According to TV Guide, the show has no plans to recast.

As The World Turns Veteran Dead at 55

It's with a heavy heart that I report very sad news, soap fans: As The World Turns veteran Benjamin Hendrickson died on Monday at his home in Huntington, Long Island. He was 55. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.

The Juilliard-trained Hendrickson joined the cast of World Turns in 1985 as gruff but loveable police detective Hal Munson. He scored a well-deserved Daytime Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in 2003.

"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," World Turns executive producer Christopher Goutman said in a statement. "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 CBS daytime chief Barbara Bloom added. "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."

Prior to making his indelible mark on World Turns, Hendrickson did stints on P&G's other soaps in the early '80s. He was Chris Shaw on Texas, Sgt. Bartlett on Another World and Silas Crocker on Guiding Light.

Hendrickson's last air date as Hal Munson — whose full name, for the record, was Harold "Hal" Todd Munson, Jr. — will be on July 12.

The show's spokesperson tells TVGuide.com that there are "no plans to recast" the role. That's entirely fitting, because if any actor ever deserved the honor of having his character retired with him, it's Hendrickson.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: There's only one Hal Munson. Oakdale won't be the same without him.

I hope that they will not recast, and that they will have Hal die offscreen as well. Hendrickson's 2004-2005 absense only served to prove that he is THE Hal Munson and that he cannot be replaced. He was a wonderful actor.

The show's spokesperson tells TVGuide.com that there are "no plans to recast" the role. That's entirely fitting, because if any actor ever deserved the honor of having his character retired with him, it's Hendrickson.

This is even sadder regarding how they do the show...Not only do we have to watch Benjamin in his final scenes with Jennifer Ferrin, and watch him play Hal grieving the death of his daughter, but we also may have to see them talk about the loss of the character of Hal as well.

This is truly numbing to realize..

Maybe they could write his death like lila's on GH where it happens off screen. He could be heartsick over Jen and die in his sleep.

Well that's a weight lifted off my shoulder. Still wondering if they'd just have him going out of town for an indefinite amount of time or if Hal will die. I hate to sound like I'm only thinking of the story advantages of this (it's the only thing that'll make me feel better, but not by much), but there is just so much that can explored with Will and Barbara if Hal dies. So many characters will be affected and in so many ways. Everyone on the police force will be affected. I would assume that Duane McLaughlin (Dallas) was supposed to have scenes with him soon as well.

I never really realized how much of a major character Hal's been over the years until now.

They may give Jack Hal's job now.

They may give Jack Hal's job now.

I love Jack but I rather see Margo get it.

That's horrible and my heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

I am truly saddened by this news. There are no words. My heart goes out to Ben's family, friends, colleagues, co-workers, etc. I know they he will definitely be missed. As long as I've been watching ATWT, this has been the only death of an ATWT star and it's a very sickening feeling.

With Hal's death...I agree that there may be emotional scenes dealing with his death. However, I don't think they would put the cast through all of that. Colleen, Michael, Maura, everyone has worked with him over the years. I'm just "iffy" in regards to "Hal" dying. If they kill him off, there is no doubt in my mind that those will be bone-chilling scenes. However, I really am not sure they won't just write him off...like going out of town. I just don't think they would put all of Ben's colleagues, co-workers, etc. through the ringer like that.

Horrible-just horrible.

My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and everyone at ATWT.

He will be missed .

I just hope ATWT honors him in a classy, respectful way as I am sure they will.

I am truly saddened by this news. There are no words. My heart goes out to Ben's family, friends, colleagues, co-workers, etc. I know they he will definitely be missed. As long as I've been watching ATWT, this has been the only death of an ATWT star and it's a very sickening feeling.

With Hal's death...I agree that there may be emotional scenes dealing with his death. However, I don't think they would put the cast through all of that. Colleen, Michael, Maura, everyone has worked with him over the years. I'm just "iffy" in regards to "Hal" dying. If they kill him off, there is no doubt in my mind that those will be bone-chilling scenes. However, I really am not sure they won't just write him off...like going out of town. I just don't think they would put all of Ben's colleagues, co-workers, etc. through the ringer like that.

True. I hope they wait a few months to do it. I think it would too much for the cast at first. But with Jennifer dying, it is hard to imagined them having Hal leave town and leaving his family to grief alone. They could always mention Hal still being in town. He just won't been seen but that would get old after a while.

It also depends on how far ATWT is in their taping and story as to whether or not to script his death. I wouldn't be able to put my grief in check and act it out on screen.

I hope that the episode is stand alone and a tribute.

I hope that the episode is stand alone and a tribute.

That would be nice.

BH had been ill for quite sometime (with Randolph Mantooth standing in as Hal for him) and although he looked better when he returned this last time upon a closer look he still looked ill.

If P&G is true to its word not to re-cast Hal (as reported in various trade papers), maybe we won't see RM again in the role. If Hal somehow dies ( BH last appearance is Jul 12th) TPTB could use his heart to save a re-casted Jen. This could be a really good storyline IF the writers are up to it. The keyword here of course being IF. Losing two major characters from the same family in a short period of time is devastating even for a soap.

I like your idea about Hal's heart saving Jen, but would there be a point if Jen is already dead too? I know it's a soap but ATWT seems to be making her end final.

What's this illness you're referring to? Is it depression? He seemed in good spirits in his SOD interview.