Soap opera veteran Nicolas Coster has passed away at age 89. Coster's daughter Dineen shared the news on his official Facebook page.
"There is great sadness in my heart this evening, my father actor Nicolas Coster has passed on in Florida at 9:01pm in the hospital. Please be inspired by his artistic achievements and know he was a real actor's actor! I will remember him as always doing his best and being a great father. Rest In Peace," she wrote.
Coster was nominated four times for his role as Lionel on Santa Barbara in both the Lead and Supporting Actor categories.
Born December 3, 1933, in Hapstead, London, England. Coster began his acting training in his teen years at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He appeared in countless films as well as primetime television series, most notably recurring as David Warner, Blair Warner's dad, on The Facts of Life. Coster is known to daytime fans for numerous soap roles, including All My Children's Steve Andrews, Robert Delaney on both Another World and Somerset, Eduardo Grimaldi on As the World Turns, Anthony Makana on One Life to Live, John Eldridge on Our Private World, Lionel Lockridge on Santa Barbara, Prof. Paul Britton on Secret Storm, and Dr. Matt Steele on Young Dr. Malone.
Coster also starred in The Bay and was one of the show's producers. Coster received his first Daytime Emmy in 2017 for Outstanding Supporting or Guest Actor in a Digital Daytime Series for his work on The Bay.
In 2021, Coster released a book, Another Whole Afternoon, detailing his storied career.
On her Instagram feed, Lisa Whelchel remembered Coster, writing, "RIP, Nicolas. True, you were Blair’s father, not mine. Nonetheless, it sure was a joy and privilege playing your daughter. You will be missed but you will live on for so many iconic roles, not the least of which, the indomitable 'Mr. Warner.'"
Fellow Santa Barbara co-star A Martinez (ex-Cruz Castillo) paid tribute to Coster, writing "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 onstage as he was before a camera. The man carried an appetite for service and a gentleman's manners through the whole of his life -- a life that he himself recounted beautifully in his memoir: Another Whole Afternoon. (It's a wonderful, revelatory read.) Nico also loved the grape and lived with a deep commitment to having a good time. His graciousness toward his friends endured to the last of his days, even as his energy waned. 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. Unsolicited one day, he gave me this profoundly useful advice: 'What you choose to do with a scene doesn't have to be the probable thing. You can choose any course imaginable -- no matter how unlikely -- as long as it's possible.' Nico leaves his wife Elena Coster and his daughters Candace and Dinneen. His son Ian crossed over in 2016. 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."
Nancy Lee Grahn (ex-Julia Cartwright; now Alexis Davis, General Hospital) shared, “So many laughs with this smashing fella. RIP Nicky”
“I’m so saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, this dear, dynamic man, Nicolas Coster," Vincent Irizarry (ex-Scott Clark) wrote in a Facebook post. "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.”
Jon Lindstrom (ex-Mark McCormick, SB; Kevin Collins, GH) added, “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.”
The Bay released a statement regarding Coster's death. "It is with great sadness that we share the loss of a valued original cast member of The Bay, the legendary Emmy Award winner Nicolas Coster (aka Mayor Jack Madison). Coster was part of the producing team in the early years of The Bay and played the role of patriarch and Mayor of Bay City for nearly a decade, winning a Daytime Emmy for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the role. He is an icon in the film and television industry and valued member of the Daytime community who's talents are unmatched and he will be surely missed by The Bay family and his loyal fans. We send our love and deepest condolences to Mr. Coster's family and loved ones."
Gregori J. Martin, executive producer and creator of The Bay, took to social media to say, “The world lost another icon today. RIP Mr. @NicolasCoster You will be terribly missed.”
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