'As the World Turns' Actor Commits Suicide

AOL News ^ | 07/07/06 16:13 EDT | unknown

[napscoordinator]

HUNTINGTON, New York (July 7) - Benjamin Hendrickson, an Emmy Award-winning actor on the "As the World Turns" soap opera, committed suicide this week with a gunshot to the head, police said.

[napscoordinator]

For the soap fans. My wife is crushed. Well not crushed but wondering how the series will explain this. This show is her one negative that I put up with. I have heard other husbands put up with worse. lol.

[H. Paul Pressler IV]

"As the Revolver Turns"

[Txsleuth]

That was not necessary.

[tet68]

Well, we all remember what happened when Joann's future
husband picked the Oleander for a bouquet on their wedding day....no good was going to come of that I could tell.

At least Marlena isn't possessed by the devil any more and
the Count D'mara is dead or so they say...

[H. Paul Pressler IV]

I know, I just could not resist. It just came to me.


I hope I did not offend.

[bmwcyle]

[RichInOC]

No worries. He'll be back in a year or two, and it'll turn out to have been his evil twin that shot himself...

...no, probably not this time. R.I.P.

[Arrowhead1952]

My wife also watches some soaps. IMHO, those shows should be called "We will make your stomach turn".

[rintense]

I used to watch ATWT back in the day and remember Hal. Always the good cop with a heart.

[Txsleuth]

Not really...I felt bad after I posted that.

I have a dark sense of humor sometimes also.

Carry on......

LOL

[Gay State Conservative]

My favorite is The Young and The Relentless.

[Beth528]

I don't know who this is..I have not watched soaps for many years they all ended the same..I never was a real big fan of soaps once I knew that they are all the same with the same plots over and over..

[HungarianGypsy]

What about One Life to Live. I swear the characters on that show have had way more than one life each.

[PLMerite]

It was probably an automatic anyway.

[IronJack]

"As the Stomach Churns"

[napscoordinator]

Bump

[LA Woman3]

Beloved Actor Benjamin Hendrickson, Dies At 55

New York, NY - Procter & Gamble Productions, CBS and As The World Turns are deeply saddened to announce the death of BENJAMIN HENDRICKSON, who played Chief of Detectives Hal Munson on the daytime drama. Hendrickson, 55, passed away over the weekend at his home in Huntington, New York.

Hendrickson, who won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2003, has been with As The World Turns since 1985. In addition to his work on the show, Hendrickson appeared on Broadway in the 1984 revival of Awake and Sing, Strider and in the title role of The Elephant Man. His feature film credits include Spanking the Monkey, Regarding Henry, Consenting Adults and Manhunter. Prior to joining As The World Turns, Hendrickson appeared on Procter & Gamble Productions' Another World, Guiding Light and Texas.

"As The World Turns, Procter & Gamble Productions and the entire daytime community have lost a dear friend and a talented actor who brought to life the character of Hal Munson," says As The World Turns Executive Producer Christopher Goutman. "Benjamin always joked that he was hired for one day, then before he knew it he'd impregnated the leading lady and had to sign a contract. He intended to stay with the show for one year. How lucky for us and the fans that we had him for 21 years. We will continue to mourn his passing."

"Everyone at CBS Daytime is devastated by the loss of our friend and colleague Benjamin Hendrickson," says Barbara Bloom, Senior Vice President, Daytime Programs, CBS. "Benjamin's 21 year portrayal of Hal Munson is testimony to a gifted actor whose talent and loyalty will always be remembered by his fans and co-workers, as well as a very appreciative network. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his fellow cast members, the producers and everyone at As The World Turns during this difficult time."

Hendrickson attended the Juilliard School where he was a member of the first class of the drama division and a founding member of The Acting Company, under the late John Houseman.

Born on August 26, 1950 in Huntington, New York, Hendrickson was an avid golfer and spent much of his down time on the green with his As The World Turns co-stars. His last air date as Hal Munson will be July 12, 2006.

http://www.cbs.com/daytime/atwt/about/justin/

[Dems_R_Losers]

I am very saddened by this news. ATWT has always been my favorite soap, even though I don't get to watch any of them much anymore. Hal Munson was a great charatcer and was played with great depth by Ben Hendrickson. Hal was a gritty, honest, blue-collar guy who grew up dirt poor in West Virginia and later found a calling in law enforcement. He was a rock on that show and will be sorely missed.

It's hard for me to understand suicide.

[bert]

It was James Steimbech's fault

[txrangerette]

Haven't watched in years but definitely remember him. You seem to be knowledgeable...any idea what might have led him to do this? Health problems? Personal relationship issues? Long-term bipolar battles? ???