As The World Turns

BoBoFan · 07-07-2006, 12:01 PM

This is a shocker!

http://www.soapcentral.com/atwt/news...endrickson.php

Benajmin Hendrickson Dead at Age 55
Posted Wednesday, July 05, 2006 5:29:01 PM

In what will surely come as deeply upsetting news to soap fans, Procter & Gamble Productions and CBS have confirmed that Emmy winning actor Benjamin Hendrickson (Hal Munson) passed away suddenly over the weekend. Hendrickson was 55. According to a report in the New York Post, the actor died of a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

A 21-year veteran of As the World Turns, Hendrickson picked up a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2003. In addition to his work on As the World Turns, Hendrickson also appeared on three other P&G soaps: Another World, Guiding Light and Texas. Hendrickson did not confine his remarkable talent to a single medium. In addition to his work on the show, Hendrickson appeared on Broadway in the 1984 revival of Awake and Sing, Strider and in the title role of The Elephant Man. His feature film credits include Spanking the Monkey, Regarding Henry, Consenting Adults and Manhunter. Prior to joining As The World Turns, Hendrickson appeared on Procter & Gamble Productions' Another World, Guiding Light and Texas.

"As The World Turns, Procter & Gamble Productions and the entire daytime community have lost a dear friend and a talented actor who brought to life the character of Hal Munson," says As The World Turns Executive Producer Christopher Goutman. "Benjamin always joked that he was hired for one day, then before he knew it he'd impregnated the leading lady and had to sign a contract. He intended to stay with the show for one year. How lucky for us and the fans that we had him for 21 years. We will continue to mourn his passing."

"Everyone at CBS Daytime is devastated by the loss of our friend and colleague Benjamin Hendrickson," says Barbara Bloom, Senior Vice President, Daytime Programs, CBS. "Benjamin's 21 year portrayal of Hal Munson is testimony to a gifted actor whose talent and loyalty will always be remembered by his fans and co-workers, as well as a very appreciative network. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his fellow cast members, the producers and everyone at As The World Turns during this difficult time."

Hendrickson attended the Juilliard School where he was a member of the first class of the drama division and a founding member of The Acting Company, under the late John Houseman.

In 2003, Hendrickson took time off from As the World Turns during what was a very difficult time in his life. His time away allowed him to care for his ailing mother and later mourn his death. In his Emmy acceptance speech that year, Hendrickson thanked his late mother for helping him accomplish his dream of going to Juilliard.

"To my mother who scrimped and saved to send me to Julliard to study the classics... I'm sorry," Hendrickson mused of his success in soaps as he held his Emmy above his head.

Born on August 26, 1950 in Huntington, New York, Hendrickson was an avid golfer and spent much of his down time on the green with his As The World Turns co-stars. His last air date as Hal Munson will be July 12, 2006.

A show spokesperson says that there are no plans to recast Hal at this time.

Google · Sponsored Links

Muduh · 07-07-2006, 03:21 PM

This is so sad. I'm sitting here watching him right this minute. I will certainly miss him.

For quite some time, I've felt that he really looks bad. He has such a gaunt appearance. I wonder if maybe he was in poor health and could't deal any longer.

unicornlover · 07-07-2006, 04:30 PM

i really like that show i watch it every day that is really sad to hear that he is a really good actor to i will miss him unicorn lover

Muduh · 07-07-2006, 06:06 PM

Since you girls are ATWT watchers, can you tell me what was wrong with Jennifer? I'm not able to watch often and was surprised to see her in bed, and dead.

Ana Bannana · 07-07-2006, 10:29 PM

So sad. I cannot imagine what would drive someone to take their own life. His poor family.

Jennifer apparently had pneumonia, left the hospital too early, developed a virus that quickly spread to her heart, and is now going to die.

Muduh · 07-07-2006, 10:45 PM

Well I saw it the day that she insisted on leaving the hospital, AMA, and then everyone and their brother piled on Lucy because she LET her leave. I believe that it would be against the law to detain an adult who wanted to leave. Or maybe not. What do I know?

brit2117 · 07-08-2006, 02:19 AM

It was so wierd watching the scenes with Hal saying good-bye to Jen knowing that BH was really dead, the whole thing is really sad.

Muduh · 07-08-2006, 11:19 AM

That was how I felt, too. I was sitting here watching him and then read that report immediately. It was such a sad time. I've watched him since he came on the show. He had changed so much in thelast couple of years that he hardly looked like the old Hal, but still had the same acting ability that had won me over to begin with.

bbnbama · 07-08-2006, 12:02 PM

I was coming in here to post an article about Hal Munson dying and saw that someone had already posted it.

My goodness! That is so sad...I use to watch ATWT a long time ago and was always a big fan of his. Hard to believe he's been on there for 21 years too! My mom has gotten "re-hooked" on ATWT and she has cried like a baby all week long about his daughter dying and I thought she was going to cry when I called her to tell her about Hal's real-life death. She said he had been looking "bad" for awhile...that he had lost alot of weight and etc. How heartbreaking to know that he thought that was the only solution to end his pain.

RIP Hal

redbird68 · 07-09-2006, 02:41 AM

I have watched ATWT for several years now...ever since I was real little....and I have watched Ben play Hal the whole time!

So, as you can imagine? I was in shock when I got home tonight form work and found this bad news on the interent!

How terrible is this? I can't believe it! I have always liked Ben and he was the only "Hal" for me!

May he rest in peace!

07-07-2006, 12:01 PM	#1
BoBoFan Feelin' FoRTified~ Join Date: May 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Age: 49 Posts: 2,224	As The World Turns This is a shocker! http://www.soapcentral.com/atwt/news...endrickson.php Benajmin Hendrickson Dead at Age 55 Posted Wednesday, July 05, 2006 5:29:01 PM In what will surely come as deeply upsetting news to soap fans, Procter & Gamble Productions and CBS have confirmed that Emmy winning actor Benjamin Hendrickson (Hal Munson) passed away suddenly over the weekend. Hendrickson was 55. According to a report in the New York Post, the actor died of a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A 21-year veteran of As the World Turns, Hendrickson picked up a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2003. In addition to his work on As the World Turns, Hendrickson also appeared on three other P&G soaps: Another World, Guiding Light and Texas. Hendrickson did not confine his remarkable talent to a single medium. In addition to his work on the show, Hendrickson appeared on Broadway in the 1984 revival of Awake and Sing, Strider and in the title role of The Elephant Man. His feature film credits include Spanking the Monkey, Regarding Henry, Consenting Adults and Manhunter. Prior to joining As The World Turns, Hendrickson appeared on Procter & Gamble Productions' Another World, Guiding Light and Texas. "As The World Turns, Procter & Gamble Productions and the entire daytime community have lost a dear friend and a talented actor who brought to life the character of Hal Munson," says As The World Turns Executive Producer Christopher Goutman. "Benjamin always joked that he was hired for one day, then before he knew it he'd impregnated the leading lady and had to sign a contract. He intended to stay with the show for one year. How lucky for us and the fans that we had him for 21 years. We will continue to mourn his passing." "Everyone at CBS Daytime is devastated by the loss of our friend and colleague Benjamin Hendrickson," says Barbara Bloom, Senior Vice President, Daytime Programs, CBS. "Benjamin's 21 year portrayal of Hal Munson is testimony to a gifted actor whose talent and loyalty will always be remembered by his fans and co-workers, as well as a very appreciative network. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his fellow cast members, the producers and everyone at As The World Turns during this difficult time." Hendrickson attended the Juilliard School where he was a member of the first class of the drama division and a founding member of The Acting Company, under the late John Houseman. In 2003, Hendrickson took time off from As the World Turns during what was a very difficult time in his life. His time away allowed him to care for his ailing mother and later mourn his death. In his Emmy acceptance speech that year, Hendrickson thanked his late mother for helping him accomplish his dream of going to Juilliard. "To my mother who scrimped and saved to send me to Julliard to study the classics... I'm sorry," Hendrickson mused of his success in soaps as he held his Emmy above his head. Born on August 26, 1950 in Huntington, New York, Hendrickson was an avid golfer and spent much of his down time on the green with his As The World Turns co-stars. His last air date as Hal Munson will be July 12, 2006. A show spokesperson says that there are no plans to recast Hal at this time.

07-08-2006, 12:02 PM	#9
bbnbama Rock Stars! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: In my own little world where all things are Idol...... Age: 43 Posts: 10,754	I was coming in here to post an article about Hal Munson dying and saw that someone had already posted it. My goodness! That is so sad...I use to watch ATWT a long time ago and was always a big fan of his. Hard to believe he's been on there for 21 years too! My mom has gotten "re-hooked" on ATWT and she has cried like a baby all week long about his daughter dying and I thought she was going to cry when I called her to tell her about Hal's real-life death. She said he had been looking "bad" for awhile...that he had lost alot of weight and etc. How heartbreaking to know that he thought that was the only solution to end his pain. RIP Hal __________________ Reality is the beginning...not the end....Wallace Stevens

07-07-2006, 03:21 PM	#2
Muduh FORT Fogey Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 7,303	This is so sad. I'm sitting here watching him right this minute. I will certainly miss him. For quite some time, I've felt that he really looks bad. He has such a gaunt appearance. I wonder if maybe he was in poor health and could't deal any longer.

07-07-2006, 04:30 PM	#3
unicornlover FORT Newbie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: pa Age: 42 Posts: 3	i really like that show i watch it every day that is really sad to hear that he is a really good actor to i will miss him unicorn lover

07-07-2006, 06:06 PM	#4
Muduh FORT Fogey Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 7,303	Since you girls are ATWT watchers, can you tell me what was wrong with Jennifer? I'm not able to watch often and was surprised to see her in bed, and dead.

07-07-2006, 10:29 PM	#5
Ana Bannana all hot air Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: in the palm of the mitten Posts: 4,467	So sad. I cannot imagine what would drive someone to take their own life. His poor family. Jennifer apparently had pneumonia, left the hospital too early, developed a virus that quickly spread to her heart, and is now going to die.

07-07-2006, 10:45 PM	#6
Muduh FORT Fogey Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 7,303	Well I saw it the day that she insisted on leaving the hospital, AMA, and then everyone and their brother piled on Lucy because she LET her leave. I believe that it would be against the law to detain an adult who wanted to leave. Or maybe not. What do I know?

07-08-2006, 02:19 AM	#7
brit2117 FORT Fan Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Illinois Age: 25 Posts: 175	It was so wierd watching the scenes with Hal saying good-bye to Jen knowing that BH was really dead, the whole thing is really sad.

07-08-2006, 11:19 AM	#8
Muduh FORT Fogey Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 7,303	That was how I felt, too. I was sitting here watching him and then read that report immediately. It was such a sad time. I've watched him since he came on the show. He had changed so much in thelast couple of years that he hardly looked like the old Hal, but still had the same acting ability that had won me over to begin with.

07-09-2006, 02:41 AM	#10
redbird68 FORT Fan Join Date: May 2006 Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Age: 41 Posts: 177	I have watched ATWT for several years now...ever since I was real little....and I have watched Ben play Hal the whole time! So, as you can imagine? I was in shock when I got home tonight form work and found this bad news on the interent! How terrible is this? I can't believe it! I have always liked Ben and he was the only "Hal" for me! May he rest in peace!