General Hospital Actor Tyler Christopher Dead at 50: ‘A Sweet Soul and Wonderful Friend’

Tyler Christopher, best known for his Emmy-winning role General Hospitaldied. He was 50 years old.

Christopher’s ex GH actor Maurice Benard confirmed the actor’s death on Instagram.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news of Tyler Christopher’s passing,” he wrote. “Tyler passed away this morning after a heart attack at his San Diego apartment.”

Benard continued, “Tyler was a truly talented individual who lit up the screen in every scene he performed and enjoyed bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting. Tyler was a kind soul and a wonderful friend to all who knew him.”

Benard also noted that “Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and addiction treatment who spoke openly about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcoholism. We are beyond devastated by the loss of our dear friend and pray for his children and his father.”

General Hospital Executive producer Frank Valentini told PEOPLE in a statement, “I am heartbroken by the news of Tyler Christopher’s passing. He was kind, an amazing actor and a dear friend, whom we loved GH Nicholas Cassadine’s family and fans.”

Valentini added: “On behalf of everyone in General Hospitalour deepest sympathies to his loved ones at this difficult time.”

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Christopher starred as Nicholas Cassadine on the legendary medical soap opera from 1996 to 2016. He was also nominated for an Emmy as Stefan DiMera on Days of our lives from 2018 to 2019.

In 2008, Christopher married former ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo and reportedly divorced in 2021. The former couple has two children: Greysun James Christopher and Boheme Christopher. He was also previously married to Housewives alum Eva Longoria from 2002 to 2004.

Tyler Christopher.

Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage

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Back in July, the actor, who has been under the guardianship of his sister Susan Asmo Baker since 2019, spoke in an interview with Bloomberg about regaining control over his life.

“I never thought in a million years that one of my family members would take advantage of me,” he said.

Shortly after the article was published, Christopher captioned his photo on Instagram, writing, “Sharing is part of the healing process.”

Tyler Christopher in a scene from ‘General Hospital’.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Tyler Christopher Arrested for Public Drunkenness at Airport

Christopher was first placed in his sister’s custody during alcohol rehab. He fell, hit his head and, after internal bleeding, underwent an operation that saved his life. While Christopher was in the hospital, his sister filed for custody.

In a previous lawsuit, Christopher claimed that Asmo Baker used up to $40,000 of his custody funds to pay off his credit cards and buy his son a laptop, among other things. Asmo Baker denied the allegations.

Tyler Christopher on ‘General Hospital’.

Rick Rowell/Disney General Entertainment via Getty

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Back in May, Christopher was arrested at Hollywood’s Burbank Airport for public intoxication. He was released on $250 bail. It wasn’t his first public drunken arrest, as Christopher was first arrested for a similar incident in 2019 when he fell asleep in the back of an Uber. He pleaded guilty, and the judge denied a police request that Christopher be sentenced to an alcohol treatment program.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

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Source: HIS Education