As the World Turns Star Scott Bryce Dead at 68

Scott Bryce, known to millions of soap opera fans as Craig Montgomery on As the World Turns, has died. He was 68 years old.

In Memoriam: Scott Bryce

News of Bryce's death began circulating on social media late on Sunday. Michael Fairman reported that Lucie Arnaz, daughter of the legendary Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz of I Love Lucy fame, shared in a now-deleted Facebook post that Bryce had passed away on Sunday, July 12.

Bryce was born in New York City on January 6, 1958, to parents Ed and Dorothy Bryce. Ed Bryce was known to millions of soap opera fans for his portrayal of Bill Bauer on Guiding Light. Dorothy was also an actress, having appeared on The Doctors as Rose Ryan in 1977.

Scott Bryce followed in his father's footsteps by becoming an actor. Bryce earned two Daytime Emmy nominations for his portrayal of the tortured and reformed Craig Montgomery in 1986 and 1987.

In 2025, Bryce was diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal and stomach cancer. He shared his story on The Locher Room. Bryce recalled having a conversation with host Alan Locher, who asked the actor if he wanted to go public with his story.

"I wasn't certain," Bryce said. "And then my wife Jodi said, 'You could actually help people...there [are] probably people going through this and they would need to hear the journey."

Craig's Journey from Villain to Hero

Craig started as a "have-not," who crossed moral and legal lines to win Betsy Stewart's (Meg Ryan; Lindsay Frost) heart. Craig went to jail for his crimes, but after being put on parole, he went to work for Lucinda Walsh (Elizabeth Hubbard). Craig and Lucinda enjoyed a dysfunctional and passionate relationship that blurred lines, as employee and employer became lovers.

The chemistry between Bryce and Hubbard was electric. In a tribute episode to Hubbard on The Locher Room, Bryce spoke about the Craig/Lucinda dynamic.

"She didn't wear her heart on her sleeve," Bryce said about the way Hubbard played Lucinda. "She wore her soul on her sleeve."

He continued. "I remember a scene she did with me, she was so angry, so rageful [towards Craig]...It was a short speech about how much she detested me, and loathed me. And while she was giving that speech, she just kept caressing my face, touching my lips, rubbing my eyes, [saying], 'I just loathe you, I can't stand [you].' It was so bizarre and yet so real, so great, so telling and revealing about who she, Lucinda, really was."

Ultimately, Craig's true love was Sierra (Finn Carter), Lucinda's daughter. Once the two locked eyes across the room and Billy Ocean's love song, "Suddenly," began playing, nobody else stood a chance.

Craig and Sierra got storybook happy endings in both 1987 and again in 1989 after Sierra returned from the dead, timed with Bryce's exits from daytime. Craig's other love interests over the years included Lisa Brown's Iva Snyder, Melanie Smith's Emily, Renee Props' Ellie Snyder, and Brooke Alexander's Samantha Markham.

Bryce left ATWT in 1987 for about a year, and again in 1989, returning sporadically until a more full-time return in 1993 that lasted about a year. Bryce also played the part from 2007 to 2008.

In Hollywood, Bryce's credits included The Facts of Life, Murphy Brown, and Popular. Later in his career, Bryce appeared on numerous New York-based series, including The Good Wife, 30 Rock, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

He appeared in the Web serial Beacon Hill as Senator Tom Wesley.

Trending

Bryce is survived by his wife, Jodi, and their son, Jackson.

Soap Central sends sincere condolences to Bryce's family and loved ones at this difficult time.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback