Tyler Christopher, an actor known for his roles on “General Hospital” and “Days of Our Lives,” has died. He was 50.
Christopher’s representative, Chi Muoi Lo, told CNN in a statement that the actor died on Tuesday morning.
“This news was incredibly shocking and I am devastated by his loss. He was a very talented actor and, more importantly, a great friend. My condolences go out to his friends and family who loved him so much,” the statement said.
Christopher’s “General Hospital” co-star Maurice Bernard also paid tribute to the actor on Tuesday, writing, “Tyler was a truly talented individual who turned heads in every scene he played and enjoyed showing off to his loyal fans To bring joy to acting.” .”
“Tyler was a sweet soul and a wonderful friend to everyone who knew him,” he added.
In 2008, Christopher married ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo, with whom he shared two children. According to People, the couple ended their marriage in 2021. He was married to actress Eva Longoria from 2002 to 2004.
Christopher is best known for his role as Nikolas Cassadine on the long-running daytime soap opera General Hospital. He played the role of Cassadine several times between 1996 and 2016, earning a Daytime Emmy win and four additional nominations for his performance.
In an interview with Soap Opera Digest in 2017, the actor said he left “General Hospital” to take a vacation “for personal reasons” and ultimately did not return to the show. Between 2018 and 2019, he played the role of Stefan DiMera on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives, a performance for which he also received a Daytime Emmy nomination.
Outside of his acclaimed acting career, Christopher faced various difficulties towards the end of his life.
He reportedly underwent craniotomy surgery in 2019 after falling in the bathroom of his home and injuring his head. According to an interview Christopher took part in with Bloomberg Law in July, his sister requested to be his legal guardian during his recovery. The guardianship ended in 2021.
According to the LA Times, the actor was arrested at Hollywood-Burbank Airport in May on suspicion of public intoxication.
“Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and substance use treatment who spoke openly about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol,” Bernard wrote in his Instagram post on Tuesday. “We are deeply devastated by the loss of our dear friend and pray for his children and father.”