Tyler Christopher, best known for his Emmy-winning role of Nikolas Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera ‘General Hospital’ has passed away at age 50. Christopher’s former GH costar Maurice Benard confirmed the actor’s death on Instagram: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Tyler Christopher. Tyler passed away this morning following a cardiac event in his San Diego apartment 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. 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.” The circumstances surrounding the veteran actor’s death remain unclear at this time, and the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office has not confirmed an exact cause of death as of press time.
General Hospital Executive Producer Frank Valentini shared in a statement: “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. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, our heartfelt sympathies go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Christopher portrayed Nikolas Cassadine on General Hospital from 1996 to 2016. He was nominated for five Daytime Emmy Awards, winning in 2016 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Christopher also portrayed Stefan DiMera on Days of Our Lives from 2018 to 2019, which earned him another Daytime Emmy nomination.
Christopher struggled with bipolar depression and substance abuse for many years, and was arrested in 2019 when he fell asleep in the back of an Uber while intoxicated. He pled guilty, with a judge denying a request by law enforcement that Christopher be sentenced to an alcohol treatment program. He was also recently arrested at the Hollywood Burbank Airport for public intoxication this past May, before being released on $250 bail.
Christopher married former ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo in 2008; they later divorced in 2019. The former couple share two children: Greysun James Christopher and Boheme Christopher. Christopher was also previously married to actress Eva Longoria from 2002 to 2004.
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