Drew Cheetwood’s Heartfelt Tribute to His Cousin Tyler Christopher
In the wake of Tyler Christopher’s tragic passing, many of the people who knew him well have been sharing heartfelt memories and tributes online. And Drew Cheetwood, who was not only Christopher’s GENERAL HOSPITAL co-star (as Milo and Nikolas) but also his real-life cousin, shared some photos of them together on Instagram and tried to put into words what Tyler meant to him.
“My cousin Tyler was something else,” he wrote. “He was so kind and considerate. Generous beyond belief. Crazy funny. Unique, super-smart, and so talented. His greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his children. He was 10 years older than me like my brother Derk Cheetwood (ex-Max, GH) but he was like my second brother. Us three were as thick as thieves and the best of friends. We either lived with each other in California or we would move our families to be near one another. If one moved, we all moved sort of thing.
“We acted together, we traveled together,” Cheetwood added. “He and I loved Too Short and Common. 99% of the time that was what we played during our workouts. We worked out with one another, we partied, we laughed to no end, and we made each other stronger.”
The actor also shared a memory of visiting the GH set before he actually joined the cast as Milo Giambetti back in 2006. “I was walking up to the studio doors and Steve Burton (ex-Jason) and Tyler were just sitting on the stoop, sunning and chatting in between scenes,” he recalled. “I remember thinking Ty just looked like a movie star. He was so cool to me. He looked out for me along with my brother, Derk, especially when I first moved to L.A. He never stopped.
“The day we were moving back to Michigan he insisted he drive me to the U-Haul store because he knew we needed more boxes and supplies,” Cheetwood continued. “We get there and he picks everything out, pays for it all, and tells me it’s the ‘least I can do, cuz.’ He hugged Jenna, Grace, and I goodbye and proceeds to stuff enough cash in my hand to get us through our cross-country drive and then some. Demanded we take it. Told me to ‘get a protein shake on me.’ That was just his nature. He and Brienne wished us luck and said they’d be praying for us.
“We all cried that day like crazy,” he concluded. “Because we were moving, sure, but on a deeper level, I think we all knew a shift was happening and nothing would ever be the same. I’m grateful to have those moments as sad as they were, though. It shows me what a powerful effect he had on me and so many of us. I will honor that effect and his memory going forward. I will miss him dearly. I pray for his kids and family. May God’s hand be ever present in their lives. I pray you are finally at peace, cousin.”
