny in bed together- Braun gathered with friends at a nearby restaurant to celebrate the future. Lucky for you, we tagged along and got the exclusive scoop!

• View image Caption: "Are those from my room?" Braun asked with a laugh upon entering the flower-filled hall. Sure enough, Willis had "borrowed" a few bouquets!
• View image Caption: Manager John Carrabino showered up with not only well wishes for his client, but some stunningly beautiful flowers as well!
• View image Caption: The fun, frivolity, farewells, and -- of course -- the tears continued as everyone gathered to see Braun off in style! Did we mention there was a delicious cake?
• View image Caption: "I love you so, and admire you so," said GH's executive producer Jill Farren Phelps. "God knows we wish you well!"
• View image Caption: Cash tried to muster up a toast but was overwhelmed by emotion. "We are such good friends. I'm really going to miss her."
• View image Caption: Among those on hand to wish Braun well was Brian Scott Frons, president of ABC Daytime.
• View image Caption: "I got to practice being mom," says Braun of working with Carly's son, Michael (played by Dylan Cash).
• View image Caption: Willis- in a shirt made by a fan and featuring the words "Daytime's Brightest Star" and Braun's picture- crowned her pal Queen For The Day.
• View image Caption: "When you work with people like Tamara, you're bound to constantly stay in the same universe," said Hearst, hammering it up with Braun and Ignacio Serrichio (Deigo).
• View image Caption: "I consider her like a sister," said Hearst after taking his co-star for a spin on the dancer floor. "I know we'll always be in each other's lives."
• View image Caption: They may be battling brothers on screen, but Rick Hearst and Maurice Benard spent time chatting during the evening's festivities.
• View image Caption: "She did an amazing job, and she will be missed," said GH's casting director, Mark Teschner.
• View image Caption: While blowing out the candles on her cake, Braun got a bit too close to the flame and wound up singeing the tip of her hair!
• View image Caption: "We became very dear friends," shared Cynthia Preston (ex-Faith), who snapped tons of pics she planned to E-mail Braun.
• View image Caption: Surrounded by loved ones, Braun couldn't have wished for a happier end to her time at GH.
• View image Caption: "We bonded in a way I never believed possible," admitted Willis. "I truly love her more than anything."
• View image Caption: "I'm going to miss her more than anything," shared Willis. "I'm trying to hold it together but it's hard."
• View image Caption: The sign- which had made its way from the studio to the restaurant- said it all!
• View image Caption: "If she doesn't take the risk now, then when?" asked Serricchio of his friend.

ABC Soaps In Depth April 26, 2005