Tom Cruise co-star who was 'one of the funniest people' dies aged 89 following cancer battle

Soap star Nicholas Pryor who also starred alongside Tom Cruise has passed away at the age of 89 following a lengthy battle with cancer confirmed a close friend

General Hospital star Nicholas Pryor, who also starred alongside Tom Cruise in Risky Business, died following a battle with cancer.

The soap and film star was 89 at the time of his death. Confirming the devastating news, John Lindstrom, who is an author and Emmy Award winner shared the news with fans on social media. He wrote: "It is my solemn task to announce the passing of the great Nicholas Pryor. Nick was an Actor’s actor, and an exceptional friend. He passed on October 7, 2024, surrounded by loving family."

He continued: "Nick may be best known for his role as the father of #TomCruise in #RiskyBusiness, or as the same to #RobertDowneyJr in #LessThanZero. He shared the screen with the likes of #JackNicholson #KurtRussell #EwanMcGregor Too many to name really."

Jon added: "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."

He concluded his post: "I will miss him terribly, as will his beautiful wife Christina, his daughter Stacey, and his two grandchildren, Gus and Avril. R.I.P." Nicholas' wife Christine Belford told The Hollywood Reporter that her beloved husband died after being diagnosed with cancer.

Nicholas was a Yale graduate before embarking on an acting career. Between 1997 and 2002 he starred in General Hospital's spin-off show Port Charles, playing the role of Victor Collins. He also starred in a number of other soaps such as The Secret Storm, The Edge of Night, Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, All My Children and Another World.

But his career spanned into film as he played the role of Mr Goodsen, the father of Tom Cruise's character named Joel. Nicholas also starred in the iconic show Beverly Hills 90210. Announcement of his death generated a flurry of tributes. Actor Michael McKean wrote: "Never not good; frequently terrific. Very nice man, too. RIP Nicholas Pryor”. Star Wars' Mark Hamill simply posted a broken heart emoji.

And a fan penned: "What a loss for the entertainment world. Nicholas Pryor’s legacy will always be cherished." Another said: "He was such a great actor! He was in everything!" Meanwhile a third added: "What a shame this is. He was always a welcome presence on screen."

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