UPDATE: Susan Lucci’s TV Husband Nick Benedict Has Died - His Devoted Wife Cared for Him until the End

• "All My Children" star Nick Benedict has tragically passed away at 77.
• The beloved actor died in Arizona on his birthday, July 14, from spinal cord surgery complications after his devoted wife took a leave of absence from her job to care for him.
• He is deeply missed by his wife, friends, family, and others he influenced. His beloved fans and loved ones have dedicated heartwarming tributes in his honor.

In breaking news, a beloved soap opera actor has tragically passed away from spinal cord surgery complications. The star died on his birthday, July 14, as confirmed by the steakhouse restaurant where his doting wife works as a bartender.

Before his passing, a GoFundMe page was created in an effort to raise funds for the couple after his wife took a leave of absence from her job to focus on caring for him and tending to his needs amid his extreme medical issues.

Beloved Soapy Star Nick Benedict Died of Spinal Cord Surgery Complications

According to the fundraising page, the actor underwent an emergency spinal cord operation on July 2 and was admitted into hospice care two days later. After Benedict's spinal cord surgery, he became paralyzed from the neck down and was in dire need of support and care.

As a result of his wife, Ginger, struggling to make the daily commute from their home in Arizona to her workplace because Benedict needed care 24/7, she had no choice but to take leave from her job. Thus, the GoFundMe page was initially set up to "raise money to help with bills, food, and any medical expenses [for the couple]."

Unfortunately, Benedict sadly passed away shortly after the page was created. His beloved fans deeply miss the actor, who was widely known as Phillip Brent, one of the husbands to Susan Lucci's character on the classic soapy "All My Children," for which he received a Daytime Emmy Nomination in 1979.

Following his time on the show, Benedict went on to garner starring roles in other soapies, some of which include "The Young and the Restless," "Knots Landing," and "Tribes." Of his many roles, the one that gained him the achievement of having the longest-running role in a soap opera was his portrayal of Curtis Reed on "Days of Our Lives."

Condolences continue to be sent to his bereaved family, friends, and all who knew, loved, and admired the talented actor, and pleasant memories of his life and career continue to be shared on social media platforms.

His IMDb page also credits him for appearing on "The Dukes of Hazards" and "The Fall Guy." A fact that may be unbeknownst to many is that Benedict had taken a hiatus from acting after the passing of his father, fellow actor, and director, Richard Benedict.

The news of his hiatus was revealed in a 1993 interview with the Times and Democrat. During this time, Benedict disclosed that he played at Nightclubs with bands and got involved in the administrative branch of a contracting business.

Nick Benedict's Legacy Continues to Be Celebrated by Loved Ones and Fans Who Continue to Post Tributes on His Obituary Page

As the shocking news continues to make its way around the world, many fans have posted tributes and fond memories from his illustrious career, which they were all touched and influenced by.

His online obituary includes an array of posts that show pictures of the beloved actor during his time on the multiple soap TV dramas he starred in. Similarly, people have been extending their condolences on Facebook underneath People magazine's post of the sad news:

"Prayers sent for his family."

As the tributes continued to pour in, Benedict's fans commented on how much they loved the star and spoke about the level of impact that he had on them, with some referring to his influence on their childhoods. One fan on Facebook expressed that Benedict was:

"Another piece of my childhood."

"The Young and the Restless" star's legacy is carried by his devoted and loving wife of over 20 years, Ginger, who cared for him until his last breath. Condolences continue to be sent to his bereaved family, friends, and all who knew, loved, and admired the talented actor, and pleasant memories of his life and career continue to be shared on social media platforms.