David Gail and All My Children star Alec Musser sadly died away less than a week apart

NUMEROUS soap opera stars have unexpectedly died in recent months, leaving a void in the hearts of fans.

From Johnny Wactor’s senseless murder to David Gail’s unfortunate death, there’s been no shortage of grief among soap opera viewers.

From Johnny Wactor's tragic death to David Gail's (pictured) unfortunate passing, there's been no shortage of grief among soap opera fans
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From Johnny Wactor’s tragic death to David Gail’s (pictured) unfortunate passing, there’s been no shortage of grief among soap opera fansCredit: Getty

Johnny Wactor (pictured) was murdered during a robbery, and his killer is still at large
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Johnny Wactor (pictured) was murdered during a robbery, and his killer is still at largeCredit: GC Images
Here are the recent soap actors’ deaths that shocked fans and left those close to the stars mourning.

JOHNNY WACTOR

Last month, on May 25, General Hospital alum Johnny Wactor was shot and killed in Los Angeles at the age of 37.

The actor, who appeared in nearly 200 episodes of the drama series, was murdered while approaching thieves who were stealing the catalytic converter from his car.

Johnny’s mother, Scarlett, broke the news to TMZ.

She revealed the incident occurred after her son and a co-worker left their job at a rooftop bar in the early morning hours.

They were parked two blocks away from the restaurant.

Johnny noticed commotion around his car upon the pair’s arrival.

Believing he was getting towed, he approached the vehicle to find out further information and noticed three men messing with his car.

The actor didn’t attempt to confront or fight the criminals but was shot by a masked man before the group took off, Scarlett told local ABC affiliate KABC-TV.

Paramedics arrived on the scene around 3 am and took Johnny to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Last month, General Hospital alum Johnny Wactor was shot and killed in Los Angeles
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Last month, General Hospital alum Johnny Wactor was shot and killed in Los AngelesCredit: AP

The actor was murdered while approaching thieves who were stealing the catalytic converter from his car
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The actor was murdered while approaching thieves who were stealing the catalytic converter from his carCredit: The Mega Agency
According to the outlet, the description of events matched a reported incident in which three suspects attempted to steal a catalytic converter.

Catalytic converters contain precious metals platinum, palladium, and rhodium which give the auto part a high value on the scrap market, making them a popular target of criminals.

Johnny is survived by his mother and younger brothers Grant and Lance.

On social media, fans of the General Hospital actor have been sharing their condolences to his family.

Johnny played Brando Corbin on General Hospital
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Johnny played Brando Corbin on General HospitalCredit: Getty

He starred as Brando from 2020 until 2022 when his character was written off the ABC series
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He starred as Brando from 2020 until 2022 when his character was written off the ABC seriesCredit: Getty
“RIP #JohnnyWactor. This world is such a cruel place,” one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“How sad to learn of the death of Johnny Wactor so young and in such conditions! A star will shine brighter tonight [star] Condolences to his family and all the actor’s fans,” a second tweeted.

“Another devastating blow to the #GH family. Rest in Peace, Johnny Wactor. Our time with you was way too short,” another commented.

“I am beyond words about Johnny Wactor, a life that was taken without cause. I hope whoever did this spend the rest of their life in prison,” someone else tweeted.

Johnny was born on August 31, 1986, in Charleston, South Carolina.

He most notably played Brando Corbin on General Hospital, who was married to Sasha Corbin – played by Sofia Mattsson.

He starred as Brando from 2020 until 2022 when his character was written off the ABC series.

The actor also appeared in hit shows NCIS, Criminal Minds, Station 19, The OA, and Westworld.

Johnny’s death comes just months after General Hospital lost another one of its stars, Robyn Bernard – who was found dead in San Jacinto, California on March 12 at 64 years old.

DAVID GAIL

Earlier this year, Port Charles actor David Gail died at the age of 58
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Earlier this year, Port Charles actor David Gail died at the age of 58Credit: Getty

He starred on Beverly Hills, 90210
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He starred on Beverly Hills, 90210Credit: Getty
Earlier this year, on January 16, Beverly Hills, 90210 star and Port Charles actor David Gail died at the age of 58.

His sister, Katie Colmenares, paid tribute in a heartbreaking Instagram post.

“There’s barely been even a day in my life when you were not with me by my side,” Katie wrote in her message.

“Always my wingman, always my best friend ready to face anything and anyone with me the bears will never be the same.

“But I will hold you so tight every day in my heart, you gorgeous loving, amazing, fierce human being.”

“Missing you every second of every day forever. There will never be another,” she closed.

Katie included a sweet snapshot of her and David embracing on a front porch.

“Beautiful words about David. Sorry for your loss. You had a great brother,” a follower reacted in the comments section.

“He was always full of fun, laughs & love. Will cherish my friendship with him. Sending Love to your family!”

David also starred on Beverly Hills, 90210
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David also starred on Beverly Hills, 90210Credit: Rex

David's cause of death was reported to be from brain and heart complications following drug intoxication
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David’s cause of death was reported to be from brain and heart complications following drug intoxicationCredit: Alamy
Fans also shared their condolences on X with one person writing, “I remember David Gail. He was Joe #2 on Port Charles. Dang, RIP. So much lost lately. It’s heartbreaking.”

“Sending thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of David Gail during this difficult time,” another added.

“Stuart Carson! Rest in peace David Gail,” a third chimed in.

“General Hospital and its fans have been dealt yet another blow,” a fourth wrote.

Port Charles, a spin-off of General Hospital, ran from June 1, 1997, to October 3, 2003.

I will hold you so tight every day in my heart, you gorgeous loving, amazing, fierce human being.

Katie ColmenaresDavid’s sister

David’s cause of death was reported to be from brain and heart complications following drug intoxication, per Deadline.

The outlet revealed the official cause of death as anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a brain injury due to lack of blood flow, following resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest due to drug intoxication.

In a statement to Deadline, the actor’s mother, Mary Painter, spoke out about the dangers of pharmaceutical addiction and the fentanyl epidemic.

“It breaks my heart to learn that my son died this way,” Mary said.

She continued, “David became reliant on medicine many years ago, after multiple surgeries on his hands and wrists. He lived in enough pain to prevent him from working for almost a decade, with relief only achieved through full disability, physical therapy, and pain medicine.

“He struggled to stop taking pharmaceuticals and did before turning toward a more Eastern pain management including acupuncture and natural medicines.”

“I can only assume that his former opioid dependence played a part in self-medicating from uncontrolled sources,” Mary concluded.

ALEC MUSSER

All My Children star Alec Musser died in his Del Mar, California, home at age 50
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All My Children star Alec Musser died in his Del Mar, California, home at age 50Credit: Getty
The week before David’s death, All My Children star Alec Musser died in his Del Mar, California home at age 50 on January 13, 2024.

The actor died from suicide, the San Diego County Medical Examiner concluded, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Alec’s fiancée, Paige Press, paid tribute to her partner in a heartbreaking Instagram post.

In an Instagram Story, she said, “RIP to the love of my life. I will never stop loving you. My heart is so broken.”

Paige continued, “Today is the worst day of my life. We were so happy.

“You were the best fiancé I could have ever asked for. I don’t think I can drive my wagon anymore.”

Alec’s final social media post was a silhouette image of himself surfing the waves with a beautiful sunset.

The actor died from suicide
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The actor died from suicideCredit: Getty
Friends, family, and fans poured into the comments section to share their condolences.

“RIP Brother Alec. We will surf together again my friend. May God bless you in your new adventure of heaven. Prayers and love out to family,” one person wrote.

Another shared, “We miss you, my friend. RIP.”

“I’m in shock brother. You were a dear friend and will always be remembered. Enjoy those perfect heavenly waves and powder runs,” a third commented.

RIP to the love of my life. I will never stop loving you. My heart is so broken.

Paige PressAlec’s fiancée

Alec joined the cast of All My Children as Del Henry in 2005.

Born on April 11, 1973, in New York City, the actor grew up in New Jersey, Connecticut, and San Diego.

The soap opera star graduated from the University of San Diego and worked his first modeling job for Abercrombie and Fitch.

Other than All My Children, Alec’s film and TV credits include Road to the Altar, Rita Rocks, Grown Ups, and Desperate Housewives.

TYLER CHRISTOPHER

Last year, General Hospital star Tyler Christopher died at age 50
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Last year, General Hospital star Tyler Christopher died at age 50Credit: Getty
Last year, General Hospital star Tyler Christopher died at age 50 on October 31, 2023.

The Daytime Emmy-winner was best known for his soap opera roles including on Days of Our Lives.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Tyler Christopher,” General Hospital notable Maurice Bernard wrote on Instagram alongside a pair of photos of the late soap star.

“Tyler passed away this morning following a cardiac event in his San Diego apartment.”

The Daytime Emmy winner was best known for his soap opera roles
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The Daytime Emmy winner was best known for his soap opera rolesCredit: Getty

General Hospital star Maurice Bernard revealed that Tyler died from cardiac arrest
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General Hospital star Maurice Bernard revealed that Tyler died from cardiac arrestCredit: Getty
Maurice continued in the lengthy caption, “Tyler was a truly talented individual that lit up the screen in every scene he performed and relished bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting. Tyler was a sweet soul and wonderful friend to all of those who knew him.

“Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and substance use treatment who openly spoke about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol.”

“We are beyond devastated by the loss of our dear friend and pray for his children and his father,” he concluded.

Plenty of fans were quick to react in the comments section as one person wrote, “This breaks my heart.”

Another shared, “Devastating news. My heart hurts. My deepest sympathies to all of Tyler’s family and friends and all that loved him.”

The TV actor played Nikolas Cassadine on General Hospital from 1996 to 2016.

BILLY MILLER

Soap opera actor Billy Miller died two days before his 44th birthday
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Soap opera actor Billy Miller died two days before his 44th birthdayCredit: Getty
On September 15, 2023, soap opera actor Billy Miller died two days before his 44th birthday.

Billy, 43, was a three-time Daytime Emmy-winning TV star, best known for his roles on The Young and the Restless and General Hospital.

The actor’s death, first reported by Michael Fairman TV, was confirmed by someone at The Belmont, a restaurant and bar in Los Angeles, California, that Billy co-owned.

On September 18, 2023, Billy’s mother, Patricia, revealed that the soap star took his own life after a “valiant” battle with bipolar depression.

Billy was a three-time Daytime Emmy-winning star, best known for his roles on The Young and the Restless and General Hospital
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Billy was a three-time Daytime Emmy-winning star, best known for his roles on The Young and the Restless and General HospitalCredit: Getty

Billy's mother, Patricia, revealed that her son took his own life after a 'valiant' battle with bipolar depression
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Billy’s mother, Patricia, revealed that her son took his own life after a ‘valiant’ battle with bipolar depressionCredit: Getty
In a statement to Soap Opera Digest, the mourning mother wrote, “He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years.

“He did everything he could to control the disease.”

Patricia went on to remember her son as someone who “loved his family, his friends, and his fans but in the end, the disease won the fight and he surrendered his life.”

Billy, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was born on September 17, 1979.

He graduated with a communications degree at the University of Texas and then moved to Los Angeles.

Miller started out in the mailroom of Industry Entertainment, an entertainment agency, and then began auditioning for acting gigs.

He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years

PatriciaBilly’s mother

He debuted as a daytime TV actor in 2007 when he played Richie Novak in All My Children.

The actor then rose to stardom while playing Billy Abbott on Young and the Restless from 2008 to 2014.

Billy won two Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor and one for Outstanding Lead Actor while on the show.

Tributes from fans poured in on social media after news broke of Billy’s death.

One person on X said he was “one of the best actors” in the shows he worked on.

“I’m so sorry to learn about his death but I won’t forget his wonderful contributions to our favorite soaps!”

“My heart is completely broken,” added another.

A third fan tweeted, “Wow! It’s all I can say. An Amazing talent gone [too] soon.”

CODY LONGO

The Days of our Lives star Cody Longo was found dead at home in Austin, Texas
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The Days of our Lives star Cody Longo was found dead at home in Austin, TexasCredit: Getty
The Days of our Lives star Cody Longo was found dead at home in Austin, Texas, in February 2023 at the age of 34.

His autopsy, revealed months after his death, attributed his death to years of chronic drinking.

The official death report claimed that the actor’s cause of death was “chronic ethanol abuse” and “the manner of death was natural,” according to TMZ.

The soap opera star’s family told TMZ that Cody “struggled with alcohol abuse for years” and even “went to rehab in the summer of 2022.”

The family had already concluded that he had relapsed and his alcoholism was his ultimate downfall.

His autopsy, revealed months after his death, attributed his passing to years of chronic drinking
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His autopsy, revealed months after his death, attributed his passing to years of chronic drinkingCredit: AFP

The soap opera star's family revealed Cody 'struggled with alcohol abuse for years'
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The soap opera star’s family revealed Cody ‘struggled with alcohol abuse for years’Credit: Getty

The official death report claimed that the actor's cause of death was 'chronic ethanol abuse' and 'the manner of death was natural'
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The official death report claimed that the actor’s cause of death was ‘chronic ethanol abuse’ and ‘the manner of death was natural’Credit: Getty