Michael Tylo, ‘Young and the Restless’ and ‘Guiding Light’ star, dead at 72
Michael Tylo, a veteran soap opera actor with tours of duty on “The Young and the Restless,” “Guiding Light,” “General Hospital” and “The Bold and the Beautiful,” has died. He was 72.
Best-known as the dashing romantic lead Quinton McCord Chamberlain on “Guiding Light” from 1981 to 1997, the actor and educator most recently voiced the character of Deathstroke in the 2014 miniseries ”Nightwing.”
The professor’s death was confirmed by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he started as a visiting theater and film prof in 2003. He later went on to serve as assistant dean for the College of Fine Arts, teaching acting for UNLV Film.
“Michael Tylo was a beautiful and caring human being — he was so special,” said Nancy Uscher, dean of the College of Fine Arts, in a statement. “He was an exemplary friend, colleague, teacher, and artist. He had such a distinguished and rich career, but he was humble about his accomplishments. He loved his family dearly and lived a joyous life, but he left us way too soon. We will miss him greatly, but feel deep gratitude about all that Michael contributed to the College of Fine Arts, UNLV, and the world.”
In 2012, Tylo performed with students at the Nevada Conservatory Theatre and in “Stealing Las Vegas,” a feature film produced by UNLV and indie cinema legend Roger Corman.
In addition to his extensive suds stints, Tylo also starred in the syndicated prime time series “Zorro” for two seasons as Alcalde Luis Ramon. He would make his final soap appearance on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” playing sleazeball lawyer Sherman Gale for six episodes in 2000.
Tylo also had the distinction of being the final witness exposed as the real killer by classic TV’s most legendary defense lawyer in 1993’s “Perry Mason: The Case of the Killer Kiss,” according to his official Internet Movie Database (IMDB) bio.
Upon news of his passing, Tylo was mourned on Twitter by his legion of fans and colleagues. The official “Young and the Restless” Twtter account paid tribute: “Our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Michael Tylo who graced #YR with his talents as Blade and Rick.”
Tylo is survived by his wife, Rachelle Tylo, and three children: Izabella Gabrielle, Katya Ariel, and Christopher, the latter being his stepson with ex-wife, soap actress Hunter Tylo. He was preceded in death by his son with Hunter, Michael Jr., who died in a drowning accident in 2007, Soap Opera Digest reported.