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Tyler Christopher (actor)

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Tyler Christopher
Born
Tyler Christopher Baker

(1972-11-11)November 11, 1972
Joliet, Illinois, U.S.
DiedOctober 31, 2023(2023-10-31) (aged 50)
San Diego, California
Other namesTyler Baker
OccupationActor
Years active1993–2023
Spouses
  • ​
    ​
    (m. 2002; div. 2004)​
  • ​
    ​
    (m. 2008; div. 2021)​
Children2

Tyler Christopher Baker (November 11, 1972 – October 31, 2023) was an American actor. He was best known for his roles as Nikolas Cassadine (1996–1999, 2003–2011, 2013–2016) and Connor Bishop (2004–2005) on the ABC soap opera General Hospital.

In August 2016, it was announced that Christopher would be joining the cast of the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives[1] as the son of long-time villains Stefano DiMera and Vivian Alamain. His tenure on the show began December 29, 2017. Christopher left the series on March 20, 2019.

Early life

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Tyler Christopher Baker was born in the Chicago suburb of Joliet, Illinois, on November 11, 1972,[2] to Jim and Jimi-Ann Baker and grew up in Delaware, Ohio,[3] the youngest of four children.[4] Though his parents believed they had Native American heritage, a DNA test taken by his father and sister showed no Native American ancestry.[5][6]

Christopher attended Ohio Wesleyan University for two years.[7]

Career

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In 1993, Christopher — then credited as Tyler Baker — auditioned for the role of Stone Cates for the soap opera General Hospital; the role was later cast with actor Michael Sutton.[8] In April 1996, Christopher was cast in the role of Nikolas Cassadine for the serial; he signed a three-year deal and filmed his first scenes in late June 1996.[2][9] In June 1999, it was announced that Christopher opted not to renew his deal with the soap opera.[10] Following his daytime departure, Christopher made guest appearances on primetime shows including Charmed, Angel, Felicity, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. In March 2003, it was announced that Christopher would return to General Hospital; then-executive producer Jill Farren Phelps described Christopher's return as an opportunity the serial could not pass up.[11]

In March 2011, Soap Opera Digest reported on their social media accounts that Christopher had been let go from the serial, because of his casting on ABC Family's The Lying Game, produced by former General Hospital head writer Charles Pratt Jr.[12][13] Christopher verified the reports of his firing to ABC Soaps In Depth; he explained that he had been released from his deal on Friday March 18, 2011, and the character of Nikolas was to be written out. Christopher's deal was set to expire in June and the date would have marked the beginning of the last 13 week-cycle period in his deal—at which time the network would notify the actor of their decision to offer another deal. While Christopher had previously admitted he was unsure about renewing his deal, he was open to working both shows and thought it was a likely possibility considering they were both under ABC.[14] Christopher last appeared on June 30, 2011; he later returned for a three-day guest appearance from July 27 to July 30, 2011.[citation needed]

In March 2013, Christopher returned in a recurring capacity at General Hospital, while continuing to appear on The Lying Game. In June 2013, it was announced that Christopher had signed a deal to appear on a regular basis on General Hospital.[15] The following month, it was announced that The Lying Game had been canceled after two seasons.[16][17] In May 2016, actor Nick Stabile was temporarily cast in the role of Nikolas, with Christopher being unavailable, for an undisclosed amount of time.[18] In September 2016, Soap Opera Digest reported that negotiations between Christopher and the serial had fallen apart, and that he would not be reprising his portrayal of Nikolas. Christopher made his last appearance on June 16, 2016.[19][20]

In August 2017, it was announced that Christopher had joined the cast of Days of Our Lives in a newly created role. Christopher previously made a one-episode guest appearance on the soap in 2001. He made his first appearance as Stefan DiMera on December 29, 2017.[21][22][23] His last episode was March 20, 2019.[24]

Personal life

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Christopher was married to Eva Longoria from 2002 to 2004. He was previously engaged to General Hospital co-star Vanessa Marcil and dated Natalia Livingston.[25] He and auto racing reporter Brienne Pedigo publicly announced their engagement in October 2006;[26] Christopher and Pedigo married September 27, 2008.[26] The couple had their first child, a son, on October 3, 2009.[27][28] In October 2014, it was announced that Christopher and his wife were expecting their second child, due in May 2015.[29] On May 3, 2015, Christopher announced on his official Twitter feed that Brienne Pedigo had given birth to a baby girl.[30] Brienne Pedigo filed for divorce in February 2019.[31]

In later years of his life, Christopher was open about his bipolar disorder and alcoholism.[32] He claimed to have died 3 times in alcohol related instances.[33] In November 2019 while Christopher was going through alcohol withdrawal, he experienced delirium tremens, leading to a fall during which he hit his head on the edge of a bathtub and sustained a traumatic brain injury.[34] He underwent a craniotomy to relieve pressure on his brain.[35]

After recovering from his head injury and ending a medical guardianship under his sister in September 2021, Christopher moved to Hollywood from Ohio to try to find work as an actor where he was homeless for the first six months.[32][36] Before his death, he was close friends with General Hospital co-star Maurice Benard who is also diagnosed with bipolar disorder and gave support to Christopher.[37][38]

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On November 11, 2019, Christopher was arrested and charged with public intoxication in Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana after falling asleep in the back of an Uber car. He pleaded guilty and paid a small fine.[39]

From January 2020 to September 2021, Christopher was placed under the medical guardianship of his sister Susan Asmo Baker following a nearly fatal head injury. After requesting that the guardianship be ended and his sister approving, he filed a lawsuit against her, citing guardianship abuse and alleging that she misused $40,000.[40]

In May 2023, Christopher was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication at the Hollywood Burbank Airport. Police responded to reports of a drunk male and arrived to find him sleeping on the ground near a terminal. He was arrested and fined.[41]

Death

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On October 31, 2023, 11 days before his 51st birthday, Christopher was found dead. His cause of death was revealed to be positional asphyxia due to acute alcohol intoxication.[42][43] He was 50 years old.[44]

Filmography

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Year TV & Film Role Notes
1996–2016 General Hospital Nikolas Cassadine
Connor Bishop
 July 15, 1996 – July 14, 1999, April 21, 2003 – July 30, 2011, March 22, 2013 to June 16, 2016
October 26, 2004–January 25, 2005
1999 Catfish in Black Bean Sauce Michael
2000 Face the Music Dan
The Pretender Ethan 2 episodes: "The Inner Sense" (part 1 & 2)
Charmed Anton 1 episode
Angel Bret Folger 1 episode
Family Law Neil Lumston 1 episode
2001 The Pretender 2001 Ethan
Days of Our Lives Signore Christofero 1 episode
Felicity Clubgoer 1 episode
Out of the Black Cole Malby
Sam's Circus Sgt. Samuel Van Handle
Special Unit 2 Det. David Scott 1 episode
2002 Frogmen Operation Stormbringer Captain Rick Jeffries
The Division Seaman Stan Bellows 1 episode
JAG GSGT Joe Akers 1 episode
Boomtown Holden McKay 1 episode
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Billy Rattison 1 episode
The Twilight Zone Dr. Jay Ferguson Episode: "One Night at Mercy"
2003 Crossing Jordan Officer Fisher 1 episode
2005 Into the West Jacob Wheeler Jr. unknown episodes
2006 Secrets of a Small Town Grant Wilson Unaired television pilot
2009 Raven Vlad
The New York City Kitties Alexandar Vander Platt/Handsome Devil
2011–2013 The Lying Game Dan Whitehorse Recurring role, 27 episodes
2014 Beyond the Lights Liam King
2017–2019 Days of Our Lives Stefan DiMera Series regular
2018 F.R.E.D.I. Randy [45]
2023 Icestorm Griffin

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Project Result Ref.
1997 Soap Opera Digest Award Best Newcomer General Hospital Won
First Americans in the Arts Outstanding Performer in a Television Series Won
1998 First Americans in the Arts Outstanding Performer in a Television Series Won
Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series Nominated [46]
TV Guide 12 Hottest Daytime Stars Won [47][better source needed]
2004 NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series Nominated
2005 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Nominated [48]
2006 Nominated [49]
2011 American Indian Film Institute Best Supporting Actor in a Movie Won
2016 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series General Hospital Won [50]
2019 Days of Our Lives Nominated

References

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  1. ^ Rice, Lynette (August 3, 2017). "'Days of Our Lives' Casts 'General Hospital' Star in Secret Role". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 2018-03-24. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  2. ^ a b "Rookie Of The Year". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. December 31, 1996. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013.
  3. ^ "Soap Star Stats (as of March 5, 2007)". 2007-03-05. Archived from the original on 2007-03-05. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  4. ^ "About GH: About the Actors - Tyler Christopher - General Hospital @ soapcentral.com". soapcentral.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  5. ^ "Tyler Christopher: Native Son". Soap Opera Digest. 29 July 2004.
  6. ^ See at 29:09[permanent dead link‍]
  7. ^ Kappes, Serena (June 17, 2005). "Celeb Spotlight: Tyler Christopher". People. Archived from the original on 2008-03-20. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  8. ^ "The End of an Era". Tyler Christopher Official Website. United States. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  9. ^ "Love In The Afternoon". Soaps In Depth. Bauer Media Group. February 2, 1999. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  10. ^ Kroll, Dan J. (June 29, 1999). "Tyler Christopher opts out; Replacement named". Soapcentral.com. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  11. ^ Kroll, Dan J. (March 30, 2003). "Scott Out, Christopher Back As Nikolas". Soapcentral.com. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  12. ^ Fairman, Michael (March 20, 2011). "Hot Rumor: Was Tyler Christopher let-go at GH?". On-Air On-Soaps. Michael Fairman Soaps, Inc. Archived from the original on December 6, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  13. ^ Cannon, Leeann (April 5, 2011). "GH's Tyler Christopher Out". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. Odyssey Magazine Publishing Group Inc. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  14. ^ Eades, Chris (2015-12-29). "GH's Christopher: "It's True"". ABC Soaps In Depth. Bauer Media Group. Archived from the original on December 13, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  15. ^ "Tyler Christopher Signs GH Contract". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. Odyssey Magazine Publishing Group Inc. June 18, 2013. Archived from the original on October 9, 2016. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
  16. ^ "The Lying Game Canceled By ABC Family". HuffPost. Verizon Communications via Oath Inc. July 15, 2013. Archived from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  17. ^ Hibberd, James (2013-07-15). "'Lying Game' canceled by ABC Family". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 2013-07-16. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  18. ^ "Nick Stabile In As GH's Temporary Nikolas". Soap Opera Digest. American Media Inc. May 25, 2016. Archived from the original on May 27, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  19. ^ "Tyler Christopher Not Returning to GH". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  20. ^ Beckley, Brian (September 14, 2016). "It's Official: Tyler Christopher Out at GH". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  21. ^ "It's Official: Tyler Christopher To DAYS!". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. Odyssey Magazine Publishing Group Inc. August 3, 2017. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  22. ^ "Tyler Christopher confirms, taping secret Days of our Lives role". Soaps.com. SheKnows Media. 2017-08-03. Archived from the original on 2017-08-06. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  23. ^ Cushman, Dustin (2017-11-27). "Tyler Christopher Plays Stefan DiMera, Son of Days' Stefano DiMera". Soaps.com. SheKnows Media. Retrieved December 26, 2017.
  24. ^ Eades, Chris (March 20, 2019). "Tyler Christopher Says Goodbye to DAYS". Soaps In Depth. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  25. ^ Stacy, Tom (January 11, 2018). "#TBT - Tyler Christopher". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. Odyssey Magazine Publishing Group Inc. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  26. ^ a b "General Hospital's Tyler Christopher is a Married Man! (Updated!)". Soaps.com. 2008-10-16. Archived from the original on 2015-12-16. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  27. ^ "Tyler Christopher Welcomes Son Greysun James". People. October 5, 2009. Archived from the original on 2013-01-18. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  28. ^ Fit for a Prince". Soap Opera Digest. July 22, 2013. p. 45.
  29. ^ Cushman, Dustin (2014-10-02). "General Hospital's Tyler Christopher Expecting Second Child". Soaps.com. Archived from the original on 2014-10-06. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  30. ^ Christoper, Tyler (2015-05-03). "7lb 11oz! Finally here! #Greatful #expandingfamily". Twitter. Archived from the original on 2016-04-30. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  31. ^ Joyner, Kelly (November 13, 2019). "'General Hospital' Tyler Christopher Arrest Triggers Wife Brienne to Finalize Divorce While in Jail?". Soap Dirt. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  32. ^ a b Campbell, Hope (2023-10-22). "Tyler Christopher Gives Maurice Benard Harrowing Account Of Reaching Rock Bottom". The List. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  33. ^ Naskar, Rittwik (2023-11-01). "Tyler Christopher's tragic alcoholism battle led him to 'flatline' thrice before death at 50". MEAWW. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  34. ^ Greene, Ronnie (2023-07-13). "'General Hospital' Star Mired in Off-Screen Guardianship Drama". Bloomberg Law. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  35. ^ Byrne, Suzy (2023-11-02). "Tyler Christopher, 'General Hospital' star, was candid about mental health, addiction challenges in final years". Yahoo Entertainment. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  36. ^ "GH and DAYS Alum, Tyler Christopher On Family Legal Drama: "Being Homeless Was a Far Better Circumstance Than Being in the Guardianship"". Michael Fairman TV. 2023-07-13. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  37. ^ Parkerton, Michelle (2023-06-09). "Tyler Christopher Pays a Special Visit to Maurice Benard". Soaps In Depth. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  38. ^ Rossi, Rosemary (2023-11-04). "'General Hospital' Star Maurice Benard Talks Living With Bipolar Disorder (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  39. ^ Clark, Andrew (2019-11-18). "'General Hospital' actor pleads guilty to public intoxication in Martinsville". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  40. ^ Knolle, Sharon (2023-07-15). "General Hospital Star Tyler Christopher Says Sister Misappropriated $40,000". TheWrap. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  41. ^ Wang, Jessica (2023-05-31). "General Hospital star Tyler Christopher arrested on suspicion of public intoxication at airport". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  42. ^ Haring, Bruce (26 January 2024). "'General Hospital' Star Tyler Christopher Cause Of Death Revealed By Medical Examiner". Deadline. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  43. ^ Stein, Michelle (2024-01-27). "'General Hospital' Actor Tyler Christopher's Cause of Death Confirmed". Parade. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  44. ^ Hobbs, Jack (2023-11-01). "'General Hospital' star Tyler Christopher found dead by friend as new details emerge". New York Post. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  45. ^ Ng, Alan (September 17, 2019). "F.R.E.D.I". Film Threat. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  46. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (March 11, 1998). "ABC tops Emmy noms". Variety. Los Angeles: Penske Business Media. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  47. ^ TV Guide, June 1998
  48. ^ "Daytime Emmy Award Nominations". TVWeek. Detroit, Michigan: Crain Communications. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  49. ^ "The 33rd Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award Nominations". New York: emmyonline.org and National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. February 8, 2006. Archived from the original on May 19, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  50. ^ "The 43rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award Winners" (PDF). Los Angeles: emmyonline.org and National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. May 1, 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 15, 2016. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
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