The soap world has been deeply affected and saddened with the heartbreaking news this afternoon on the passing of Roscoe Born.  He died at the age of 69 on Tuesday, March 3rd.

There was no one quite like him in the daytime soap genre.  A respected actor, who brought villainy to new heights in his various memorable roles.

His longtime friend  Denna Lynne and business partner in Born Roscoe Songs took to Facebook to share the news of the loss of this actor and songwriter.  “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Roscoe Born’s passing,  He was an incredibly talented actor and songwriter. Many who knew him know how dedicated he was to social and political causes. He will be missed forever.”

When you think of the some of the most devious characters on daytime ; Born has played them.  Who can forget One Life to Live’s Mitch Laurence, Y&R’s Terrible Tom Fisher, and DAYS’ Trent Robbins.

Roscoe got his soap start on Ryan’s Hope as Joe Novak in 1981, he left the series in 1983 and two years later married his former co-star, Randall Edwards (Ex-Delia), but they divorced two years later.

Throughout his daytime career, Born appeared in numerous soaps including: Santa Barbara (as Robert Barr and Quinn Armitage where he received a Daytime Emmy nomination), All My Children, The City, Guiding Light, Passions and As the World Turns.

Roscoe was born in Topeka, Kansas, 1981 playing good-hearted gangster Joe Novak, the love interest of the Ryan clan’s rebellious Siobhan Ryan. He left the series in 1983, two years later marrying his Ryan’s co-star Randall Edwards (the show’s trouble-making Delia). They divorced in 1990.

The actor is survived by his daughter with Roberta Weiss (Ex-Santa Barbara) named Alberta, 22.

Taking to social media to share their grief at the news of Roscoe’s passing were Melissa Archer (Ex-Natalie, OLTL), Greg Rikaart (Kevin, Y&R), Marg Helgenberger (Ex-Siobhan, Ryan’s Hope) and Andrea Evans (Ex-Tina, OLTL), Bree Williamson (Ex-Jessica, OLTL) plus former OLTL head writer, and now DAYS head scribe, Ron Carlivati.

I can’t put into words how incredibly heart broken I am to hear of Roscoe Born’s passing. He was an incredible partner to work with and a master in his craft. I can say without a doubt that some of my favorite work on Oltl was with Roscoe. He will be greatly missed. 💔

— Melissa Archer (@_MelissaArcher) March 6, 2020

Roscoe Born was a talented and generous actor and a kind man to boot. He would often say that everything he did was for his daughter. My thoughts are with her and his family today. #RIP https://t.co/rY9ZANc1qW

— Greg Rikaart (@gregrikaart) March 6, 2020

I’m deeply saddened to hear of Roscoe Born’s passing. My first acting job was on the soap #RyansHope, and Roscoe was a dream to work with. A generous, soulful & talented person. My thoughts are with his family & friends. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/v0NAlFeQrA

— Marg Helgenberger (@MargHelgen) March 6, 2020

Mitch Laurence as portrayed by Roscoe Born was one of my all-time favorite TV villains as a teenager watching One Life to Live. I was privileged to get to write for him, and while I eventually sent Mitch to hell, I sincerely hope Roscoe is in heaven… #oltl #RIPRoscoeBorn https://t.co/xUioEl7VbO

— Ron Carlivati (@carlivatiron) March 6, 2020

So sad to hear of the passing of my old friend Roscoe Born. I loved working with him. He was a sweet, dear soul. And whenever I hear Sade’s Smooth Operator I will smile & think of him. RIP. @onelifetolive @SoapOperaNewss @SoapDigest @soapsindepthabc @ABCNetwork pic.twitter.com/gyQpVrN3o3

— Andrea Evans (@Andreaevansprod) March 6, 2020

I am devastated to hear of the passing of my friend Roscoe Born. He was a wonderful actor am amazing TV dad. He will be missed. #RoscoeBorn

— Bree Williamson (@breewilliamson) March 7, 2020

Share your remembrances, condolences and your favorite role of Roscoe Born’s in the comment section below.