IN MEMORIAM

Tyler Christopher, best known for his portrayal of Nikolas Cassadine on “General Hospital” and Stefan DiMera on “Days of our Lives,” has died. He was just 50 years old.

The news of Christopher’s passing was announced on Instagram by former “General Hospital” co-star Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos). In his post, Benard revealed that Christopher died 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,” shared Benard of his friend. “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.”

“General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini posted a heartfelt message on X (the platform formally known as Twitter), saying, “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.” He added, “On behalf of everyone at @GeneralHospital, our heartfelt sympathies go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”

In June, it was reported that Christopher was arrested by the Burbank Police Department (BPD) for public intoxication after being found sleeping on the ground near the American Airlines terminal at Burbank Airport. Christopher reportedly told BPD he’d missed his flight. Allegedly, Christopher displayed “clear and objective signs of intoxication” and “was unable to care for himself.” Sources told the outlet that was justification enough for the arrest. 

Winner of the 2016 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Nikolas on “General Hospital,” Christopher shared in an interview published in July that during a dark period in his life, his sister took “advantage” of him after having placed him under guardianship in Indiana in 2020, following a 2019 emergency event in which Christopher underwent life-saving craniotomy surgery. “I never thought in a million years that I would be taken advantage of by a family member,” Christopher told Bloomberg Law.

Christopher made his television acting debut in 1996 when he joined the cast of “General Hospital” as Nikolas Cassadine, the long-lost forgotten first son of Laura Collins (Genie Francis). He quickly became a favorite with fans before opting to depart the series in 1999 for other endeavors. He reprised the role again beginning in 2003 and remained with the show through 2011. He again returned from 2013-2016. In 2017, Christopher joined “Days of our Lives” as Stefan DiMera. He departed in 2019 when the role was recast with former “General Hospital” co-star Brandon Barash.

In less than a year, “General Hospital” has seen the passing of at least five key members, including Sonya Eddy (Epiphany Johnson), N’Neka Garland (producer), Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie Spencer), Billy Miller (Drew Cain) and now Tyler Christopher.

Christopher is survived by his two children, son Greysun Baker (born in 2009) and daughter Boheme Baker (born in 2015), both from his previous marriage to former ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo, his second wife. Christopher’s first marriage was to former “Desperate Housewives” star Eva Longoria (ex-Isabella Braña, “The Young and the Restless”).