‘All My Children’ Star David Canary Dies; Kelly Ripa, Sarah Michelle Gellar And More Co-Stars React

David Canary death — "All My Children" and "Bonanza" star David Canary died due to natural causes. Pictured: Canary arrives at an "All My Children" cabaret performance to benefit the Robin Hood Fund on Jan. 29, 2002 in New York City. Getty

David Canary died at age 77 of natural causes. The former “All My Children” star died on Nov. 16, his obituary in the Wilton Bulletin reveals. The obituary was not published until Wednesday.

For over 50 years, Canary was an actor. Though he spent several years on “Bonanza” as Candy Canaday and “Peyton Place” as Russ Gehring, he is most well-known for his role on “All My Children.” Canary began playing twins Adam and Stuart Chandler in 1984 and went on to win five Daytime Emmy Awards. The actor, who spent two years in the army early in his career, left "AMC" in 2011, but he returned to the ABC soap opera in 2013 for a few of the final episodes.

After leaving “All My Children,” Canary retired. The actor moved to Connecticut and was residing in an assisted living facility when he died.

Canary’s family, which includes his wife Maureen, son Christopher and daughter Kathryn, will have a private funeral. A memorial is being planned on a date that is to be determined. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, people donate to a memorial fund for the actor at the Alzheimer’s Association.

With 27 years on the soap opera, Canary had countless co-stars. Several of them shared their reactions to the news on Twitter, including Kelly Ripa, who played his daughter Hayley Vaughan.

So sad to learn of the passing of the great David Canary. A incredibly talented actor. A wonderful man. I was lucky to know you.
— Kelly Ripa (@KellyRipa) November 24, 2015

#rip #DavidCanary You were the epitome of class. It was a joy and an honor to call you a colleague. #AllMyChildren
— Sarah Michelle (@SarahMGellar) November 24, 2015

My heart is sad. I had the great privilege of working with this beautiful,talented man. Sending love to his family. https://t.co/OFj49hkE29
— Alicia Minshew (@alicia_minshew) November 24, 2015

What an amazing man. Absolutely loved working with him. Rest in Peace David. https://t.co/Lcq2rUdofg
— Chrishell Stause (@Chrishell7) November 24, 2015

I am so saddened by the news of #davidcanary passing.He was a true professional,a gentleman and blessing to work with for a short time. #RIP
— Tamara Braun (@TamaraBraun) November 25, 2015

I was so lucky to know him,work with him,even marry him on tv. David Canary was a love,a kind gentleman,&true talent pic.twitter.com/OLAhicJVEd
— Melissa Claire Egan (@MClaireEgan) November 25, 2015

RIP David Canary. You taught me so much, I was privileged to have you as an example. #AMC #twins
— Lauren Holly (@LaurenHolly) November 24, 2015

David, you were a mentor a friend and of course a father to me. I have learned so much from you. You… https://t.co/SwT9C08F4W
— Jacob W. Young (@Jacob_W_Young) November 25, 2015

RIP David Canary. You inspired me.
— Rebecca Budig (@RebeccaBudig) November 24, 2015

Please join with me in remembering the amazing life and incredible work of my dear colleague David Canary. Sadly,... https://t.co/6ODVBUE0EL
— Cady McClain (@CadyMcClain) November 25, 2015

We have lost a giant. David Canary has passed away. I learned so much from him. Good night, David. Thanks for everything.
— Walt Willey (@wwilley) November 25, 2015

I just learned the news that the wonderful David Canary has passed away--I saw it posted on Kelly… https://t.co/ibPOFb4hUn
— Susan Lucci (@Susan_Lucci) November 25, 2015

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first loss that the soap opera community has suffered recently. Earlier this month, former “One Life to Live” actor Nathaniel Marston, 40, died due to injuries from a car accident.