Days Of Our Lives and All My Children star Nick Benedict dies at 77 as tributes arrive
Soap opera 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 issued by a California restaurant, Jake’s Steakhouse, where his wife of 22 years, Ginger, worked as a waitress.
The statement confirmed that Nick passed away on July 14 in Arizona, his 77th birthday, 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 14. That day he went to be with the Lord. Please pray for Ginger.’
Tributes: Soap opera 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.
Soap Opera Star: Nick was known for playing Phil Brent, husband of Susan Lucci’s Erica Kane, on All My Children (pictured back left with Lucci on the show)
A fundraiser was arranged before his death, and it was explained how Nick had spinal cord surgery and was admitted to hospice, forcing his wife to be absent from the restaurant.
‘Many of you know Ginger, the bartender at Jake’s Steakhouse. She has been with us for many years. She took a leave of absence from us to handle an extreme medical issue with her husband Nick,” the fundraising page read.
‘Nick Benedict, he was in the Navy, he was an actor, a musician and a painter. Ginger and Nick have been married for 22 years. Both have been part of the Tehachapi community for many years.
‘On July 2, Sunday Nick had emergency spinal cord surgery. On July 4, he entered a 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 that 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.’
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 great guy. Mixed in with the crew, just a normal guy. RIP Nick, you helped make coming to work fun.
Nick was known for playing Phil Brent, husband to Susan Lucci’s Erica Kane, on 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 and earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series in 1979 for his performance in its final season.
He played Michael Scott on The Young and the Restless in 1981 before taking over the role of Curtis Reed on Days of Our Lives, whom he played in 93 episodes from 1993 to 2001.
Beyond his soap opera roles, Benedict appeared in the original series Mission Impossible and Hawaii Five-O.
Marriage: His death was confirmed in an online obituary and in a statement issued by a California restaurant, Jake’s Steakhouse, where his wife Ginger worked as a waitress.
Screen star: Nick retired from acting in 2001 after landing his breakout role in All My Children in 1973, pictured with co-star Susan Lucci at the 1980 Daytime Emmy Awards
