‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Actor Nicholas Pryor Dies at 89

A CD of the original soundtrack of the American teen drama television series "Beverly Hills, 90210" in Rome, on April 22, 2019. Kraft74/Shutterstock

Veteran soap opera star Nicholas Pryor, best known for his roles on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” and “General Hospital,” as well as its spinoff series “Port Charles,” has died at the age of 89.

Actor Jon Lindstrom, who played Pryor’s on-screen son in ABC’s long-running daytime soap opera and its offshoot, confirmed Pryor’s death on Instagram, sharing that he died on Oct. 7 while surrounded by family.

“It is my solemn task to announce the passing of the great Nicholas Pryor. Nick was an Actor’s actor, and an exceptional friend,” Lindstrom, 66, began his post.

Lindstrom went on to highlight some of Pryor’s most revered roles, including his breakthrough part in the 1983 coming-of-age film “Risky Business,” in which the actor portrayed the father of Tom Cruise’s character, Joel Goodsen.

“He shared the screen with the likes of #JackNicholson #KurtRussell #EwanMcGregor Too many to name really,” Lindstrom noted. “He starred on #Broadway and delivered terrific work in Film and TV for over 60 years. But to me, he was my friend. One of the best I’ve ever had. He was a mentor, a sounding board, a trusted confidant, and even a father-figure beyond, yes, playing my own father on #GH and #PortCharles.

“And he was one of the funniest people you could hope to spend time with over a bottle of good wine and a great meal. I will miss him terribly, as will his beautiful wife Christina, his daughter Stacey, and his two grandchildren, Gus and Avril. R.I.P.”

Pryor’s agent, Susan Tolar Walters, told the Los Angeles Times that the actor succumbed to cancer at his home in Wilmington, North Carolina.

“Nicholas was an incredible individual, both inside and out,” the agency shared in a since-expired Instagram story. “He will be greatly missed.”

Remembering Nicholas Pryor

Born on Jan. 28, 1935, in Baltimore, Maryland, Pryor—born Nicholas Probst—launched his acting career on stage, performing in various local theatrical productions and later on Broadway.

The actor adopted his stage name in the late ‘50s and went on to appear on the small screen in many daytime soaps, including “Young Doctor Malone,” “Another World,” “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,” “The Nurses,” “All My Children,” “One Life to Live,” and “Dallas.”

In addition to his recurring role on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” which he helmed from 1994 to 1997, Pryor is famed for playing the character Victor Collins in “General Hospital” and its spin-off “Port Charles.”

Pryor’s filmography includes “Airplane!” (1980), “Risky Business” (1983), “The Falcon and the Snowman” (1985), “Less Than Zero” (1987), “Sliver” (1993), “Murder at 1600” (1997), “The Bachelor” (1999), “The List” (2007), and “Halloween Kills” (2021).

Tributes Pour In

The official X account for “General Hospital” took to the platform on Oct. 9 to pay tribute to the late actor.

“The entire General Hospital Family is saddened to hear of Nicholas Pryor’s recent passing. We would like to extend our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement reads. “His character’s namesake will continue to live on in @jonlindstrom and Kevin Collins. May he rest in peace.”

SAG-AFTRA also expressed sorrow over the loss of Pryor, who previously served as a treasurer and national board member for the entertainment labor union.

“We are saddened to learn of [his] passing,” the union penned. “He served as an elected officer from 1988-96. With 170+ acting credits to his name, we celebrate his 7-decades long career. #SagAftraMember since 1955.”

Actor and comedian Michael McKean, known for his roles in “Clue” (1985) and the drama series “Better Call Saul,” praised Pryor’s acting career online, writing: “Never not good; frequently terrific.”

He added: “Very nice man, too. RIP Nicholas Pryor.”