Days Of Our Lives and All My Children star Nick Benedict dies aged 77 as tributes pour in
Soap star Nick Benedict has passed away aged 77.
The US actor was known for his roles in popular series Days Of Our Lives and All My Children.
His death was confirmed in an online obituary and in a statement put out by a California restaurant, Jake’s Steakhouse where his wife Ginger worked as a bartender.
The statement confirmed that Nick passed away on his 77th birthday on July 14 after complications from emergency spinal surgery which he underwent two weeks before his death.
Friend Barbara Ferrante wrote on her restaurant’s Facebook page: ‘Nick Benedict’s birthday was July 14. He went to be with the Lord this day. Please pray for Ginger.’
Tributes: Soap star Nick Benedict has passed away aged 77. The US actor was known for his roles in popular series Days Of Our Lives and All My Children
Soap star: Nick was known for playing Phil Brent, a husband of Susan Lucci‘s Erica Kane, in All My Children (pictured back left with Lucci on the show)
A fundraiser was put in place before his death and explained how Nick was undergoing spinal cord surgery and was being admitted to a hospice, forcing his wife to take a leave of absence from the restaurant.
‘Many of you know Jake’s Steakhouse bartender Ginger. She has been with us for many years. She has taken a leave of absence from us to handle an extreme medical issue with her husband Nick,’ the fundraising page read.
‘Nick Benedict, was in the Navy, an actor, musician and painter. Ginger and Nick have been married for 22 years. Both have been part of the Tehachapi community for many years.
‘On July 2nd, Sunday Nick had emergency spinal cord surgery. On July 4th he was admitted to hospice. He is paralyzed from the neck down. He will need constant care and support.’
The statement continued: ‘They live in Arizona and Ginger travels back and forth. To say this is a stressful situation is not saying enough. We are looking to raise money to help with bills, food and any medical expenses that may arise. Please pray for Ginger and Nick as they go through this very difficult time.’
Nick was known for playing Phil Brent, a husband of Susan Lucci‘s Erica Kane, in All My Children.
He first appeared on the soap in 1973, taking over the role previously held by Richard Hatch.
After five years he left All My Children, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series in 1979 for his performance in his final season.
He went onto play Michael Scott in The Young and the Restless in 1981 before taking on the role of Curtis Reed in Days of Our Lives, whom he played in 93 episodes from 1993 to 2001.
Marriage: His death was confirmed in an online obituary and in a statement put out by a California restaurant, Jake’s Steakhouse where his wife Ginger worked as a bartender
