Nicholas Pryor, ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Risky Business’ Star, Dead at 89 After Cancer Battle

Nicholas Pryor, a beloved star from General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 89 after a courageous battle with cancer. This news was shared on October 9, 2024, by his widow, actress Christine Belford, who revealed a heartfelt message Pryor had prepared for the media prior to his death.

Pryor was known for his remarkable performances, including his role as Tom Cruise’s father in the classic film Risky Business and as the father of Kathleen Robertson’s character in Beverly Hills, 90210. He spent his final moments in his home in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Jon Lindstrom, Pryor’s co-star from both General Hospital and its spin-off Port Charles, took to social media to express his grief, describing Pryor as an exceptional actor and friend. His peers have remembered him as an “actor’s actor,” a sentiment echoed across tributes from those who worked with him.

Throughout his extensive career, Pryor made his mark in daytime television, featuring in shows such as The Secret Storm, All My Children, Another World, and Love Is a Splendored Thing. His filmography included notable appearances in films like Smile, The Gumball Rally, Airplane!, and Damien: Omen II. He also portrayed Robert Downey Jr.’s father in the film Less Than Zero.

Born on January 28, 1935, in Baltimore, Maryland, Pryor discovered his passion for acting at the all-boys Gilman School and continued to hone his craft at Yale University. His stage career began with the Drummond Players in Baltimore before he took his talents to theaters in Maine, Oregon, and Minneapolis. After graduation in 1956, Pryor debuted on Broadway in 1957 and later returned to the stage in the 1970s with significant roles in That Championship Season and Thieves.

Pryor’s personal life saw him marrying Christine Belford in 1993 after they met while working together on Beverly Hills, 90210. As we remember this iconic figure, it is clear that his contributions to film and television will leave a lasting legacy.