Tyler Christopher, a Daytime Emmy-winning soap opera star known for his roles in “General Hospital” and “Days of Our Lives,” has died. He was 50.
Christopher’s former “General Hospital” co-star Maurice Benard was the first to share the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday. “Tyler passed away this morning following a cardiac event in his San Diego apartment,” the caption read.
Benard’s statement 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.”
He pointed to Christopher being a mental health advocate who “openly spoke about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol.” Benard added, “We are beyond devastated by the loss of our dear friend and pray for his children and his father.”
Benard’s wife, Paula Bernard, told USA TODAY in an emailed statement, “We were devastated and always had hope for him.”
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Christopher and San Diego County’s medical examiner’s office for more information.
Christopher starred in “General Hospital” on and off between 1996 and 2016 as Nikolas Cassadine. He also portrayed Stefan DiMera in “Days of Our Lives” from 2018 to 2019. He won a Daytime Emmy for his role as DiMera.
He married “Desperate Housewives” actor Eva Longoria in 2002. The two split in 2004. He then married Brienne Pedigo, but the two reportedly divorced and have two children, Greysun and Boheme.
According to People magazine, Christopher was arrested and charged with public intoxication at the Hollywood Burbank Airport in May. He was also arrested on suspicion of public intoxication in Indiana in 2019.
Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
