Nicholas Pryor, known for his extensive career in the entertainment industry and memorable on-screen father roles to prominent younger actors, has passed away at 89.
Hollywood and fans are mourning the loss of veteran actor Nicholas Pryor, who died on October 7 at his Wilmington, North Carolina, home after battling cancer. Pryor’s wife, Christine Belford, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter (THR).
A netizen’s reaction to Nicholas Pryor’s death, posted in October 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/jonlindstrom
“Nicholas Pryor was enormously grateful to have been, for nearly 70 years, a working actor,” read the note shared by THR on October 8.
Following the news, Jon Lindstrom, Pryor’s co-star on the television shows “Port Charles” and “General Hospital,” paid tribute on Instagram, calling him “an Actor’s [sic] actor.”
Jon Lindstrom and Nicholas Pryor on the TV show “Port Charles” | Source: Getty Images
He noted that their bond went beyond professionalism: “[T]o 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 [sic] beyond, yes, playing my own father on #GH and #PortCharles.”
Lindstrom added, “[H]e was one of the funniest people you could hope to spend time with over a bottle of good wine and a great meal. I will miss him terribly.”
Netizens who read Lindstrom’s post deeply felt Pryor’s loss. One user wrote, “I’m sooo saddened by Nicholas passing he was an amazing actor on Eight Is Enough & Beverly Hills 90210 & other shows! RIP Nicholas Pryor [sic].”
Some expressed shock, “Oh no… loved him on Beverly Hills, 90210 ❤️😢,” while others praised Pryor’s versatility and memorable performances, noting his perfect timing in every role. They expressed gratitude for Lindstrom’s tribute and shared that Pryor would be fondly remembered.
A netizen’s comment on Nicholas Pryor’s death, posted in October 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/jonlindstrom
Aside from Lindstrom, Pryor’s agent, Susan Tolar Walters, expressed: “He was one of the nicest people I have ever met and he will be missed.”
Nicholas Pryor on “Port Charles” | Source: Getty Images
Jeff Maxwell, a podcaster who runs a page on X dedicated to the TV series, “M*A*S*H,” also paid tribute to the late actor’s appearance in the classic show.
Born Nicholas David Probst in Baltimore on January 28, 1935, Pryor started on Broadway before transitioning to screen acting, bringing depth to comedic and dramatic roles across more than 170 film and TV credits.
Pryor gained fame on TV shows like “The Secret Storm,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “All My Children,” and “Another World,” as well as guest-starring on popular series such as “The West Wing” and “NYPD Blue.”
Nicholas Pryor in the 1997 TV show “Port Charles” | Source: Getty Images
In a video shared on YouTube on October 9, Pryor reflected on his time with “Beverly Hills, 90210” and his wife’s appearance on the show during its second season. “I loved watching it, but more, I liked the fact that she was having such a good time…she liked all the people and all the circumstances,” he recalled.
The clip featured him wearing a blue shirt layered with a button-up, appearing attentive and occasionally smiling as he spoke with the interviewer.
Besides TV, Pryor’s versatility extended to films like “Airplane!,” “Damien: Omen II,” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1.” He famously portrayed the father of Tom Cruise in “Risky Business” and Robert Downey Jr. in “Less Than Zero.” His final screen appearance was in the 2021 film “Halloween Kills.”
Nicholas Pryor on the TV show “Port Charles” | Source: Getty Images
Apart from his wife, Pryor is also survived by his daughter, Stacey, and his grandchildren, Auguste and Avril, who will continue to honor his memory.