Nick Benedict, who is best known for his work on All My Children and The Young and the Restless, has died aged 77.
The news surfaced after an online obituary for the actor appeared overnight in which it was confirmed that he had died on July 14, which is also his birthday.
The obituary alleges that the beloved actor had died as a result of spinal surgery complications.
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A GoFundMe set up for Benedict by his community alleges that the actor went in for emergency spinal surgery which resulted in a hospice admission after the actor became paralysed from the neck down.
“On July 2nd, Sunday Nick had emergency spinal cord surgery. On July 4th he was admitted to hospice. He is paralysed from the neck down. He will need constant care and support.”
News of the actor’s death was also confirmed via Benedict’s wife Ginger’s workplace which is a restaurant called Jake’s Steakhouse located in Tehachapi, California.
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“Nick Benedict’s birthday was July 14. He went to be with the Lord this day. Please pray for Ginger.”
The steakhouse attached the GoFundMe which was originally set up to raise money for Benedict and Ginger after the soap opera heartthrob went in for emergency spine surgery.
Benedict appeared in the soap All My Children from 1973 to 1977 where he portrayed Phil Brent, one of the husbands of Erica Kane (Susan Lucci).
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Just two years later, Benedict received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his work on the soap.
After his stint on All My Children, the actor appeared on The Young and the Restless, where he played Victor’s enemy Michael Scott. Benedict also had a role in Days of Our Lives where he played Curtis Reed as well as starring in another classic soap Santa Barbara.
The actor also has acting credits in films such as The Dukes of Hazzard, The Fall Guy and Knots Landing.
Benedict then momentarily stepped away from acting after the 1984 death of his father. During that period, he oversaw a contracting business and played in nightclubs with bands.
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