Tyler Christopher joined the “General Hospital” team in 1996 as Prince Nikolas Cassadine. The role would earn Christopher a Daytime Emmy award in 2016 for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.”
Christopher’s death sent shockwaves through the soap community and is especially hitting the “General Hospital” team hard. Talking with People, “GH” executive producer Frank Valentini stated that he was heartbroken over the loss of the actor who had been with the show for so long. “He was kind, an incredible actor, and dear friend, who was beloved by our GH family and fans of Nikolas Cassadine,” he stated. The producer extended his condolences to Christopher’s surviving family members, as they mourn the death of their loved one.
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Although many people will forever remember him as Nikolas, Christopher’s reach extended far beyond the world of acting. He was also in staunch support of mental health awareness, as his co-star Maurice Benard noted in his touching tribute for the late actor. “Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and substance use treatment who openly spoke about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol,” Benard wrote in his social media post. Before his death, Christopher opened up about his addiction in an episode of Benard’s “State of Mind” interview series.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
