TVSquad

What a tragedy! Mr. Hendrikson was a very talented actor and seemed a fine man. I had wondered why he took leaves of absences in the last few years. (He was replaced by Mr.Mantooth during those periods). Perhaps he was battling depression even then.

Being the fine actor that he was, I am sure he hid the depth of his depression from his family, friends and castmates. If he hadn't, good treatment could have saved him. Depression is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, and the PROPER medication can do wonders.

Condolences to all he leaves behind. Perhaps now he has found peace.

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To Brian
Mr. Hendrickson was a theatre actor as well as film actor. His talent will be truly missed in the entertainment world.

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I have to add my disdain for the people who use these blogs to spew poison or promote business when a talented gifted man has died. FYI to Brian. Benjamin worked in film, nighttime television and live theatre, as well as being one of the best in daytime television.
As far as the speculation on what type of illness he had or what type of drugs he might have been taking,that is just totally in bad taste. Can't we just realize this was another human being who was in despair and leave it at that. My sympathies to his family, friends and castmates. Rest in peace Ben.

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We're "in the business" and a friend once wrote for ATWT. And, even though we've not watched it regularly for years, we've felt connected to this P&G soap that-- above the rest--remained connected to its emotional roots. ATWT has always been about the power of family love to overcome all of life's challenges. That was conveyed in no small measure by the consistent and stellar performances of actors like Hendrickson. The saddest thing is he probably never knew the degree to which his gift was appreciated.

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I am deeply saddened to hear of the suicide of Benjamin Hendrickson. I really missed him playing the character of "Hal" when he was off and they had Randolph Mantooth playing "HAL". It is going to be hard to replace him. My sympathies to his family and cast members. I just read some of the comments made here and the one from Jaymez was totally uncalled for. I hope nobody in this persons family or a good friend commits suicide. Will this person also be called a pussy.

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I never ever do this, but having just lost a sister to ovarian cancer at a young age, i feel I must. If you don't have something good to say, don't say it. And to all you negative people, if you had a life, you wouldn't be spending you time posting on this blog. You could say the same about me, but the message boards are posted under the story that I just happened to click on. Thank you to all the people concerned about the ones left behind.

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Learning that Benjamin Hendrickson committed suicide was a blow I wasn't prepared for. I've been an avide watcher of ATWT for most of my life and I have to say that no one will be able to fit Benjamin's shoes. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in their time of need.

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In answer to the gentleman who commented so heartlessly about how "good actors" are never in soaps or never stay in soaps. That shows extreme ignorance on his part. I'm an actress myself and I know how hard soap acting is, though I've done little of that particular type. The hours, the lines, the making sense of, sometimes totally ridiculous, character developments that the writers come up with. None of these can be handled well or with conviction by any but very talented actors. As to why someone would stay on a soap rather than go on to other things - there are as many reasons as there are soap actors. Family obligations and the desire for job security in a notoriously insecure profession are but two. The man making those judgmental statements displays a stunning lack of compassion and understanding about human beings - let alone human beings who are in the acting profession. Maybe he should put up a discription of his life achievements and we can all judge if they are worthy enough.

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shame on you brian, who are you? so you don't like soaps that is your choice. but to say that this man's death is worthless and that others, like a soldier's life is worth more is not for you to judge. every life is worth something. you know nothing of what this man has done with his life but act on the soap. you don't know what contributions he has made to society. actors make us laugh, cry and reach all kinds of emotions and because you don't like soaps you call him worthless. the only worthless thing around here is your "little man opinion".

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When I saw that Hal had passed away it was very upsetting.I have watched ATWT for many years.
There is so little one can say but my Sympathy to his family and all the family of ATWT.From a number one fan.

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I am so sorry for what what happened. He must have been really hurting. I hope that everyone gives him the respect that is due him I have been reading some of the postings and some of them are upseting. Please be kind.

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Ben Hendrickson was a great actor and I cannot imagine As the World Turns without him. This still doesn't seem quite real.

It's heartbreaking that he felt he had no other options and I sincerely hope he's at peace now. He will be missed terribly.

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I am appaled at some of the ignorance that still exists and the stigma surrounding suicide. Depression is an illness not a weakness. Some people may be helped by proper medication however the person has to seek the help to get the medicine.
For so many years if someone committed suicide it was shrouded in secrecy and shame. That has to stop because depression and mental illness can strike anyone no matter what their individual circumstances.
That someone could be your Mother, brother, spouse, child, co-worker or your best friend.
Suicides happen every single day and it is sad when it only comes to light when someone famous does the "evil" deed. No matter if you are famous or not someone you know may very well be sick and contemplating taking their own life.
Not to mention that keeping this hidden in the closet only adds to isolation of the families left behind. There are unanswered questions, unfulfilled dreams, hurt, shame and endless guilt associated when a loved one kills themselves. They need our support too!
My father committed suicide 2 years ago and I do not hide that from anyone who asks why he died so young. I believe that if I talk about it that someone may realize a person they know may need help. It is up to all of us to do something.
It is important to note that there are people who no matter what help is offered they will find a way to take their own lives. Each person has different circumstances and sometimes just taking a pill will not solve it.
Talking with a competent Therapist in conjuction with medication is the best route as there is no such thing as a miracle drug.
My condolences to the family and castmates of Benjamin Hendrickson. Let him rest in peace and let his death not be in vain. If anyone you know is showing signs of depression or may potentially hurt themselves seek help for them immediately. It may save a life.

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My condolences to Ben's family and friends. I have watched ATWT for many years. He was truely a great actor. Those who judge him for committing suicide should clean off their own doorsteps before they judge. No one truely knows what he may have been going through. Some are to proud to reveal their illnesses to the public. He will be greatly missed.

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After reading all of your comments, I can only say thank the Lord we have more compassionate people than not. I watch ATWT and really enjoyed Mr. Hendrickson's acting. I think we should all open our hearts and say a prayer and lift his family up to be comforted. He will be missed.

Thank you Hal for many years of sharing your talent.

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I am so stunned by the news of Ben Hendrikson's passing. He was one of the finest actors in daytime soaps. When he left ATWT it just didn't feel right no matter how good the actor was that replaced him. It was so elating to have him back in a role that he made his own. I don't beieve ATWT will be able to carry his character and story line without him. My deepest regrets and heartfelt sorrow go out to his family, friends, and castmates. I know they all loved Ben and will have a difficult time recovering from this lose. May God forgive him and wrap him in his loving arms. Giving him the peace and serenity he felt he no longer could find here on earth with us. It will be very difficult to watch his remaing episodes the coming week but I hope all of ATWT fans will continue to support the showin his HONOR. Sincerely with all my love,Gwen

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Really Sad, I was hoping Hall and Emily would reunite. I hpe he is relieved of his torment.

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I am still in shock whe I read about the death of Ben Hendrickson. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family and castmates. I have been watching ATWT since 1959. They are like your family. I was wondering if last week,s story line depressed him. I cried every day that I watched it. I will miss Jennifer too. May he rest in peace and be reunited with his mother in heaven

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Anytime anyone passes on, its those who are left behind, that will miss that person, and mourne him and remember all the fun times while that person was alive. There are allways fun times and sad times and difficult times in anyones life. I pray that his remaining family members will find time to reflect on his life and be able to accept his passing. I also hope that God, and " I know he will" will forgive that moron that made all those nasty comments ! someones passing is not the time to make stupid and silly comments! If you can't say someting meaningful, then please crawl back under that rock !! you crawled out from and stay there !!!!!!!!!!!!

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Always bad when someone kills themself, sometimes you never know why. I've had a couple of friends do it, was glad they had the cajones(sp)not to take anyone with them. If you are mentally sick, physically sick, in pain, etc, it is one alternative. Never over a girlfriend leaving you, or the like.

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