Saved by the Bell star Gerald Castillo has died at the age of 90.
The actor’s wife of 36 years, Dayna Quinn-Castillo, confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that the General Hospital star died May 4 in his Houston home.
“Many of the actors he worked with remember him as a charismatic and insightful director who would jingle the change in his pocket while he pondered a scene, then leap onto the stage to work out the blocking or whisper in an actor’s ear,” Quinn-Castillo said of her late husband.
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“He was revered for providing the support and guidance that allowed actors to fully develop their characters on stage.”
Castillo starred in many beloved daytime soap operas including General Hospital, M*A*S*H, Night Court, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and All in the Family.
The actor is most renowned for his role as Major Slater, the father of (Mario Lopez), in the iconic ’90s series Saved by the Bell from 1989 to 1992.
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Despite being known for his more than 30 years of screen-time, Castillo didn’t start out as a television star, kicking off his career in theatre after studying acting and stage direction.
From there he launched his career at Goodman Theater in his hometown of Chicago, performing alongside stars such as Rita Moreno, James Broderick and Jeanne Crain across the country.
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Castillo is survived by his wife, his twin brother Bernie Castillo, grandchildren, Brian and Stephanie, and great-grandsons Allen and Bernie.
His daughter, Lisa, from his first marriage, died last year.
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