Tyler Christopher (actor)

Tyler Christopher Baker (November 11, 1972 – October 31, 2023) was an American actor. He was best known for his roles as Nikolas Cassadine (1996–1999, 2003–2011, 2013–2016) and Connor Bishop (2004–2005) on the ABC soap opera General Hospital.

In August 2016, it was announced that Christopher would be joining the cast of the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives as the son of long-time villains Stefano DiMera and Vivian Alamain. His tenure on the show began December 29, 2017. Christopher left the series on March 20, 2019.

Early life

Tyler Christopher Baker was born in the Chicago suburb of Joliet, Illinois, on November 11, 1972, to Jim and Jimi-Ann (née Stewart; 1941–2016) Baker and grew up in Delaware, Ohio, the youngest of four children. Though his parents believed they had Native American heritage, a DNA test taken by his father and sister showed no Native American ancestry.

Christopher attended Ohio Wesleyan University for two years.

Career

In 1993, Christopher — then credited as Tyler Baker — auditioned for the role of Stone Cates for the soap opera General Hospital; the role was later cast with actor Michael Sutton. In April 1996, Christopher was cast in the role of Nikolas Cassadine for the series; he signed a three-year deal and filmed his first scenes in late June 1996. In June 1999, it was announced that Christopher opted not to renew his deal with the soap opera. Following his daytime departure, Christopher made guest appearances on primetime shows including Charmed, Angel, Felicity, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. In March 2003, it was announced that Christopher would return to General Hospital; then-executive producer Jill Farren Phelps described Christopher's return as an opportunity the series could not pass up.