Kristoff St. John, mostly known for his starring role on the long-running soap opera The Young and the Restless, has died aged 52 years old, according to his lawyer Mark Geragos.
A cause of death for the beloved actor has not been released.
Police reportedly responded to a call on Sunday from friends of St. John who found him unresponsive at his home in San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles. The celebrity news site, TMZ who first reported the news, says the actor was pronounced dead at the scene.
Few men had the unique strength, courage & sensitivity that @kristoffstjohn1 lived every single minute of every day. He impacted everyone he met and millions who he inspired and in turn admired him. On behalf of @MiaStJohnBoxer & @TheStJohnFamily thank you for all of your love pic.twitter.com/C5ladfILSD
— Mark Geragos (@markgeragos) February 4, 2019
The 52-year-old played Neil Winters on the highly acclaimed soap opera since 1991. Over his 25 years he worked on The Young and the Restless, the actor received numerous awards including nine Daytime Emmys.
His role on the show was praised by fans for being one of the first African-American characters on the series, and regarded as a “pioneer” in daytime soaps.
The tragedy follows just two weeks after the anniversary of the death of his son Julian. He died at 24, and was shared with ex-wife and boxer, Mia St. John. Julian tragically committed suicide while a patient at a mental health facility in 2014. The family won a lawsuit against the treatment centre for negligence, according to TMZ.
On November 23rd Kristoff St John and I lost our beautiful son, Julian St John. Our son wa… http://t.co/mDtPTqEMTT pic.twitter.com/nVUDtEuFBG
— Mia St. John (@MiaStJohnBoxer) November 29, 2014
Born July, 15 1966 in New York, the actor began making a name for himself at a young age. At just 7 years old he appeared in That’s My Mama. In 1979 St. John played Alex Haley in the miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.
He also regularly appeared on the CBS comedy series The Bad News Bears airing from 1979-1980. The actor had a small role playing on The Cosby Show as Denise Huxtable’s boyfriend. Later on in 1985, he worked on the CBS sitcom Charlie & Co.
St. John also had small and large guest roles on shows including Jake and the Fatman, Diagnosis Murder, Suddenly Susan, The Jamie Foxx Show and many others.
Supporters of the highly acclaimed actor took to social media to share their thoughts and prayers with his family.
I am absolutely devastated by this news. OMG. My thoughts and prayers are with Kristoff St. John’s family. 😪 #YR pic.twitter.com/ITChGnR3pe
— Brinard Sweeting (@brinardtalks) February 4, 2019
i was not ready for this news about Kristoff St. John. I am truly heart broken right now, this man was my TV Dad for over 25 years. He was clearly still hurting from the lose of his son. Sometimes the pain is too much to bare. I will miss this man soo much! pic.twitter.com/sA4eHxDvgw
— Crystal Morrison (@CrazySpitFire89) February 4, 2019
A family marred by heartbreak, our thoughts are with Kristoff St. John’s loved ones during this time.
Do you watch The Young and The Restless? Let us know in the comments below.
