Veteran soap actor John Reilly dead at 86

Actor John Reilly, a fixture on daytime television screens for more than 40 years, has died at the age of 86, his daughter confirmed via social media on Sunday.

“John Henry Matthew Reilly AKA Jack. The brightest light in the world has gone out,” Caitlyn Reilly wrote on Instagram, sharing a childhood photo in her father’s embrace.

“Imagine the best person in the world. Now imagine that person being your dad. I’m so grateful he was mine. I’m so grateful I got to love him. I’m so grateful I made it in time to hold him and say goodbye,” she added.

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No cause of death has been provided.

Best known for his 11-year run on “General Hospital” as Sean Donely, Reilly broke into daytime television by landing the role of Dr. Dan Stewart on “As the World Turns” in 1974. The Chicago native also starred as Alistair Crane on “Passions” from 2000 to 2008 and as Del Douglas on “Sunset Beach” from 1997 to 1999.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Reilly began acting in the 1960s on such shows as “Death Valley Days,” “Apple’s Way” and “Gunsmoke,” before joining the “As the World Turns” cast. He also appeared in the movies “The Main Event” and “Gorp.”

Reilly also voiced archer Hawkeye on the animated “Iron Man” series from 1994 to 1996 and had a recurring role on “Beverly Hills 90210” between 1996 and 1998, USA Today reported.

Reilly is survived by his wife, Liz, and three daughters.

Tributes for the veteran actor flooded social media following the news of his passing.

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Alan Lancaster Alan Lancaster, a founding member of the 1960s band Status Quo, died Sept. 26. He was 72. ( C Brandon/Redferns via Getty Images)

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