Former ‘General Hospital’ Star Tyler Christopher Found Dead At 50

Soap opera fans are in mourning this week after the former “General Hospital” star Tyler Christopher was found dead on Monday morning at his home in San Diego, California. He was only 50 years-old.

Oh man. #TylerChristopher Flight of Angels. #RIP #GH60 @GeneralHospital pic.twitter.com/twN7V8oVSp

— Jon Lindstrom (@thejonlindstrom) October 31, 2023

Christopher Passes Away

Daily Mail reported that Christopher’s death was announced by his former “General Hospital” co-star Maurice Benard, who took to social media to reveal the details behind his untimely passing.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Tyler Christopher,” Benard wrote. “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,” he continued. “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.”

Christopher’s representative Chi Muoi Lo also confirmed his death.

“This news was incredibly shocking, and I am devastated by his loss,” the star’s rep told CNN. “He was a very gifted actor, and more importantly, an amazing friend. My heart goes out to his friends and family who loved him so much.”

So far this year #GH #GeneralHospital #GH60 has had 4 devastating losses, 1st it was #SonyaEddy then it was #JacklynZeman then it was #BillyMiller and now #TylerChristopher #RIPSonyaEddy #RIPJacklynZeman #RIPBillyMiller #RIPTylerChristopher such talented actors & actresses. pic.twitter.com/jXxwOXeFJu

— King (@MrKingCoop) November 1, 2023

Related: ‘General Hospital’ Star Billy Miller Dead At 43

Christopher’s Career

Christopher was best known for playing the role of Nikolas Cassadine for 1,153 episodes of General Hospital from 1996 until he left the show in 2016. During that time, he garnered four daytime Emmy nominations and won the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2016. Christopher would go on to star in 159 episodes of the soap opera “Days Of Our Lives,” playing the character of Stefan DiMera from 2018-2019.

Tyler Christopher debut as Nikolas Cassadine Good Morning #GH #GeneralHospital
pic.twitter.com/CcXe5gVDyl

— Alicia (@LukeLauraGH) November 1, 2023

“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,” Frank Valentini, the executive producer of “General Hospital, said in a statement.

On behalf of everyone at @GeneralHospital, our heartfelt sympathies go out to his loved ones during this difficult time. (2/2)

— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) October 31, 2023

Related: Chilling New Details Emerge About Matthew Perry’s Death After ‘Friends’ Star Is Found Dead In Hot Tub At 54

Christopher’s Personal Life And Struggles

In his personal life, Christopher was married to the former “Desperate Housewives” star Eva Longoria from 2002 until they divorced in 2004. He went on to marry the former ESPN personality Brienne Pedigo in 2008, having two children with her before they divorced in 2021.

the summer of 2004
long story short…a casting director told me Tyler was married to Eva Longoria, one of the leads of a new ABC fall show.
I’ve been a fan ever since
Nikolas Cassadine (GH) 😍 🥺
RIP Tyler Christopher 💔 🙏 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/4e6Or38Ztm

— Love L.A.- 99% (@loveandhatela) November 1, 2023

Unfortunately, Christopher’s final years were plagued with struggles with alcohol that landed him in legal trouble on various occasions. Six months ago, he was arrested after passing out drunk at an LA airport, the second time that he was arrested for public intoxication in just three years.

On May 26, Christopher was found passed out on the floor of the Burbank Airport in Los Angeles. When police woke Christopher up, he told them he had missed his flight before they handcuffed him and booked him on a public intoxication charge.

The soap opera star had previously been arrested for public intoxication in his hometown of Martinsville, Indiana in November of 2019, spending his 47th birthday behind bars.

“Acting is about acting, not about being a movie star.”
– Tyler Christopher pic.twitter.com/ZqrTvsb3Zf

— casey (@_Case1999) November 1, 2023

In an interview last year, Christopher opened up about his struggles with alcohol, revealing that he first started drinking at the age of 9.

“At some point, you cannot survive it,” he said at the time. “At some point, it will kill you – and it has. Three times, I have flatlined. And nobody knows that.”

“Three times I have flatlined, and they brought me back,” he added. “Twice from [alcohol] poisoning, once from withdrawal.”

Find out more about Christopher’s death in the video below.

Please join us in saying a prayer for Christopher’s family and friends during this difficult time.