Tyler Christopher: Actor and ex-husband of Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria dies aged 50

Actor Tyler Christopher, the former husband of Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, has died at the age of 50.

His General Hospital co-star Maurice Benard confirmed his death on Instagram, saying: "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Tyler Christopher."

He said Christopher died at his San Diego apartment following "a cardiac event".

Christopher spent 20 years on the US soap General Hospital, playing Nikolas Cassadine on and off from 1996 to 2016 and winning a daytime Emmy in his final year on the show for outstanding lead actor in a drama series.

He also spent a year on Days of Our Lives, where he earned another nomination.

He was married to Longoria from 2002 to 2004 and had two children with his second wife, ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo, who he married in 2008. The couple split in 2019.

"Tyler was a truly talented individual that lit up the screen in every scene he performed and relished bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting," said Benard, who praised his co-star's work surrounding his mental health and addiction problems.

"Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and substance use treatment who (openly) spoke about his struggles with bipolar, depression and alcohol."

He described Christopher as "a sweet soul and wonderful friend", adding: "We are beyond devastated by the loss of our dear friend and pray for his children and his father."

General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini described Christopher as "an incredible actor and a dear friend".