Sad News: ‘One Life To Live’, ‘The Young and the Restless’ Star Andrea Evans Dies at 66, Leaving Legacy of Riveting Performance

Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Andrea Evans, celebrated soap opera star, died from cancer at 66. She is best known for her role as Tina Lord on “One Life To Live.”
2. Beyond her signature role on “One Life To Live,” she portrayed memorable characters in soaps like “The Young and the Restless,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “Passions,” and “The Bay.”
3. Evans’ sudden disappearance from the limelight in 1990 was later revealed to be due to a terrifying stalker incident that made her leave her career and New York City.
4. Andrea bravely returned to acting and her role on “One Life To Live” in 2008 and 2011, leading to her second Daytime Emmy nomination in 2015 for her performance in the web series “DeVanity.”
5. Despite her successful career, Andrea’s life wasn’t just about acting. She was a devoted animal lover and worked for the City of Hope. Her forthcoming memoir, “My One Life To Live,” promises to shed more light on her incredible journey.

The world of daytime television bids farewell to one of its brightest stars, Andrea Evans. The two-time Daytime Emmy nominee, famous for her role as the mischievous teen Tina Lord on ABC’s renowned soap opera “One Life To Live,” succumbed to cancer on Sunday. At 66 years old, her vivacious presence and immeasurable talent were extinguished far too soon.

The announcement of her death reverberated throughout the industry, with casting director Don Carroll bearing the sad news. Evans’ acting journey spanned decades and platforms, leaving a considerable imprint on the soap opera world from the 70s to the 80s. Beyond Tina Lord, she portrayed compelling characters in CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful,” NBC’s “Passions,” and Amazon Prime’s “The Bay.”

Hailing from Aurora, Illinois, Evans’ early acting credits include appearances in Brian De Palma’s 1978 horror classic “The Fury” and the miniseries “The Awakening Land.” It was these early performances that caught the eye of legendary casting director Mary Jo Slater, who spotted the emerging talent and offered Evans the role that would define her career: Tina Lord, the counterpart to “All My Children’s” Erica Kane.

Remembered fondly by co-star Robin Strasser, Evans was characterized as a “super smart” and “energetic” force on set. Her portrayal of the intriguing bad girl swiftly gained traction among viewers, solidifying her status as an audience favorite. Despite a brief hiatus from “One Life To Live” between 1981 and 1985, she resumed her role and earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1988.

Evans’ sudden exit from the show in 1990 shocked fans and insiders alike. Her disappearance from the public eye for nearly a decade was later attributed to a terrifying encounter with a stalker. In a 2008 interview with People magazine, Evans recounted the harrowing experience that included violent threats and forced her to flee her career and New York City.

After years of living in fear, Evans reclaimed her life and acting career. She bravely returned to “One Life To Live” in 2008 and 2011, declaring that it was time to provide closure for both her and the audience. This triumphant return was followed by a second Daytime Emmy nomination in 2015 for her riveting performance in the web series “DeVanity.”

Aside from her illustrious career in television, Evans was an animal lover and devoted her time to various animal rescue organizations. She also worked tirelessly for the City of Hope. Her untold stories and memories will be shared in her forthcoming memoir, “My One Life To Live.”

She is survived by her husband Steve Rodriguez and their daughter, Kylie. Today, soap fans across the globe mourn the loss of a cherished actor, remembering her not only for her iconic characters but also for her courage and indomitable spirit. Andrea Evans leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and a myriad of unforgettable performances that will forever be part of daytime television’s rich tapestry.