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How did Peter White die? Actor best known for recurring role on 'All My Children' was 86

Beloved actor Peter White, renowned for his roles in 'All My Children' and 'The Boys in the Band' died on Wednesday, November 1 at his residence
PUBLISHED NOV 6, 2023
Peter White's extensive career extended well beyond the world of soap operas (Eric Ackerman/X)
Peter White's extensive career extended well beyond the world of soap operas (Eric Ackerman/X)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hollywood is mourning the loss of legendary actor Peter White, best known for his memorable roles in the soap opera 'All My Children' and the iconic 'The Boys in the Band'.

White, who celebrated his 86th birthday just last month, succumbed to melanoma at his Los Angeles residence on Wednesday, November 1. His costar Kathleen Noone confirmed this news to The Hollywood Reporter.



 

Peter White's most iconic role as Linc Tyler on 'All My Children'

Hailing from the bustling streets of New York City, the talented actor, who had just celebrated his 86th birthday a month ago, will always be remembered for his portrayal of Linc Tyler on ABC's 'All My Children.'

White's journey in the world of daytime drama commenced in 1974 when he became the fourth actor to don the role of Linc Tyler, the son of the late Ruth Warrick's character, Phoebe Tyler. His compelling portrayal spanned 12 episodes from 1976 to 2005, with intermittent returns in 1981, 1984, 1986, 1995, and 2005.

(Photo by Cinema Center Films/Getty Images)
White's passion for acting also extended to coaching in his later years. (Cinema Center Films/Getty Images)

Peter White broke boundaries with 'The Boys in the Band' theatre play

White's talents were not confined to the small screen. His foray into the theatrical world was equally noteworthy. In 1968, he embarked on a remarkable journey by taking on the role of Alan McCarthy in 'The Boys in the Band', a groundbreaking off-Broadway production that ventured into uncharted territory.

The play, set against the backdrop of a Manhattan birthday party for a group of gay men during a time when LGBTQ+ representation was limited and often negative, was a pivotal moment in the portrayal of queer characters. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the play, White and his fellow cast members propelled it to unprecedented heights.

White recalled, "Opening night, none of us knew what we had. We all just thought, 'It's a play, it's something new, it's different and it's good.' It was a 100 percent gay audience - and then the next day, it went crazy!"

The production's popularity soared, and White emphasized that it was not just a "gay play," but rather "a play with gay characters." This brave move was supported by none other than his mentor, the late Myrna Loy, who encouraged White to embrace the risks that come with being an actor.



 

Peter White's remarkable career beyond the soaps

White's extensive career extended well beyond the world of soap operas. He was a graduate of Northwestern University and honed his craft at the prestigious Yale School of Drama. His initial break arrived on the CBS soap 'The Secret Storm' from 1965-1966, portraying the character Jerry Ames.

His television presence continued to grow with a guest role on the series 'N.Y.P.D.' in 1968. In 1971, White graced the small screen as Dr Sanford Hiller in the CBS soap 'Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing', simultaneously making an appearance in the movie 'The Pursuit of Happiness'. His debut on Broadway occurred in 1975 with the play 'P.S. Your Cat Is Dead.'

White's remarkable journey encompassed a role on the ABC series 'The Colbys' in 1985-1986, where he embodied the character of lawyer Arthur Cates in the show's initial two seasons, leaving an indelible mark.

Additionally, he graced the screens in 14 episodes of the NBC series 'Sisters' from 1991-1996, portraying the father of characters brought to life by the talented ensemble of Swoosie Kurtz, Sela Ward, Patricia Kalember, and Julianne Phillips.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, White made numerous guest appearances in television shows, adding his unique touch to classics like 'Hill Street Blues', 'The Jeffersons', 'Dynasty', 'Knots Landing', 'Falcon Crest', 'Hart to Hart', 'Simon & Simon', 'The Paper Chase', 'Scarecrow' and 'Mrs King', 'Matlock', 'LA Law', 'Dallas', and 'Designing Women'.

As the 1990s unfolded, White continued to grace television screens, leaving a lasting impact on shows like 'Mad About You', 'NYPD Blue', 'The West Wing', 'The X-Files', 'Ally McBeal', 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine', and 'Cold Case', among others.

He also ventured into the world of cinema, making appearances in motion pictures such as 'First Daughter' (2004), 'Armageddon' (1998), 'Flubber' (1997), and 'Dave' (1993). His final cinematic endeavor was the 2016 movie 'Punching Henry'.

White's passion for acting also extended to coaching in his later years. Kathleen Noone, who confirmed White's passing, shared that he remained unmarried and had no children.

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