Erika Slezak and Andrea Evans.Photo:Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Michael Tullberg/Getty
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Michael Tullberg/Getty
Erika Slezak is mourning the loss of herOne Life to LivecostarAndrea Evans, who died on Sunday at the age of 66.
Ina post on her website, the six-time Daytime Emmy winner — known toOne Life to Liveviewers as Victoria Lord, the half-sister of Evans' Tina Lord Roberts — remembered first meeting Evans when she joined the long-running ABC daytime drama in 1979.
“Andrea and I worked together for so long,” Slezak, 76, wrote. “On her first day at work, she was living one block away from me and I walked her to work. She was just a child — never been to N.Y.C. — so sweet and kind and loving. Amazing that she played such a complicated, confused and selfish character so well.”
The actress also sent penned kind words about Evans’ husband Stephen Rodriguez, whom she married in 1998, and their 19-year-old daughter, Kylie.
Andrea Evans and Erika Slezak on ‘One Life to Live’ in 1979.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Slezak was one of a fewOLTLactors who honored Evans on Monday.
Melissa Archer, who starred onOLTL, called it “heartbreaking news.““Andrea was a kind woman, fun to work with, and such a pro,“Archer wrote on Facebook. “I feel so fortunate that I was able to play with her onOLTLandThe Baythe Series.”
Kassie DePaiva, who worked alongside Evans onOLTL, also posted to the social media site. “So sadden to hear of this talented actress’s passing,” DePaiva said. “She helped putOLTLin the spotlight. Cancer sucks!”
Frank Valentini, the former executive producer ofOne Life to Liveand current EP ofGeneral Hospital, paid tribute to the late star onTwitter, writing, “I am so sorry to learn of Andrea Evans’ passing. Andrea was already a huge star when my career began atOLTL.”
He continued: “She was always kind, gracious, and so fun to work with. A daytime legend who will be missed very much. My sympathies to her friends and family.”
Andrea Evans.Rachel Luna/Getty
Rachel Luna/Getty
Evans was nominated for aDaytime Emmy Awardfor outstanding ingenue in a drama series in 1988 for her performance as Tina. She also played Patty Williams onThe Young and the Restless.
“Even though Andrea has not appeared onOLTLsince 1990, she has remained among the most requested characters to return to the show,” Valentini said at the time. “I welcome her home toOLTLand to the role where she made an indelible mark on our audience.”
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Evans also released her own statement about her return. “For many years, both fans of mine andOne Life to Livehave wanted me to return,” she said. “Now that the timing is right, I’m thrilled to be returning to the role of Tina, which I’ve always held near and dear to my heart.”
source: people.com
