Days Of Our Lives and All My Children star Nick Benedict dies at 77 as tributes roll in
Soap star Nick Benedict has died at the age of 77.
The American actor was known for his roles in the popular series Days Of Our Lives and All My Children.
His death was confirmed in a online obituary and in a statement from a California restaurant, Jake’s Steakhouse, where his wife of 22 years, Ginger, worked as a bartender.
The statement confirmed that Nick passed away on July 14 on his 77th birthday in Arizona following complications from emergency spinal surgery he underwent two weeks before his death.
Friend Barbara Ferrante wrote on her restaurant’s Facebook page, “Nick Benedict’s birthday was July 14th. He went to the Lord this day. Please pray for Ginger.”
Tribute: Soap star Nick Benedict has passed away at the age of 77. The American actor was known for his roles in the 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 in the show)
Before his death, a fundraiser was set up explaining how Nick underwent spinal cord surgery and was placed in 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 deal with an extreme medical issue involving 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 2, Nick underwent emergency spinal surgery on Sunday. On July 4, 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. Saying this is a stressful situation is not saying enough. We are looking to raise money to help with bills, food and any medical expenses. Please pray for Ginger and Nick as they go through this very difficult time.”
So far, just over $4,000 has been raised for the former actor.
A former All My Children cameraman revealed that he had worked with Nick on the show in a comment on the fundraising page, writing, “I was a cameraman on All My Children. Same age as Nick…what a cool guy. Mixed with the crew, just an ordinary guy. RIP Nick, you’ve made coming to work fun.’
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 filled by Richard Hatch.
After five years, he left All My Children, earning a 1979 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his performance in its final season.
He went on to play Michael Scott in The Young and the Restless in 1981 before taking on the role of Curtis Reed in Days of Our Lives, which he played in 93 episodes from 1993 to 2001.
In addition to his soap opera roles, Benedict appeared in the original Mission Impossible and Hawaii Five-O series.
Marriage: His death was confirmed in an online obituary and in a statement from a California restaurant, Jake’s Steakhouse, where his wife Ginger worked as a bartender
Screen star: Nick retired from acting in 2001 after landing his breakout role in All My Children in 1973, photographed with his co-star Susan Lucci at the 1980 Daytime Emmy Awards