Oh God, how sad!

I had a feeling when I read the post this morning that it was true. Everyone figured that since the post at SOC was removed, it was a hoax. I mentioned that they might've just removed the post due to its nature until they got some sort of confirmation.

Meanwhile, if the OTHER contents of the post are true (which is that he committed suicide), that just makes this that much sadder. I'm pretty sure it's true, though. Obviously, it was someone who knew what they were talking about... I don't see why they'd make that up. And they're not disclosing the cause of death right now...

Either way, God, what a loss to the daytime community. I'm heartbroken.

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.

IIRC, in 2004 TPTB decided Hendrickson was replaceable and recast him with Mantooth; it wasn't an illness thing. Within a year they realized their mistake and asked him back. Irreplaceability, IMO, is the best honor an actor could have, and this past year Hendrickson proved he had it.

This is awful! I'm very sorry to hear the news! I have always loved Mr. Hendrickson as Hal, epsecially when Hal was with Barbara and his son Adam. This is very sad news, and with Hal still a major player on ATWT, this is very upsetting, especially as the show has now killed off a young and upcoming heroine as well. What a devastating blow to the show.

Many people are tied to Hal in various ways, it will be interesting to see how Margo, Barbara, Carly, and Emily react to his passing.

I also have high doubts that if they killed "Hal" off....none of his children would return to Oakdale to grieve. I can't see Craig Lawlor and a nuNikki (or Jordana Brewster) returning...

....Speaking of "Nikki". Do you thinkt aht if the character returned for like one episode, Jordana might reprise her role? After all, she was a teenager when she worked alongside him at ATWT and look how far she's gotten now. I don't think her ego would be so big that she would demand a big pay hike to reurn for just one epsiode.

I do have one question regarding Benjamin...Did he play on Guiding Light? My grandma says he was on the show back when she started watching...Is this true? If so, who did he play?

According to IMDB, he played "Silas Crocker" on GL from 1981-1983 and played "Sgt. Bartlett" on AW in 1983.

Even though I'm not a fan of ATWT, I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and all the fans of the show. A fine, fine man is now at peace.

According to IMDB, he played "Silas Crocker" on GL from 1981-1983 and played "Sgt. Bartlett" on AW in 1983.

Actor, can you do me a favor and make a banner for me of Benjamin? I'd be grateful... I absolutely love yours

A great lose to the whole soap opera community.

May he rest in peace

I am sorry did not see this post. My sympathies and prayers are with his family. Its a sad lost for daytime and ATWTS.

I had chills when I read this on TV Guide. What a sad loss for the soap community. He was a great actor, and will be missed. I remembered when they recasted him on ATWT, and he came back! This is just very sad news, rest in peace.

This is terrible news! I didnt even watch ATWT until DAYS/PSNS went on Olympic break years ago and really never got into it, except for the last 8 months or so. I always thought BH was a great actor and he will definitely be sorely missed. I couldn't even imagine losing a collegue of 21 years, thats just hard to think about right now. I hope he is in a better place now.....

This is absolutely devestating! When I first read the original thread and moved it, I didn't give it a serious thought. This is a huge loss to ATWT and the daytime community as a whole. I'm absolutely devestated. It's always sad when an actor dies, especially a soap actor since you're with them so much. I sometimes forget they're real people as well. :(

I wonder if this is why he hasn't been appearing recently when he should've been there. Things like Will's graduation and Emily's crazy, he seemed to disappear on the show recently. I guess I can count out my hopes for Barbara and Hal reuniting.

Forget Jen, this is too much. I don't even think I can watch if they decide to do a tribute to him.

Such saddening news for ATWT fans and the soap world in general.

I just finished watching today's episode, and it was so great to see Benjamin sharing scenes with long time colleagues and newer actors.

I am shocked and simply stunned.

My prayers are with his family and friend.

This is just awful! This guy was so humane and made ATWT seem real, its a pity they didnt give him any compelling material these past few years.

I can't say much more only that my heart goes out to the cast who must be absolutely devastated, especially Colleen and Kelley and indeed everyone. This is the worst tragedy daytime has been dealt since Marland died in 93. ATWT has suffered.