Tyler Christopher, ‘General Hospital’ Actor, Dies at 50

Tyler Christopher, who starred as Nikolas Cassadine on General Hospital, has died. He was 50.

Christopher’s co-star Maurice Benard, who played Sonny Corinthos on the ABC soap opera, wrote on Instagram Tuesday evening, “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.”

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He continued, “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.”

Born on Nov. 11, 1972, in Joliet, Illinois, Christopher was most known during his acting career for his role as Nikolas Cassadine on General Hospital from 1996 to 2016. He also played Connor Bishop from 2004 to 2005 on the medical soap opera.

His performance as Nikolas scored him the Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 2016, as well as four nominations, including a special fan award for irresistible combination in 2005 that he shared with Natalia Livingston.

General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini wrote in a statement shared on the show’s official Instagram, “I am heartbroken over the news of Tyler Christopher’s passing. He was kind, an incredible actor and a 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 also starred as Stefan DiMera on Days of Our Lives from 2001 to 2019. He received a Daytime Emmy nomination for his performance on the NBC soap opera.

The actor’s other credits include Shouting Secrets, Into the West, The Lying Game, Ice Storm, Moon Crash, Beyond the Lights, Charmed and The Twilight Zone.

Christopher was married to Eva Longoria from 2002 to 2004. He was later married to Brienne Pedigo from 2008 to 2021, and they share two children together.

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