Stars Remember the Late Nicolas Coster

The daytime world lost one of its brightest stars on Jun 26 when Nicolas Coster died at the age of 89. During a career that spanned seven decades, the talented actor appeared in numerous films and television series, as well as over a half-dozen soap operas.

Although best known for his work as Lionel Lockridge on NBC soap SANTA BARBARA, Coster started out in the ‘50s and ’60s on sudsers like YOUNG DOCTOR MALONE and THE SECRET STORM. He played the same character on both SOMERSET and ANOTHER WORLD and had brief stints on ONE LIFE TO LIVE and ALL MY CHILDREN as well as playing one character on AS THE WORLD TURNS and another on its primetime spinoff, OUR PRIVATE WORLD. More recently in his career, he starred as Mayor Jack Madison on the streaming soap THE BAY.

Over his career, Coster worked with countless actors and some of his daytime co-stars shared some fond memories of their late friend on social media that we have collected here:

Nicolas Coster Vincent Irizarry — Instagram

Vincent Irizarry (Scott, SANTA BARBARA)

“I’m so saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, this dear, dynamic man, Nicolas Coster. He was one who was so full of life, so sweet and gracious, and such a wonderful talent as an actor. We worked together in the late ‘80s on SANTA BARBARA and stayed in touch from time to time throughout the many subsequent years. I reached out to him several months ago to check in, hoping to get together, but he was leaving the next day on a trip somewhere. I regret that we didn’t reconnect sometime after. Just goes to show that we allow ourselves to be deceived by time in believing that opportunities to reconnect will always be available with those dear to us. Sadly, it’s a lesson I’m too often having to be reminded of: There are no guarantees in this life. Goodbye, my friend. I will always remember your kind, welcoming smile and your heartfelt laugh. It was truly a blessing knowing you, for which I will always be grateful.”

Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis, GENERAL HOSPITAL; Julia, SANTA BARBARA)

“Debonair til the very end. So many laughs with this smashing fella. RIP, Nicky.”

Mary Beth Evans (Kayla, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; Sara, THE BAY)

“Rest in peace, Sweet Nicolas. What a joy it was to work with you. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be your daughter for the past decade. I will always remember your smile, your love of the work, and most importantly, your love of life! You were one of a kind, sweet man.”

Nicolas Coster A Martinez — D Guingnebourg/jpistudios.com

A Martinez (Cruz, SANTA BARBARA)

“The great Nicolas Coster walked on this week, and may the wind be warm at his back. He was a consummate actor, every bit as skilled on stage as he was before a camera. It was an honor to work in a company with him, and I’ll always hold his friendship and his sterling strengths as a professional close to heart. For 70 years, Mr. Coster practiced the art of acting with great vigor and distinction. There aren’t many people in the history of the world who can match him in that regard.”

Jon Lindstrom (Kevin, GH; Mark, SANTA BARBARA)

“Nicolas Coster has left us. One of my favorite people I’ve had the honor and pleasure to work, and become friends, with in this showbiz journey. He taught many of us youngsters how to scuba dive and I think of Nick every time I put on a tank. Got to be with him there the night he finally won his Emmy, which made him very proud. R.I.P.”

Michele Val Jean (Writer)

“So sorry to hear about the passing of Nicolas Coster. I had the pleasure of writing for him on SANTA BARBARA. He was a consummate actor and a gentleman. My condolences to his family and may he rest in eternal peace.”

Jane Sibbett (Jane, SANTA BARBARA)

“I was so sorry to hear the news of Nicolas Coster passing earlier tonight. I had recently shared the story with Yitzi Weiner’s interview about the actor who quietly saved me from a screaming director on my very first day at work on my first regular gig, and it was Nicky. He was kind, considerate, a consummate professional, and playing the almost-stepfather to my bitch by day/slut by night character on SANTA BARBARA, he was instrumental in helping me not only finding my light, but finding my way and supporting the craft of the good work we were doing. I am forever grateful for his generous heart, his love of great storytelling, and professionalism on and off set, and I wish to send my condolences to his family and all who loved him. Break the last leg, Lionel. May all your sails be full with love and peace to guide you home, Nicky.”