I could not have been more shocked when my father told me that a soap actor had died, a few minutes later I heard my mother "oh no it's Hal", I flew up the stairs because I just couldn't believe it. Later that night I watched that days episode, it was so sad, I had tears in my eyes. Benjamin Hendrickson performed some of his best work, he is/was a great actor, and he will be missed. As The World Turns was so very lucky to have him.

Jenn Jarmicki
Milford, New Jersey

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It was with great sadness that I saw "In loving memory Benjamin Hendrickson" today at the end of the show. I've watched ATWT for almost 40 years, and I've always enjoying watching Benjamin Hendrickson, esp. when he and Barbara were young and in love, and also his scenes with Margo when they had their affair.

I and many admirers of his will miss him dearly. He was a great actor and certainly deserved his Emmy win a few years ago. He'll be remembered for a long, long time.

C Blanchard

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I am 35 years old and have been watching the show since I was a kid. Whenever Ben had to be replaced for whatever reason, it just wasn't the same. I am so sad it feels like a part of my family is gone. I wish he could have worked out whatever it was that he found so hard to deal with. I will miss seeing him on the show so much. It just won't be the same. I am so sad for any family that he leaves behind. There is no other Hal Munson. I Hope the show writes his death somehow into the storyline, because I honestly don't want to watch any one else playing the character. I will be grieving for him along with everyone else who knew him, and or felt as though they did.

Very Sincerely, and Very Sadly
Trina Aguilar
Norwalk CT

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Dear Soap Opera Digest:

First, I'd like to say that I know only the character of Hal Munson, whom I've watched (because of my mom's love of CBS soaps) since I was in middle school.  But I've never been fortunate enough to meet or know the actual person, Benjamin Hendrickson.

That being said, however, I've been brought to tears several times this week, watching his last episodes on ATWT, in light of his tragic death. [I must add that it was rather untimely that I received the "tragic death" issue of SOD only a day after I had heard of Mr. Hendrickson's passing...kind of puts things in perspective, don't you think?]  My heart breaks for him...because he must have been in so much emotional pain in order to end his life in such a manner.

I lost my father in 1996, when he had just turned 60; I was 25 at the time.  He was an only child, and there are no sons or other male family members nearby.  So I understand the loss Mr. Hendrickson must have felt when his mother passed away.  It's been 10 years, and I fear that I'll forever break down wrenchingly at the simple thought of my dad, just because I miss him so much.  But I did — and still do — have a grandmother (now 95, God bless her), a mother, two terrific sisters, and a fiance, each of whom continues to see me through life's trying moments.  I don't know that Mr. Hendrickson was so fortunate.

Most of us have been on our own before, and I know how it feels to come home to an empty apartment or house every night...and, because you put on such a "great performance" for your friends and/or family, they truly think you're all right.  But maybe you're not.  Maybe you're just a great actor.  Maybe, deep down, we all are.

I guess what I'm saying is that each of us should find in ourselves a meaning to Mr. Hendrickson's death. This is NOT to say that people in his life or in the ATWT cast didn't put forth the effort. It's just that I think we all (myself especially) need to take a closer look around our own lives and find the time and selflessness to not only ask how the people we cherish are doing, but also to truly take an active interest, be more involved, make them feel loved, and appreciate both them and the great gifts we've been given.

It's unfortunate, isn't it, that hindsight is virtually the only thing that's 20/20?  Perhaps it's so crystal clear that we can't help but learn from it? I, for one, hope that's true...I hope it teaches us all a little something about how to live our lives better.

With sincere sympathy and hope,
-Luann Padden
Great Meadows, NJ

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My prayers are with Benjamin Hendrickson, his family, friends and As The World Turns Family. I will miss him very much! I grew up watching As The World Turns and loved Barbara and Hal together. I can't believe I won't see that unique awesome gentle solid talent known as Hal Munson, Chief of Detectives. Oakdale will not be the same. Mr. Hendrickson made Hal his character and he's a wonderful actor. I looked forward to his scenes because he was so real and I felt at home. That talent is rare. As The World Turns is a wonderful show and my heart, blessings and prayers go out to Ben and everyone who knew him, watched him and loved him.

Thank you,
Shannon from Maryland

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