General Hospital star Tyler Christopher has passed away at the age of 50, according to good friend and former co-star Maurice Benard.

Tyler Christopher Tragically Dies

Christopher, who played Nikolas Cassadine on General Hospital off and on from 1996 to 2016, died from cardiac arrest, according to Benard. The actor posted the news on his Instagram on the evening of October 31, saying:

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

“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.”

Christopher Was Beloved As Nikolas

Christopher, who was known as Tyler Baker when he began his GH career, became a fast fan favorite as soon as he debuted as Laura Spencer’s long-lost Cassadine son. It was the actor’s first professional role, one he won an Emmy for in 2016, two decades after he first started bringing Nikolas to life. Soon after, Christopher left GH and Nikolas was presumed dead.

In 2018, Christopher landed the role of Stefan O. DiMera on Days of Our Lives but only remained in Salem for under two years. During that time, he made his mark on the show as the son of the late legendary villain Stefano DiMera. His scenes with Louise Sorel, who played Stefan’s mother, Vivian, were especially memorable.

Christopher Was Open About His Struggles

In the years since leaving soaps, Christopher has been arrested more than once, the last time being in May of this year when he was found intoxicated at the Hollywood Burbank airport. He also spoke out about a guardianship he was placed under in 2019, with his sister watching over his interests.

In 2022, Christopher shared his battle with alcoholism and bipolar disorder on Benard’s mental health podcast Maurice Benard: State Of Mind. He also revealed he had suffered from a traumatic brain injury that required surgery.

In February of 2023, a fan tweeted asking fellow GH watchers who their favorite Nikolas was, and Christopher offered his own response:

“I might be partial but I can tell you the guy who enjoyed playing him the most was @Tyler2929. Thank you to everyone for their supportive comments on my time
@GeneralHospital. I grew up playing Nikolas Cassadine and he will always be a part of me.”

Christopher is survived by his ex-wife Brienne and two children, Grayson and Boheme.