Soap Star Nick Benedict Dead at 76

The daytime community is saying goodbye to veteran actor Nick Benedict, who died on July 14 at the age of 76. The sad news was reported on the Facebook page for Jake’s Steakhouse, where his wife, Ginger, works. “Nick Benedict’s birthday was July 14,” they wrote. “He went to be with the Lord this day. Please pray for Ginger.”

Although no specific cause of death was given, a GoFundMe had previously been set up on July 13 for the Benedicts that explained that Nick had undergone emergency spinal cord surgery on July 2. Two days later, he was admitted to hospice paralyzed from the neck down and requiring constant care and support.

Born in 1947 in Los Angeles, Benedict began his career in the late ‘60s, appearing in television series like IRON HORSE, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, HAWAII FIVE-0, ADAM-12, and IRONSIDE. In 1977, the actor was cast as Vietnam veteran Philip Brent on ALL MY CHILDREN, who found himself torn between Tara and Erica. In 1979, he earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in the Outstanding Actor category for his work on the soap.

In 1981, Benedict joined the cast of THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS as Michael Scott, who Victor trapped in a bomb shelter believing he’d slept with his wife. From 1982-83, he played Ron Washington on ANOTHER LIFE, and in 1990, he appeared in some episodes of SANTA BARBARA. In 1993, the actor began making recurring appearances on DAYS OF OUR LIVES as Curtis Reed, Kate’s abusive ex and father to Austin and Billie. 

Benedict’s career also included movies like An American Summer, Beach House, Memories of Murder, Get a Job, and Courting Courtney.

Our thoughts are with Ginger and the rest of Benedict’s family and friends during this difficult time.