The One Life To Live actor played Carlo Hesser and his twin Mortimer Bern on the show (Image: Getty)
Soap opera legend Thom Christopher, best known for his Emmy-winning portrayal of villain Carlo Hesser on One Life to Live, has passed away at the age of 84.
His death was announced on Friday by former co-star and on-screen son Anthony Crivello in a moving Facebook post that paid tribute to their years of friendship and collaboration.
Christopher was a beloved figure on One Life to Live, playing the role of the villainous Pennsylvania mobster Carlo Hesser from 1990 to 1992.
He later returned to the show periodically as Carlo’s twin, Mortimer Bern, appearing on and off until 2008. His performance earned him a Daytime Emmy Award in 1992 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, solidifying his status as a soap opera icon.
Crivello reflected on their time together, writing: “My dear friend of many years, actor #ThomChristopher passed today.
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Soap opera icon Thom Christopher has died aged 84 (Image: Getty)
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. 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.”
Fans and colleagues have since flooded social media with tributes, honouring Christopher’s kindness, talent, and lasting contributions to television.
“Truly saddened to hear about the news of Thom Christopher’s death. A truly extraordinary and versatile actor,” said one fan on X.
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The star’s wife Judith died in 2019 (Image: Getty)
Another penned: “RIP Thom Christopher you were such a class act.” A third added: “Rest peacefully, Thom Christopher. Also known as Carlo Hesser on – one of the best Daytime Soap villains.”
Beyond his iconic soap roles, Christopher’s acting career spanned decades. He appeared on other daytime dramas, including Loving, Guiding Light, and The Edge of Night, where he originated the character of Noel Douglas. Sci-fi fans remember him as Hawk, the half-man, half-bird warrior, in the second season of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
His television credits also included appearances in classic series such as Kojak, Murder, She Wrote, Cannon, and Simon & Simon.