This is such sad news. It is a shock.

When it comes to Hal I think I agree that they should have him die from a heat attack over the grief of losing Jen. The recast Hal never really took, imo.

Oh. My. God.

I am seriously teary eyed at work. Ben was such an amazing actor and such an integral part of the daytime community. He will be missed.

There are no words. I am shocked.

Wow this is a shock to me. I've watched atwt since 1994 so i've seen a lot of him. The cant recast Hal, and I hope he gets an episode with flashbacks dedicated to him. He deserves it , and he's important to ATWT history

I can't believe it.

Wow this is a shock to me. I've watched atwt since 1994 so i've seen a lot of him. The cant recast Hal, and I hope he gets an episode with flashbacks dedicated to him. He deserves it , and he's important to ATWT history

Plus, there is so much story with having him die. It will affect so many characters.

Oh my God! No words can even describe this ... wow...

Although it does seem odd they aren't listing the cause of death. Is it not officially known yet, could that be why, or are they not saying it because of those rumors?

Didn't he lose his mother a few years ago? I can see how he'd be depressed. He's had several leaves of absence due to family situations. What a horrible loss. He was an awesome actor and seemed like a great guy. Sigh ... this is so sad

Wow. I'm... stunned.

That's so tragic.

Oh my God! No words can even describe this ... wow...

Although it does seem odd they aren't listing the cause of death. Is it not officially known yet, could that be why, or are they not saying it because of those rumors?

Didn't he lose his mother a few years ago? I can see how he'd be depressed. He's had several leaves of absence due to family situations. What a horrible loss. He was an awesome actor and seemed like a great guy. Sigh ... this is so sad

It may not officially be known yet because of the Holiday. There may have been a delay in doing an autopsy.

My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.

Happier times for Benjamin - his Emmy win in 2003.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRDo7u4Fr_I

I first heard about this last night and was devastated by the news of his death, and further pained to hear that he had committed suicide, only to read that it was a hoax. It was a terrible rollercoaster of bad news and then anger for me within the scope of a couple of minutes.

This morning when the thread was still up I did ask a moderator to take it down so others wouldn't go through what I did. Even now that it's been confirmed, seeing those words...it hurts. I don't know, maybe I have a word sensitivity - it's so blunt.

Benjamin was one of those actors that I've enjoyed watching since I was a kid. I can't say I noticed his performance was different in the last while. He always came off the way his character was meant to, IMO. He was Hal. No other actor could play him with the same effect. He was tough and tender. He was a layered multifaceted character as played by Benjamin.

I will miss him.

I'm in utter shock. RIP Benjamin

I'd rather they just have Hal pass away, no recast.

Alina, the moderator at the official page posted this press release.

Procter & Gamble Productions, CBS and As The World Turns are deeply saddened to announce the death of Benjamin Hendrickson, who played Chief of Detectives Hal Munson on the daytime drama. Hendrickson, 55, passed away over the weekend at his home in Huntington, New York.

Hendrickson, who won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2003, has been with As The World Turns since 1985. 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.

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.

http://www.pgpphoto.com:3864/showthread.php?t=17494

Oh my God. I'm shocked. My prayers are with his family. I just saw him on screen today.

Depression is real. I just had to snap myself out of another spiral.