In a heartbreaking turn of events, the entertainment industry mourns the loss of the esteemed soap opera icon, Nicolas Coster, who peacefully passed away at the age of eighty-nine. Fondly regarded as the “real actor’s actor” by his loving daughter, Coster graced the screens of numerous soap operas throughout his illustrious career. One role, in particular, stands out as his most memorable portrayal—the charismatic and affluent adventurer, Lionel Lockridge, in the beloved soap opera, Santa Barbara, which captivated audiences on NBC during the 1980s and 1990s.
Coster’s departure from this world occurred on a somber Monday, leaving his loved ones and fans devastated. In the wake of his passing, his daughter Dinneen expressed her deep affection for her cherished father through a heartfelt tribute shared on Facebook. Overflowing with admiration for his Hollywood endeavors, she implored others to draw inspiration from his artistic achievements. She beautifully articulated, “There is great sadness in my heart this evening; my father, the talented actor Nicolas Coster, peacefully left us in Florida at 9:01 pm in the hospital. Please be inspired by his profound dedication to his craft, for he truly embodied the essence of an actor’s actor! I will forever remember him for his unwavering commitment and his unwavering love as a remarkable father. May he rest in eternal peace.”
Born in London, England, in 1933, Coster’s early years were shadowed by the looming threat of World War II and the menacing presence of Adolf Hitler. Seeking safety, his family made the courageous decision to migrate across the Atlantic Ocean, finding solace in the United States, where he spent most of his formative years.
Reflecting on his journey, Coster reminisced, “As a young boy, I arrived in Canada, fleeing the imminent outbreak of the Second World War. My American mother led her three children to the USA, where I remained until the age of sixteen.”
With an unwavering passion for acting, Coster recognized his destiny after participating in a speech contest at his Los Angeles high school. His exceptional oratory skills caught the attention of a public speaking teacher, who became his mentor, guiding him in refining his presentation abilities and nurturing his dream of becoming a celebrated actor.
Following the conclusion of World War II, Coster embarked on a quest to study acting at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in Great Britain. It was there that he laid the foundation for his future acting career, securing his first role in the acclaimed anthology series, The United States Steel Hour, during his early twenties.
Over the course of several decades, Coster graced screens both big and small, leaving an indelible mark on popular programs such as Charlie’s Angels, Another World, One Day At A Time, and One Life To Live, as documented in a posthumous report published by the Daily Mail.
Not confining his talent solely to the realm of television, Coster also took center stage on Broadway, showcasing his versatility. He notably served as a standby for the musical Seesaw, starring alongside Giancarlo Esposito and Michele Lee.
Finally, in 1984, Coster landed the role that would forever define his career—Lionel Lockridge in Santa Barbara—enchanting viewers with his portrayal across more than six hundred episodes of the captivating daytime drama.
Reflecting upon his iconic Santa Barbara character, Coster once shared, “He was depicted as a privileged, playful individual, with a hint of mischief, yet possessing redeeming qualities.” He emphasized Lionel’s deep love for his children and his wife, whose marriage shared an adventurous dynamic that occasionally led to turbulent situations.
Nicolas Coster’s irreplaceable presence will be sorely missed, leaving a void in the hearts of those who admired his immense talent and captivating performances.
