As Deadline first reported, a spokesperson for the family told the outlet that the actor passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Springs, California from complications related to a recent COVID-19 infection, after battling dementia for several years. Masters was best known for his tenure on the NBC soap, Passions portraying the antagonistic billionaire Julian Crane, a role he held from 1999 to 2008. He also held roles in a variety of other ’70s and ’80s household programs, including Walker: Texas Ranger, Heartbeat, Barnaby Jones, and Noble House. Prior to his takeover of daytime TV, Masters moved to New York City from his hometown of Corvallis, Oregon, starring in on and off-Broadway productions such as Captain Brassbound’s Conversion, The Cherry Orchard alongside Meryl Streep, and Boys in the Band, per the publication. His career later transitioned to the big screen, with Masters accepting roles in Bob Fosse’s All That Jazz with Roy Schneider, Key Exchange with Brooke Adams and Danny Aiello, Making Mr. Right with John Malkovich, and Dream Lover with Kristy McNichol. Masters is survived by his sister Cheryl Lerner and his two nieces, Hannah and Clea Lerner, of Los Angeles. At his request, there will be no memorial or funeral service held.
