Stephen Nichols pays tribute to Tyler Christopher. Read here...
In 1996, Tyler Christopher made his debut on General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine. At the time of Christoher's debut, Nikolas was believed to be the son of Stefan Cassadine, portrayed by Stephen Nichols, and was later revealed to be the biological son of Stavros Cassadine, played by Robert Kelker-Kelly. Christopher died at the age of 50 on October 31, 2023.
Nichols went on to share how they met. "Tyler and I met when I visited his dressing room on the day he was about to camera test for the role of Nikolas Cassadine, my “son/nephew” on General Hospital. We went over the scene a few times. He was very green and eager, and he had a kind of grace and a connection to the heart of the material that was special. I felt connected to him immediately. I can’t say enough about the beauty of Tyler Christopher’s work. He was an actor who was all instinct and spontaneity. It seemed effortless for him. I knew I wanted to work with him. I knew he would make me better."
Their time working together on General Hospital was for about 7 years. "Our Journey on GH spanned around seven years. In the beginning, he asked for advice, and I offered Michael Chekov’s Book, To The Actor, which had inspired me when I was starting out. Tyler gave so much to every scene. We connected in a deep way and lifted each other up. I know he was proud of the work he did even though he continued to look to me for approval. I reassured him that he was “there” and to keep doing what he was doing. I called him “Baby Brando”. He always laughed about that, but I wasn’t joking. I can only imagine how much more could have been. I know that over the years Tyler had addiction issues. I understood and told him so. We talked about it and checked in over the years but never really got deep into the subject of recovery. I regret that. When I asked how he was doing, he would generally say, “good…fine.”
Their time working together on General Hospital was for about 7 years. "Our Journey on GH spanned around seven years. In the beginning, he asked for advice, and I offered Michael Chekov’s Book, To The Actor, which had inspired me when I was starting out. Tyler gave so much to every scene. We connected in a deep way and lifted each other up. I know he was proud of the work he did even though he continued to look to me for approval. I reassured him that he was “there” and to keep doing what he was doing. I called him “Baby Brando”. He always laughed about that, but I wasn’t joking. I can only imagine how much more could have been. I know that over the years Tyler had addiction issues. I understood and told him so. We talked about it and checked in over the years but never really got deep into the subject of recovery. I regret that. When I asked how he was doing, he would generally say, “good…fine.”
After being nominated a few times, Christopher won the Daytime Emmy award for Oustanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role on GH in 2016. Nichols says, "Some 20 years later, after several nominations, Tyler stood on that stage, with his Emmy in hand, and held up the book I had given him. I was thrilled for him, and so touched and honored that he had mentioned our early connection. I had heard about Tyler’s troubles during his time on General Hospital. I checked in with him and he assured me he was fine."
Christopher and Nichols would once again work together as Christopher was tapped for the role of Stefan DiMera on Days of Our Lives, where Nicholas plays Steve Johnson. "In 2017, a few months before he started on Days of Our Lives, Tyler called and asked if he could meet me for lunch. He flew in from the Midwest. He told me he had been having a hard time and he was now sober and working to stay that way. He said he needed to take care of his kids and he needed a job. I advocated for him, and it took a while, but he finally came over to Days. As usual, Tyler was doing remarkable work, but I could tell that he was unsettled. Again, when I asked how he was doing he said he was good. Looking back, I now know he wasn't. My own family was affected by addiction and alcoholism. I have been fortunate to have survived all these years. I don’t take it for granted, and this great loss of this sweet man reminds me of how important it is to reach out to others who are suffering with these demons."
"I know how desperately Tyler loved his children and wanted to be with them and provide for them. When we met, they were all he could talk about. I hope that his children and family members, friends, those who are feeling this great loss will, with the passage of time, find peace. My heart aches, but all I wish for now, sweet Tyler, is that you are finally at peace. We won’t soon forget you." (Photos: JPI/Instragram)
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