Soap Opera Star Passed Away At 84

Thom Christopher, the actor renowned for his role in One Life to Live, has passed away at the age of 84. He died on Thursday in New York. Christopher famously portrayed the villain Carlo Hesser in 56 episodes of the beloved soap opera, appearing from 1991 until 2008.

The cause of his death has not been disclosed. One of his friends, Steven Bergman, took to Facebook and confirmed Christopher’s death with a beautiful tribute.

 

“Sadly, my friend who I went to visit in the hospital on Monday passed away this evening. Since many of my friends know him or know of him, I can say that it was Thom Christopher. Thom has been sick for quite awhile now and fought through it all like a champ. We spoke 2-3 times a month and always had great long conversations. He was such a smart man who gave great advice and told such fantastic stories. Thom’s wife Judith passed away a few years ago and after she did, he dedicated his life to going through her old writings from many years ago, putting it all together as a book and having it published. He always said that she was not really gone, she was just in “another room” and that one day he would join her there. He also said that he was not afraid of death as he knew they would be reunited together then. Well Thom, you have now joined Judith in that other room where you are both reunited and will be together forever. Most of my time with him on Monday he was not fully coherent as he was on a lot of medication. When I said my goodbye to him I looked him right in the eyes, told him he was a wonderful man who lived an incredible life. A great actor who entertained and gave joy to so many people for so many years. A loving and dedicated husband to Judith who he would soon be joining in eternity. And lastly, that he was a great friend to everyone who had the privilege of being his friend. He comprehended every word I said and replied back “thank you.” I gave him a kiss on the forehead and said goodbye. You were a great man Thom, enjoy the eternal peace that you so richly deserve.”

A co-star, Anthony Crivello, also posted a tribute to Christopher. He said, 

“my dear friend of many years, actor #ThomChristopher passed today. He was always a gentleman, always supportive, and he and his wife Judith who preceded him in death, were always gracious to me and welcoming. Thom and I worked together on the #abc daytime series #onelifetolive in the 1990s. We’re seen here with the lovely #audrylanders who played my sister, and Thom my father. It was a wonderful time, difficult hours and long days, but joyful each minute. May Thom fly on Wings of Angels to be beside his beloved Judith, and may they enjoy each other’s company once again, beside the ‘Pearly Gates’ of heaven.”

Thom Christopher (October 5, 1940 – December 5, 2024) was an American actor best known for his roles in television soap operas and science fiction series. Born in Jackson Heights, New York, Christopher pursued acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in Manhattan. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of the villainous Carlo Hesser on the soap opera One Life to Live, appearing in 56 episodes between 1991 and 2008. His compelling performance made the character a fan favorite and earned him a loyal following.

The soap star received an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series award at the 19th Daytime Emmy Awards on June 23, 1992. He received the honor for his portrayal of Carlo Hesser in One Life to Live.

Christopher earned two additional nominations in the same category: in 1993 for One Life to Live and in 1994 for his performance as the villainous Dante Partou in the soap opera Loving.

In addition to his soap opera success, Christopher was celebrated for his role as Hawk in the 1980s sci-fi series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, a performance that highlighted his versatility. He also made guest appearances on shows like Law & Order, T.J. Hooker, and Murder, She Wrote.

Rest In Peace.