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Soap Star Roscoe Born Dead at 69

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The soap world is mourning the death of veteran actor Roscoe Born who died at the age of 69 on March 3. “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Roscoe Born’s passing,” wrote Deanna Lynn, his friend and business partner on the Facebook page for Born Roscoe Songs. “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.” Many of his former co-stars also shared heartfelt memories of the actor.

Soap-hopper Born made his daytime debut as Joe Novak on RYAN’S HOPE from 1981-83, reprising the role again in 1988. From 1985-87 and again from 2002-03, he portrayed the villainous Mitch Laurence on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, returning again in 2009. Over on NBC soap SANTA BARBARA, Born played Robert Barr from 1989-91 and his twin Quinn Armitage from 1990-91, which earned him a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. From 2005-06 and again in 2009, he appeared as Tom Fisher on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS. During his career, the actor also had small roles on ALL MY CHILDREN, AS THE WORLD TURNS, GUIDING LIGHT, PASSIONS, and DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

OLTL Viki Mitch Jessica Natalie
Born is probably best known for playing the dastardly Mitch Laurence on OLTL.Keysha McGrady/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Born was usually cast as a villain, but his character of Nick Rivers, who he played from 1995-97 on THE CITY, was a grizzled musician, a role which allowed him to demonstrate his singing and songwriting talents. Some of Born’s music can be found on YouTube and he also released some singles on iTunes, including “Let the Road Lead” and “Crazy Is as Crazy Does.” Outside of daytime, the actor could be seen on primetime series like PAPER DOLLS, MURDER SHE WROTE, THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN, THE ROCKFORD FILES, and more.

Our thoughts are with Born’s friends and loved ones during this difficult time. For more on your favorite daytime stars, keep reading Soaps In Depth magazine.

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