Tyler Christopher Shared His Mantra While Discussing a 'New Chapter' in Final Interview: 'Don't Hold Back'

Christopher's former 'General Hospital' costar Maurice Benard confirmed on Tuesday that the late actor died that morning "following a cardiac event in his San Diego apartment"

Tyler Christopher offered some insight into how he chose to live his life in what seems to have been the actor's final interview before his death.

Digital Journal published a conversation with Christopher on Sept. 30 in which Christopher revealed one of "his favorite mottos to live by" was "Don't Hold Back."

Christopher, 50, explained: "That's how I approach my work and when I am doing scenes, especially when they are difficult to perform. I trust my instincts, I don’t hold back and that gets me through it. This allows me to take chances in my scenes."

Related: Tyler Christopher's Daytime Family React to General Hospital Star's Sudden Death at 50: 'This Hits Hard'

Christopher's mantra crossed over to how he approached his career. In the interview, he cited an example from when he accepted a Daytime Emmy Award in 2016 for his work on General Hospital, making him the third actor from the beloved soap to win within the lead actor category.

"The day I actually filmed those Emmy reel scenes in the studio was so hard, emotionally … they dealt with my on-screen son dying in the hospital. As an actor, I had to make a decision how I was going to execute them, it was all about not holding back," he said. "I didn't hold back, and that paid off in the end."

Christopher said he regarded "success" as "going to work every day and making sure that you realize how grateful you are." As for his hopes for his future, the late actor said he was "waiting for the next project."

"I'm not on daytime anymore, so I don't work every day," he added. "I am in a new chapter in my life."

Related: Tyler Christopher's 2 Kids: All About Greysun and Boheme

On Tuesday, GH actor Maurice Benard confirmed his former costar's death on Instagram.

"It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Tyler Christopher. Tyler passed away this morning following a cardiac event in his San Diego apartment," wrote Benard, 60. "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. Tyler was a sweet soul and wonderful friend to all of those who knew him."

Benard also noted that his former colleague "was an advocate for better mental health and substance use treatment who openly spoke about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol. 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 shared his own statement with PEOPLE: "I am heartbroken over the news of Tyler Christopher’s passing. He was kind, an incredible actor, and dear friend, who was beloved by our GH family and fans of Nikolas Cassadine. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, our heartfelt sympathies go out to his loved ones during this difficult time."

Related: Paying Tribute to the Celebrities Who Have Died in 2023

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Christopher portrayed Nikolas Cassadine on General Hospital from 1996 to 2016. He also was known for playing Stefan DiMera on Days of Our Lives from 2018 to 2019.

Christopher was married to Eva Longoria from 2002 to 2004. He married former ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo in 2008. They share children Greysun James Christopher and Boheme Christopher but reportedly divorced in 2021.

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