Days Of Our Lives
Stephen Nichols Remembers His General Hospital “Son/Nephew” and Days of our Lives Castmate, Tyler Christopher: “My Heart Aches”
When Nikolas Cassadine (Tyler Christopher) first emerged on the scene on General Hospital in 1996, it was his Stefan Cassadine that brought him to Port Charles to save the day as Laura’s (Genie Francis) daughter, Lulu. needed a live-saving bone marrow transplant. As it turns out, Nikolas was the biological son of Stavros Cassadine (Robert Kelker-Kelly), even though at one point, Stefan believed he was Nikolas’ father. That story, brought together two of daytime’s strongest actors, Stephen Nichols and Tyler Christopher.
On Thursday, taking to his Instagram, Stephen Nichols shared a deeply personal and touching tribute to Tyler, who passed away on Tuesday, October 31st at the age of 50 in his apartment in San Diego.
For Nichols and Christopher, they would appear for seven years together on GH from 1996-2003 until Stephen’s exit, but as luck would have it, they would have the opportunity to share scenes together one more time when Tyler came to Days of our Lives in 2017 and took on the newly created role of Stefan DiMera, while Nichols was continuing to play his most notable daytime role that of Steve “Patch” Johnson.
Photo: JPI
In his grief and sorrow, Stephen Nichols wrote these words, accompanied by some clips of Tyler’s work from GH: “This is something I was hoping I would not have to write about, another young man taken. A sweet natured man. An Ohio boy like me. A man who had his demons — another thing we had in common. A young man I called son for the early part of our time together. Not this one!”
Stephen went on to share, “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.”
On their time together in Port Charles, Stephen expressed, “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.”
Photo: ABC
Nichols also addressed Tyler’s battle with addiction: “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.” 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. 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 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.
Photo: JPI
Speaking about Tyler’s final daytime role on Days of our Lives, Stephen shared, “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.”
What did you think about Stephen Nichols deeply-affecting remembrance and tribute to Tyler Christopher? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Stephen nicknaming him Baby Brando. 🙂
Lovely but heartbreaking remarks about Tyler from Stephen Nichols. I would have expected nothing less from a classy guy like him.
I loved Stephen as Stefan Cassadine on GH. I really enjoyed his scenes with Tony Geary, as Luke and Stefan had their rivalry over Laura. The scenes always felt like two great acting titans going head to head. Always wished that with all the resurrecting of supposed dead Cassadines that they’ve done over the years that Stefan would turn up in Port Charles alive one of these days. Helena came back from the dead how many times, and Stavros, and Victor, why not Stefan too, lol.
Stephen had an instant chemistry with Tyler on-screen, which was important for the uncle/father figure relationship that Stefan and Nikolas had. Similar to what Jonathan Jackson wrote, it’s clear that the bond was there in real life, as well.
I remember when Tyler mentioned him from the stage when he won his Emmy, and always thought that was such a classy gesture. I’m glad to hear that they remained close friends over the years.
Tyler always channeled Nickolas’ royal blood.You could really believe he was a prince. I always hoped he would return to the show. My heart goes out to his family.
So sad but a beautiful tribute..You can feel his own sadness & how much he wished he had reached out a little more..I hope these are the things his children will hear about not so much about the addiction he had but more of the kind wonderful person he was…
The love between the two was obvious. I remember when Tyler won his Emmy and him holding up the book and thanking Stephen. It was very touching.
DAYS is the best SOAP. The CASSIDINE family has always been at the center! . So sad to see that Tyler is another great talent and sensitive guy gone way too soon. Thanks to Stephen for honoring Tyler! RIP Tyler . Condolences from RICK DEMERIAKIS.
The *Cassadine family is on General Hospital, not Days. Beautifulnl words by Mr Nichols. RIP Tyler. You will be missed.
Agree
The Cassadines are on General Hospital.
What beautiful memories watching the clips. Tyler brought class and elegance to the house of Cassidine. He will always be the one and only Nicholas Cassidine. Rest Sweet Prince.
I am so sad about Tyler’s passing I have watched GH since it started I always hoped he would come back I loved him as Nicholas no one has done the role justice God’s Speed you are at peace you are loved
Tyler was the personification of the soap opera character, Nicholas Cassidine.
May he rest in peace.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Lexie Emerges and Shocks Abe as the DiMera Family Gathers for The Reading of Stefano’s Will
Next week on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives, finally it looks like Lexie Carver is fully resurrected when the character now played by Nikki Crawford stumbles into a DiMera family gathering, which is supposed to be for the reading of Stefano DiMera’s will.
In the Peacock video teaser, as EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) and company toast the Phoenix, the secret tunnel door swings open, and out stumbles out Lexie! Meanwhile, Dr, Rolf (Richard Wharton) realizes Lexie is gone and no longer in her bed. When Abe (James Reynolds) sees his beloved Lexie, he is absolutely stunned. But the question is, when Lexie speaks, is she the Lexie of old, or will her memory and brain be all scrambled eggs?
As longtime DAYS viewers know, the part of Lexie was portrayed for years by Renee Jones, who retired from acting after her run which lasted from 1993-2012. At the time of her departure, Lexie was killed-off with an inoperable brain tumor.
Courtesy/Peacock
Elsewhere, Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is up to no good and now makes a play for Xander (Paul Telfer). but then tells him, “What I want now, is for you to kill him!” Who does she want killed? EJ? Johnny (Carson Boatman)? Or someone else?
Take a look at the official Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of May 11-15 below.
Monday, May 11
Lexie crashes the reading of Stefano’s will.
Tony makes Gabi an unexpected offer.
Kristen sees Sophia.
EJ questions Cat.
Chad defends Leo.
Tuesday, May 12
Belle asks Marlena for advice.
Holly lashes out at Tate.
Brady and Sarah comfort each other.
Philip comes through for Gabi.
Ari opens up to Liam.
Wednesday, May 13
Steve pays Alex a visit.
EJ pulls a fast one on Gwen.
Marlena offers Paulina support.
Thursday, May 14
Johnny and Chanel lean on each other.
Jada moves Shawn into her place and opens the door for renewed romance.
Gabi presses Ari about her relationship with Liam.
Amy confronts Holly.
Friday, May 15
EJ wants to explore his past with Cat.
Kristen and Chad discuss life and death.
Javi opens up to Rafe.
Gwen plays hardball with Xander.
Check out the latest DAYS promo entitled, “Heartbreak Hotel” below.
Then, let us know, does this Lexie come back from the dead intrigue you, even though Nikki Crawford is taking on the role and not Renee Jones? Do you think she will be anywhere near the same personality she had before she “died’? Who does Kristen want killed now? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Breaking News
DAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott
In a ironic twist, Lauren Koslow, who currently plays Kate Roberts on Days of Our Lives is returning to The Young and the Restless to play Jill Abbott while temporarily filling in for Jess Walton. Koslow will appear for five episodes beginning on Thursday, June 25.
Koslow first appeared on The Young and the Restless back in 1984 in what was her first soap opera role when she was cast as Lindsey Wells. Now, she returns decades later subbing for Walton, who due to a scheduling conflict, was was unable to travel to Los Angeles when the storyline called for Jill. The Emmy-winning Walton has played the Jill since 1987 and went on recurring status with the show in 2012. Jess also left Los Angeles to reside in Oregon in 2011.
Making this all the richer was the original Jill played by Brenda Dickson, often shared scenes with Koslow’s Y&R character. Lauren played Lindsey Wells until 1986, before moving over to The Bold and the Beautiful as Margo Lynley. Koslow was B&B’s Margo from 1987–1992, and again in 2002. Then, in 1996, she was cast on Days of Our Lives as Kate Roberts, replacing Deborah Adair, and she has been in Salem ever since. But there’s still another another twist to this casting history. Y&R viewers recall Deborah Adair also played Jill, after Brenda Dickson left in 1980, and following a brief stint by Bond Gideon, before heading to DAYS to originate the role of Kate.
Photo: CBS
THE DAYS AND Y&R CONNECTION
As soap fans know, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless are both part of Sony. Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television, while DAYS is owned by Corday Productions and distributed by Sony.
So, having Koslow visit The Young and the Restless to fill in for Jess Walton has nothing to do with her continued role of Kate on DAYS. In fact, a rep for the show shared that her upcoming appearance on Y&R, “does not affect her status with the show in any way.” Recently, Stacy Haiduk reprised her role of Patty Williams on Y&R, even though she is still being seen as Kristen DiMera on DAYS.
In a joint statement offered up to TV Insider, executive producer, Sally McDonald and head writer, Josh Griffith expressed, “We’re extremely grateful to Lauren Koslow for returning to her Y&R roots and temporarily stepping into the role of Jill. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Ken Corday (executive producer) and Noel Maxam (co-executive producer) at Days of Our Lives and Peacock. Their support embodies the collaborative spirit of the daytime television community.”
McDonald and Griffith clarified that Jess Walton is forever their Jill and shared, “Jess Walton is an enduring cornerstone of Y&R. We look forward to welcoming her back to Genoa City as her schedule permits and celebrating her extraordinary 40th anniversary as the iconic Jill Abbott.”
So, what do you think of Days of Our Lives Lauren Koslow stepping in for Jess Walton as Jill Abbott? Excited to see what she does in the role while filling in for the Jess? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Shares Parting Thoughts on ‘Brilliant Minds’ Following its Cancellation
Last week, NBC pulled the plug on the medical drama, Brilliant Minds, as the last 6 episodes of its second and final season will begin to air later this month. The series which saw its ratings plummet was taken off the schedule in February, with reports of it being on the bubble until finally the decision was handed down.
Al Calderon, who departed Days of our Lives in the role of Javi Hernandez in 2025 to join the primetime series as Nurse Nico Silva, was a part of the stellar cast that also featured One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) and series star, Zachary Quinto.
On Brilliant Minds, Quinto plays neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
Photo: NBC
In a real-life twist, Days of our Lives announced Calderon’s successor, Jacob Martinez as the new Javi debuting this June on April 30. Come May 1, NBC canceled Brilliant Minds. Now, on Wednesday, May 6, Al Calderon took a moment to reflect on his experience at Bronx General Hospital, the backdrop of Brilliant Minds, via a post on his Instagram.
“Thank you Brilliant Minds” Calderon began. “What a life changing experience. Met forever friends. Learned from the absolute best. Was reminded that my voice mattered. Learned that it’s okay to believe in yourself. Felt like I was part of something. While our beautiful show has gone onto glory we’ve got 6 more incredible episodes to share with you starting May 27th.”
Al also added, “NBC and Warner Brothers TV, thank you for allowing me to be silly and quippy, Demane Davis, Michael Grassi, David Rapaport, Zachary Quinto, thank you for all of your encouragement and support.”
As his heartfelt post came to a close, Calderon explained why the experience on Brilliant Minds was life-changing: “I’ve been at this a long time and this show gave me hope for the future of my career. I owe it to these incredible individuals. Our crew. Our writers. Our editors. The whole shebang. I love you all endlessly.”
Taking to the comment threads were several of Al’s Brilliant Minds and DAYS former co-stars, and even his successor, Jacob Martinez jumped in and shared, “YOU are brilliant 💕”
What did you think of Al’s heartfelt message about his time on Brilliant Minds? Will you miss seeing him on DAYS and on the primetime series? Looking forward to seeing what he will do next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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Days o
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