Beloved actor Nicholas Pryor, known for his diverse roles across film and television, passed away at the age of 89 after a battle with cancer. Pryor, whose career spanned nearly seven decades, died Monday at his home in Wilmington, North Carolina, as confirmed by his wife, actress Christine Belford.
Pryor’s extensive body of work made him a familiar face in Hollywood. He portrayed Tom Cruise’s father in the classic film Risky Business and played pivotal roles in popular TV series like Beverly Hills, 90210 and General Hospital spinoff Port Charles. In a note to The Hollywood Reporter, Pryor expressed his gratitude for his lengthy career, stating he was proud to have worked consistently for nearly 70 years.
Pryor’s acting journey was marked by significant roles across both daytime and primetime television. He appeared in long-running soap operas such as The Secret Storm and All My Children, as well as primetime hits like Party of Five. His role as Victor Collins on Port Charles from 1997 to 2002 cemented his status as a soap opera veteran.
In addition to his TV roles, Pryor graced the big screen with performances in films like The Gumball Rally (1976) and Less Than Zero (1987), where he played Robert Downey Jr.’s father. His filmography includes appearances in Damien: Omen II (1978) and more recent projects such as The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 (2014) and Halloween Kills (2021).
Born Nicholas David Probst in Baltimore on January 28, 1935, Pryor developed his passion for acting at the Gilman School in Baltimore and later at Yale University. He began his professional career on Broadway in the late 1950s, appearing in several productions alongside prominent actors of the time.
With more than 170 acting credits, Pryor’s impressive resume includes appearances in iconic shows like MASH*, *Dallas*, *L.A. Law*, *The West Wing*, and many more. His versatility and dedication to his craft made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Pryor is survived by his wife, Christine Belford, his daughter Stacey, and his grandchildren, Auguste and Avril.
