'General Hospital' Star Tyler Christopher Dead At Age 50

Tyler Christopher, known for 'General Hospital,' has passed away at the age of 50.

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. 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."

Executive producer of 'General Hospital,' Frank Valentini said, "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.”

Tyler was known for portraying Nikolas Cassadine from 1996 to 2016. He also portrayed Stefan DiMera in 'Days of Our Lives' from 2018 to 2019. This earned him an Emmy nomination.

In 2008 he married former ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo, and the two reportedly divorced in 2021. They share two children, Greysun James Christopher and Boheme Christopher. 

Tyler was also previously married to 'Desperate Housewives' star Eva Longoria from 2002 to 2004.

He was placed under guardianship of sister Susan Asmo Baker in 2019, and in July opened up about regaining control of his life.

“I never thought in a million years that I would be taken advantage of by a family member. Sharing is part of the healing process.”

He was first placed under the guardianship following a bout of alcohol withdrawal. He fell, hit his head, and underwent life-saving surgery following internal bleeding.

Christopher was first placed under his sister's guardianship during a bout of alcohol withdrawal. He fell, hit his head and underwent life-saving surgery after internal bleeding. 

While hospitalised, his sister filed for guardianship. 

Tyler alleged his sister used up to $40,000 of finances that should have been for his guardianship in order to pay off her own credit cards, buy her son a laptop. She denied the allegations.

In May, Tyler was arrested at the Hollywood Burbank Airport for public intoxication. He was released on a $250 bail. 

This wasn't his first public intoxication arrest, as his first arrest took place in 2019, after he fell asleep in the back of an Uber. It was another public intoxication arrest.

He pled guilty, and a judge denied a request by authorities that he be sentenced to an alcohol treatment program.