Actor Tyler Christopher, best known for his work on popular soap operas “General Hospital” and “Days of Our Lives,” died on Tuesday morning at the age of 50.
Christopher’s manager, Chi Muoi Lo, confirmed the actor’s death in a statement to USA Today. “This news was incredibly shocking, and I am devastated by his loss. He was a very gifted actor, and more importantly, an amazing friend,” Lo said. “My heart goes out to his friends and family who loved him so much.”
The actor’s former “General Hospital” co-star Maurice Benard reacted to the news on Instagram on Tuesday.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Tyler Christopher,” he wrote in the caption. “Tyler passed away this morning following a cardiac event in his San Diego apartment.”
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“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,” the post continued.
“Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and substance use treatment who openly spoke about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol. We are beyond devastated by the loss of our dear friend and pray for his children and his father.”
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“General Hospital” Executive Producer Frank Valentini also shared a heartfelt statement on Christopher’s death.
“I am heartbroken over the news of Tyler Christopher’s passing. He was kind, an incredible actor, and dear friend, who was beloved by our GH family and fans of Nikolas Cassadine,” he said in a statement. “On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, our heartfelt sympathies go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Christopher starred in “General Hospital” as Nikolas Cassadine on and off for two decades, earning a Daytime Emmy award in 2016. He also played Stefan DiMera in “Days of Our Lives” from 2018 to 2019.
Christopher is survived by his sons Greysun and Boheme, who he shared with ex-wife Brienne Pedigo. They were married from 2008 until 2021. The soap star was also married to “Desperate Housewives” actress Eva Longoria from 2002 through 2004.
He struggled with alcohol dependency and said he became addicted at a young age.
“When you become an addict at 9 years old, fast forward 40 years, at some point, you cannot survive it,” Christopher said during a podcast interview in 2022. “At some point it will kill you, and it has. Three times, I have flatlined … and they brought me back.”