Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImageThe soap opera family has lot one of their beloved members.
David Canary, best known for his 27-year run as twins Adam and Stuart Chandler on All My Children, died of natural causes on Nov. 16 at The Greens at Cannondale in Wilton, Conn. He was 77.
"So sad to learn of the passing of the great David Canary. A incredibly talented actor. A wonderful man. I was lucky to know you," his co-star Kelly Ripa tweeted after learning of the news. Sarah Michelle Gellar also took to Twitter to share her condolences, writing, "#rip #DavidCanary You were the epitome of class. It was a joy and an honor to call you a colleague. #AllMyChildren."
The five-time Emmy award winner turned down an offer to play for the Denver Broncos during their first year in the NFL to pursue a career in acting. Canary began his journey as a theater actor before breaking into television in the '60s.
He made his small screen debut as Mia Farrow's physical therapist in Peyton Place and then as Ponderosa ranch foreman in Bonanza. In 1978, he kicked off his daytime soap career with a role on Search for Tomorrow, and then continued his soap run with appearances on The Doctors and Another World, before joining All My Children in 1983.
In addition to his wife of 33 years, Maureen, Canary is survived by his son, Christopher, his daughter, Kathryn, his grandson, Donovan Canary, and his brother John.
Funeral services will be private for immediate family. A memorial tribute is planned for a date to be determined, however, the family has requested that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association by visiting alz.org "David Canary Memorial Fund."