The US actor’s death was confirmed in an online obituary and in a statement by a restaurant where his wife, Ginger, works.

The statement, made by Jake’s Steakhouse, said that Nick died on his 77th birthday after he experienced complications following emergency spinal surgery two weeks prior.

Writing on the restaurant’s Facebook page, friend Barbara Ferrante said: ‘Nick Benedict’s birthday was July 14. He went to be with the Lord this day. Please pray for Ginger.’

Before Nick’s surgery, a fundraiser was set up that explained Ginger was taking time off work as her partner was admitted to a hospice.

‘Many of you know Jake’s Steakhouse bartender Ginger. She has been with us for many years. She has taken a leave of absence from us to handle an extreme medical issue with her husband Nick’, it read.

‘Nick Benedict, was in the Navy, an actor, musician and painter. Ginger and Nick have been married for 22 years. Both have been part of the Tehachapi community for many years.’

‘On July 2nd, Sunday Nick had emergency spinal cord surgery. On July 4th he was admitted to hospice. He is paralyzed from the neck down. He will need constant care and support.’

After five years playing the role, Nick departed and went on to play Curtis Reed in Days Of Our Lives, which primarily focuses on the lives of five families.

Nick was nominated in the Outstanding Actor category of the Daytime Emmys in 1979 for his last performance in All My Children.

MORE : Brookside and Coronation Street legend Michael Starke to appear in another soap

MORE : The five major soap stars ‘confirmed’ for Strictly and I’m A Celebrity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.