Former ‘General Hospital’ star Tyler Christopher has died aged 50. The US soap star – who was best known for playing Nikolas Cassadine on the long-running ABC daytime TV soap opera – suffered a cardiac arrest at his San Diego home on Tuesday morning (31.10.23), according to a statement by ‘General Hospital’ star Maurice Beard.
He wrote 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 show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, told Deadline: “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.” The TV star battled alcohol abuse, and in 2019, he was arrested and charged with public intoxication, to which he pled guilty.
Tyler was on ‘GH’ from 1996 to 2016. He also earned a Daytime Emmy for his portrayal of Stefan DiMera on ‘Days of Our Lives’. Tyler was married to ‘Desperate Housewives’ star Eva Longoria, 48, from 2002 to 2004.
He was previously engaged to his ‘General Hospital’ co-star Vanessa Marcil and dated Natalia Livingston. Tyler is survived by his two children.