http://soapoperadigest.com/news/breaking/

Real-Life Tragedy
Benjamin Hendrickson (Hal, ATWT) died suddenly over the weekend. The Emmy Award-winning actor, who had played Oakdale's Chief of Detectives on and off since 1985, was 55 years old.

He also played TEXAS's Chris in 1981, Silas on GUIDING LIGHT from 1981-83 and Sgt. Bartlett on ANOTHER WORLD in 1983, but his first love was theater: as a member of the first graduating class of Juilliard Music School Drama Division (alongside Kevin Kline and Patti LuPone), he appeared in many stage productions and also in several films, including Regarding Henry and Spanking The Monkey.

We will update you as details become available. Hendrickson was a highly respected and beloved member of the ATWT cast.

Words don't describe the sadness that's in me. They just don't.

R.I.P.

This IS so sad to hear. But in the last couple of months I realize that he didn't look good at all. I found out from Jennifer's official site that they will air Hal's last air date July 12th, Next Wednesday.

Oh, this is so incredibly sad... He has been such an important part of As the World Turns for such a long time. As a matter of fact, I just watched him on today's episode, where he was wonderful, as always... I know his death will hit the cast and crew of the show hard, even though he has been sick... my thoughts are with his friends and family...

http://soapoperadigest.com/news/breaking/

Real-Life Tragedy
Benjamin Hendrickson (Hal, ATWT) died suddenly over the weekend. The Emmy Award-winning actor, who had played Oakdale's Chief of Detectives on and off since 1985, was 55 years old.

He also played TEXAS's Chris in 1981, Silas on GUIDING LIGHT from 1981-83 and Sgt. Bartlett on ANOTHER WORLD in 1983, but his first love was theater: as a member of the first graduating class of Juilliard Music School Drama Division (alongside Kevin Kline and Patti LuPone), he appeared in many stage productions and also in several films, including Regarding Henry and Spanking The Monkey.

We will update you as details become available. Hendrickson was a highly respected and beloved member of the ATWT cast.
Actually I just read on the ETonline website (newslink)that he comitted suicide . It was reported that he had been depressed over his mother's death (I'm not sure how long ago she passed away). It's a shame.

His mother passed in 2003. What most people don't know is that he had a brother who was dying in 2005. He step away from the show to take care of his dying brother. Then seeing and doing the epsiodes of Jennifer dying push him over the edge. He just couldn't take it.

I hadn't realized his death was by suicide... such a terrible tragedy... :(

http://www.cbs.com/daytime/atwt/star_images/actors/bhendrickson.jpg

Beloved Actor Benjamin Hendrickson, Dies At 55
New York, NY - Procter & Gamble Productions, CBS and As The World Turns are deeply saddened to announce the death of BENJAMIN HENDRICKSON, who played Chief of Detectives Hal Munson on the daytime drama. Hendrickson, 55, passed away over the weekend at his home in Huntington, New York.

Hendrickson, who won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2003, has been with As The World Turns since 1985. In addition to his work on the show, Hendrickson appeared on Broadway in the 1984 revival of Awake and Sing, Strider and in the title role of The Elephant Man. His feature film credits include Spanking the Monkey, Regarding Henry, Consenting Adults and Manhunter. Prior to joining As The World Turns, Hendrickson appeared on Procter & Gamble Productions' Another World, Guiding Light and Texas.

"As The World Turns, Procter & Gamble Productions and the entire daytime community have lost a dear friend and a talented actor who brought to life the character of Hal Munson," says As The World Turns Executive Producer Christopher Goutman. "Benjamin always joked that he was hired for one day, then before he knew it he'd impregnated the leading lady and had to sign a contract. He intended to stay with the show for one year. How lucky for us and the fans that we had him for 21 years. We will continue to mourn his passing."

"Everyone at CBS Daytime is devastated by the loss of our friend and colleague Benjamin Hendrickson," says Barbara Bloom, Senior Vice President, Daytime Programs, CBS. "Benjamin's 21 year portrayal of Hal Munson is testimony to a gifted actor whose talent and loyalty will always be remembered by his fans and co-workers, as well as a very appreciative network. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his fellow cast members, the producers and everyone at As The World Turns during this difficult time."

Hendrickson attended the Juilliard School where he was a member of the first class of the drama division and a founding member of The Acting Company, under the late John Houseman.

Born on August 26, 1950 in Huntington, New York, Hendrickson was an avid golfer and spent much of his down time on the green with his As The World Turns co-stars. His last air date as Hal Munson will be July 12, 2006.

Yes we already know. His funeral is tomorrow (Friday). Soapcentral confirmed.

It is so sad and tragic. I really liked him , he was my favorite one on the show. It won't be the same with out him.

Did anyone catch the tribute episode for Ben yesterday? It was very touching and sad, as the character of Hal affected so many of the other characters on the show. I was glad he was given a tribute and that they had the character of Hal die rather than recasting the role with another actor... I still cannot believe he is gone... :(

His mother passed in 2003. What most people don't know is that he had a brother who was dying in 2005. He step away from the show to take care of his dying brother. Then seeing and doing the epsiodes of Jennifer dying push him over the edge. He just couldn't take it.
His fake daughter on television is not what pushed him over. He had suffered from depression for many many years.