Tyler Christopher, ‘General Hospital’ Actor, Dead At 50

Tyler Christopher, who appeared on “General Hospital” and “Days of Our Lives,” has died. He was 50.

Christopher’s representative, Chi Muoi Lo, confirmed to CNN that the actor died Tuesday morning.

“This was shocking news, and I am heartbroken over his passing.” He was a fantastic actor and, more significantly, a wonderful friend. “My heart goes out to his friends and family who adored him,” said the statement.

On Tuesday, Christopher’s “General Hospital” co-star Maurice Bernard paid tribute to the actor, saying, “Tyler was a truly talented individual that lit up the screen in every scene he performed and relished bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting.”

“Tyler was a sweet soul and wonderful friend to all of those who knew him,” he said.

Tyler Christopher, ‘General Hospital’ Actor, Dead At 50

Christopher married ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo in 2008, and the couple had two daughters. According to People, the couple divorced in 2021. From 2002 until 2004, he was married to actress Eva Longoria.

Christopher was best known for portraying Nikolas Cassadine on the long-running daytime soap opera “General Hospital.” Between 1996 and 2016, he played Cassadine numerous times, garnering one Daytime Emmy and four more nominations.

In a 2017 interview with Soap Opera Digest, the actor stated that he left “General Hospital” to take a “personal leave,” and did not return to the programme. He went on to play Stefan DiMera on the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives” from 2018 to 2019, for which he received a Daytime Emmy nomination.

Outside of his acclaimed acting career, Christopher faced several challenges near the end of his life.

He reportedly underwent craniotomy surgery in 2019 after falling in his bathroom at home and injuring his head. According to a July interview with Bloomberg Law, Christopher’s sister petitioned to be his legal guardian during his recovery. The guardianship was terminated in 2021.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the actor was arrested in May at the Hollywood-Burbank airport on suspicion of public intoxication.

“Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and substance use treatment who openly spoke about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol,” Bernard said on Instagram Tuesday. “We are beyond devastated by the loss of our dear friend and pray for his children and his father.”

SOURCE – (CNN)