Nicholas Pryor, ‘Risky Business’ and ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Actor, Dies at 89

As a cinema devotee with decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that the passing of Nicholas Pryor leaves a significant void in Hollywood’s tapestry. His seven-decade career, spanning from the golden age of television to modern-day blockbusters, is truly a testament to his enduring talent and versatility as an actor.


Actor Nicholas Pryor, famously known for portraying fathers to both Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. in the films “Risky Business” and “Less Than Zero”, passed away on October 7 due to cancer at the age of 89, in Wilmington, North Carolina.

His representative, Susan Tolar Walters, stated, “He was truly one of the kindest individuals I’ve encountered, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Actor whose acting journey lasted seven decades, appeared as the father of Kathleen Robertson’s character in “Beverly Hills, 90210” for 26 episodes from 1994-1997. Between 1997 and 2002, he was a regular on the spinoff of “General Hospital,” titled “Port Charles,” taking on the role of Victor Collins, a former spy. Additionally, his small screen career included appearances in various daytime soap operas such as “The Secret Storm,” “The Edge of Night,” “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,” “All My Children” and “Another World.

In addition to “Halloween Kills,” this actor has also appeared in shows like “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” “The Outsider,” “Doctor Sleep,” “A Summer’s Day,” “Buster’s Mal Heart,” “Cosmic Kiosk,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1,” “Constantine,” “Nashville” and “Hart of Dixie.

Jon Lindstrom, an Emmy nominee, honored Nicholas Pryor on X by saying: “It is my duty to announce the death of the great Nicholas Pryor. Nick was a true actor’s actor and an exceptional friend. He passed away on October 7, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Many may remember him as Tom Cruise’s father in Risky Business or Robert Downey Jr.’s father in Less Than Zero. He acted alongside stars like Jack Nicholson, Kurt Russell, Ewan McGregor, and many others. On Broadway and in film and TV, he worked tirelessly for over 60 years. To me, however, he was more than just a friend – he was a mentor, a sounding board, a trusted confidant, and even a father figure. He made me laugh more than anyone I’ve ever known, especially when we shared a bottle of good wine and a wonderful meal. I will miss him dearly, as will his beloved wife Christina, their daughter Stacey, and their grandchildren, Gus and Avril. Rest in Peace #FlightOfAngels #RIP @GeneralHospital

In the late ’90s, Richard Pryor and his partner Christine Belford collaborated on the show “Beverly Hills, 90210” and tied the knot in 1993. At the time of his passing, Richard was survived by his spouse, their daughter Stacey, as well as two grandchildren.

Read More

2024-10-09 04:46