John Callahan, best known for his work on the classic daytime soap opera All My Children, has passed away today at the age of 66. He is survived by his daughter, Kaya.
The Daytime Emmys broke the news with this tweet: “We’re devastated to share that John Callahan passed away earlier today. Sending our deepest condolences to Eva La Rue and all his loved one.”
His passing was not related to the Coronavirus, but was caused by an unexpected stroke. His ex-wife, Eva LeRue, posted many throwback photos of the two and their daughter. She had this and more to say on a long and heartfelt Instagram tribute to her ex-husband: “We are devastated-My great friend, co parent partner, and loving father to Kaya. That big belly laugh, bear hugs, bad puns, ability to harmonize to any song, great kitchen table singing-fests, and two steppin bad ass!”
Kelly Ripa, who starred with him for years on All My Children, posted her own Instagram tribute to Callahan with this caption, “Because there are no words, all i can muster is Rest In Peace #johncallahan My heart breaks for you @evalarue and @kaya_callahan,” along with five broken heart emojis.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, another All My Children star, posted this about the late Callahan on Instagram: “He stepped into a lot of moments in my life because I didn’t have a father to be there. Johns greatest joy in his life, was when he had a daughter of his own @kaya_callahan. John left us this morning. I promise you GP just as you were there for me, I will always be there for smoosh (Kaya) and @evalarue as well.”
Callahan acted in many daytime soap operas, including Days of Our Lives, Santa Barbara, and AMC. LeRue also played a role in AMC, which is where the couple met. They were married from 1996 to 2004. Before that, he was married to Linda Freeman from 1984 to 1992.