Christopher Pennock, Veteran Soap Star, Dead at 76

Christopher Pennock, best known for his roles on Dark Shadows, General Hospital, and Guiding Light, has died. He was 76.

Christopher Pennock Has Passed Away

Broadwayworld reports that Pennock died on February 12 following several days of hospitalized care. Born on June 7, 1944, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, he appeared on the daytime serial Dark Shadows as the characters Gabriel Collins, Jeb Hawkes, and Cyrus Longworth. He made his big-screen debut in Night of Dark Shadows.

The actor also worked in primetime TV but his handsome good looks and talent made him a natural for soaps. In 1978, he was cast as Mitch Williams, an assistant district attorney overseeing Laura’s (Genie Francis) probation. Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) set her sights on the ambitious lawyer and helped him campaign successfully for the State Senate. They wed, but the marriage was short-lived given Mitch’s love for Susan Moore (Gail Carlson), who later became Jason’s (Steve Burton) biological mother.

In 1990, Pennock was cast as Guiding Light’s Dr. Justin Marler. A widower, Justin kept a watchful eye on his young daughter Samantha (Suzy Cote) when she became involved with rebel Dylan (Morgan Englund). Pennock stayed until early 1991 when Justin’s son Phillip (Grant Aleksander) wed Beth (Beth Chamberlin). The actor’s other soap roles include Joe Taylor on Days of our Lives in 1978, Steven Petrie on The Young and the Restless (1986), and Rusty on Melrose Place (1993).

Recently, Pennock had shot scenes for the final episode of High on which he appeared as Tyler Sloan. “For the last few months, I’ve been in post-production on the final episode of High, eager with anticipation to show Christopher Pennock the fruits of his labor,” Brandon Riley Miller, High’s executive producer/writer/director posted on Facebook. “I constantly sit awestruck at his performance, watching and re-watching the scenes as they come to life and appreciating every nuance to his acting.

“As I begin my day of editing today, I sit in reverence and gratitude for everything I learned working with this man,” Miller adds. “I am heartbroken he won’t get to see this masterful final performance though it gives me some peace to know that I will get to see him every day I edit.”

“Such a sad day for all of us who loved Chris Pennock,” posted Kathryn Leigh Scott (ex-Maggie/ex-Josette, Dark Shadows. “Celebrating his glorious life and spirit while grieving his loss is hard . . . and I’m afraid grief in losing a beloved colleague and dear friend is the dominant sentiment for me today. Chris, you’ll always be in my heart.”

The actor’s last film was a role in the short The Most Haunted House of Venice Beach. Pennock is survived by his wife, Lynn. Soap Hub sends sincere condolences to the actor’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.