IN MEMORIAM

UPDATED: Appearing in 123 episodes of ABC’s “All My Children” as a recast Del Henry from 2005-2007, actor Alec Musser has died. He was just 50 years old.

According to a press release issued by the San Diego Medical Examiner’s office on Tuesday, Musser’s manner of death was declared to be suicide, with the cause of death listed as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.

The report further notes that on the morning of Saturday, January 13, Musser’s fiancée, Paige Press, “awoke and went to find the decedent seated and slumped forward on the bathroom floor.” After noting a firearm near him, Press called 911, where paramedics and law enforcement responded and confirmed the death. 

While the official date and time of injury is listed as unknown, the medical examiner’s office indicated in its report that the “decedent was a 50-year-old White male who lived with his fiancée in a home in Del Mar [California]. His fiancée last knew him to be alive on the evening of 01/12/2024 when she had gone to bed.” Musser was declared dead at 6:43 a.m. local time on 01/13/2024, according to the report.

According to FOX News Digital, Musser’s case is not officially closed, and there were no contributing conditions to his death. The medical examiner ordered a toxicology report but the results were not available. As is the case in circumstances like this, toxicology results might not be available for some weeks as said tests can take time to process.

In a series of posts to her Instagram story on Saturday evening, Press shared several images of Musser and herself, together and separate, with one captioned saying, “Today is the worst day of my life. We were so happy.” She said in another message, “You were the best fiance [sic] I could of ever asked for. I don’t even think I can drive my g wagon anymore.” In a third message, Press noted, “I am never taking off my ring. @alecmusser I love you forever.” 

Other photos shared include some with Musser and his dog(s), with one message saying, “You were the best dog dad,” while another said, “Rue will never stop loving her dad,” which accompanied a photo of Musser holding the dog in his right hand while his left hand is on the steering wheel presumably steering the aforementioned Mercedes G-Wagon.

Born Alexander Barrett Musser on April 11, 1973 in New York City, Musser resided in various parts of the New York Metropolitan area, including New Jersey and Connecticut, before eventually setting up roots in San Diego, California, which is where he achieved his higher education, graduating from the University of San Diego.

An avid athlete with experience working at a ski resort and as a lifeguard, Musser eventually caught the eye of a modeling agent, leading to his first modeling job working for Abercombie & Fitch. He appeared in campaigns for Gianfranco Ferré, Speedo and Target. His work was also featured in magazine ads, including those shown in Men’s Health, GQ and Cosmopolitan. He also appeared on the cover of several magazines, including Maximum Fitness and Men’s Health, among others.

While transitioning from modeling to acting, Musser made a name for himself in 2005 when he joined the SOAPnet reality competition series “I Wanna Be a Soap Star” during the show’s second season. 

As the winner, Musser landed a 13-week contract on “All My Children,” playing a recast Del Henry, first played by Winsor Harmon in the mid-1990s.

Following his stint on “All My Children,” Musser continued acting, appearing in such shows as the Lifetime comedy series “Rita Rocks” and ABC’s mega-hit “Desperate Housewives.” Musser made a memorable appearance in the 2010 film “Grown Ups,” playing the Water Park Stud that the wives drooled over, at the annoyance of their husbands.

Co-written by and starring Adam Sandler, “Grown Ups” grossed over $270 million worldwide and led to a sequel, released in 2013. Musser did not appear in the second movie.

In a post on Instagram on Saturday, Sandler said of Musser, “I loved this guy. Cannot believe he is gone. Such a wonderful, funny good man. Thinking of Alec Musser and his family and sending all my love. A true great sweetheart of a person.” Since its posting, Sandler’s post has received nearly two million likes, including one from Musser’s former “All My Children” co-star Alicia Minshew (ex-Kendall Hart).

Also sharing memories of Musser from his work on “Grown Ups” was actress Salma Hayek, who posted on Instagram a clip of the actor during the aforementioned water park scenes in the film along with a touching message from her time working with him.

In her post, Hayaek said, “In loving memory of Alec Musser. He was so kind professional and absolutely hillarious [sic]. His early departure breaks my heart. I feel so blessed that I got to meet him. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones for this great loss.”

Last year, a YouTube account bearing Musser’s name published his acting reel, which you can watch below. Additionally, the actor had been working on a new series called “Weekend Warrior with Alec Musser,” a preview of which you can also view below.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or affected by issues raised in this article, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by texting the Crisis Text Line at 988 or going to 988lifeline.org.