George Reinholt, one of the most popular actors in the world of soap operas in the late 1960s and 1970s, died after a battle with cancer on November 11, 2013, at the Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. The former soap idol was 73.On television, Reinholt played Erik Fulda in THE SECRET STORM for a year starting in 1967.
He was best known for originating role of Steven Frame on ANOTHER WORLD in July 1968. He played Steve until 1975 and was part of one of the most famous romantic pairings in daytime television, Steve and Alice (Jacqueline Courtney). Along with Rachel (Robin Strasser, Victoria Wyndham), they also formed one of the most memorable triangles in the history of soaps.
Reinholt compared himself to the character of Steven Frame in a 1971 New York Times article.
"He's aggressive, but not to the point of hostility - until he's crossed," Reinholt said. "I'm like that - very much so. He's plagued by his dishonestly and that I understand because I dislike myself terribly when I don't deal with myself honestly. I despise dishonesty - that and intolerance. These are the big fire alarms with me."
After being let go from ANOTHER WORLD in 1975 after clashing with head writer Harding Lemay and producer Paul Rauch, Reinholt starred for two years as Tony Lord on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, once again being paired with Jacqueline Courtney.
Reinholt returned to ANOTHER WORLD in 1989 for the show's 25th anniversary episodes.
In 1994, he reunited with Courtney again on the CBS special 50 YEARS OF SOAPS: AN ALL-STAR CELEBRATION.
Born in Philadelphia, Reinholt graduated from John Bartram High School in 1958. His parents were George Reinholt Sr. and Beatrice Kilpatrick Reinholt of South Philadelphia and Essington.
Reinholt's acting career began in the theater. After moving to New York, he appeared in the original cast of "Cabaret," as well as "The Grand Tour" on Broadway. His other New York credits included G.B. Shaw's "Misalliance," the original production of "Fortune and Men's Eyes" at the Actor's Playhouse, and an Off-Broadway production of Eugene Ionesco's The Bald Soprano.
He began teaching acting in 1988 with fellow professional actor, Jeanette Hartunian, at Interboro High School and the Barnstormers Theatre in Ridley Park.
We Love Soaps spoke with Reinholt in late 2010 after his longtime co-star Jacqueline Courtney passed away.
"I know death comes to us all but I think she died too young," Reinholt said. "Much too young. I loved her. Truly. She was wonderful to work with. And I think of her often."
Reinholt had recently completed his memoir, "Rogue Actor."
His survivors include his dear friend and caretaker, Ann Marie Lincoln, and longtime friends Ruth Campbell and John Magee, who edited his memoir.
A private service was arranged by the McCausland Garrity Marchesani Funeral Home.
RELATED:
- FLASHBACK: George Reinholt, Soap Idol 1971
- Watch George Reinholt's first scene on ANOTHER WORLD
- EXCLUSIVE: George Reinholt Responds To Jacqueline Courtney's Passing
- FLASHBACK: The Love Story of Steve Frame & Alice Matthews on ANOTHER WORLD
- 50 Greatest Soap Couples: #5 Steve & Alice From ANOTHER WORLD
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