Irene Erwin

Irene Erwin (née Donoghue) is an original character on the Times of Passion that has appeared in every season of the show.

An original character, Irene was first introduced as the childhood friend of Maggie Banks. Many of her storylines centered on her relationship with her sons Michael and Leo and her marriage to Vernon Erwin, which lasted until his death in 2003. After Maggie's death, Irene took on the role of foster mother to Alexa and Marcus. During her 36 years on the show, Irene has experienced cancer, bankrupcy, loss of a child and widowhood and spent several months in a coma after the fire of 1994.

Her large family, including two children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, has led to her being called the "matriarch" and the heart and soul of the show.

Irene is one of only 3 characters to have appeared on every season of the show, and is the only original main character to do so. In 2014, she was reduced to a recurring character, but continues to make frequent appearances.