In Memoriam: Benjamin Hendrickson Page 10

Reading this mornings news about the untimely loss of Benjamin Hendrickson was a shock, as if hearing about the loss of an old friend. It was about 1994 I was visiting NYC as a “guest” on Geraldo when I met a man in the hallway outside the dressing room. It was Benjamin Hendrickson I spoke with him for a short while and expressed that I was a fan of ATWT and of his work, as we talked it impressed me just how genuine of a person he was. Benjamin was not at all what I imagined a soap actor to be, talking with him was as natural as chatting with an old friend from home. Meeting Benjamin and being lucky enough to actually spend some time chatting with him was the high point of the entire trip. I was by far more impressed with meeting Benjamin than metting or being a guest of Geraldo. Benjamin you were always a true gentleman in every aspect of the word and will be deeply missed by your friends and fans … The demons have ended as has your suffering, May God Bless and may you rest now and find the peace you couldn’t while with us.

Your Friend,
Todd Tinker

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I have watched Benjamin Henderickson for many years on As the World Turns, and I have seen him in a few movies. He was an accomplished actor and the roll of Hal on ATWT will never be the same. The last few days I have seen his character saying good bye to Jennifer and his scenes were those that brought out the most sorrow for me. I know the
ATWT family will greatly miss this fine actor.

The thoughts of the fans and my family are with you all as you mourn this loss…

Sincerely,
Heather Swiney

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I can only imagine what friends and family are feeling. I hope that there are more answers to come and I keep everyone in my prayers. My deepest sympathy to everyone at CBS Daytime and especially family. My family will truly miss watching him as Hal on ATWT. When he was replaced for that short time it just was not the same. I think personally the show can not replace him. With the most respect.

The Bennett Family in Fort
Worth, Texas

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Benjamin was a great actor I enjoyed watching him in the different soaps he was on through the years. He will be missed by us daytime viewers. As I watched ATWT today you can see the pain in his face. It was hard watching him knowing in reality he was in so much pain he took his life. Benjamin you will be missed.

Sheron
North Carolina

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Consummate actor, he played Hal with the heaviness that reflected his classical training. I can never see anyone else in that role, which is unusual. I am so very sorry. Even though a keynote to acting is to transcend the role, I cannot help but wonder if the storyline he was playing made his heart heavier. It was painful watching him at Jennifer’s memorial today, knowing what has happened. I hope he is at peace now.

Eileen

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I have not watched ATWT in years, yet when I read
about Benjamin Hendrickson’s passing I felt shocked
and truly sad. I loved Hal and Barbara back in the day and they were the main reason I watched ATWT in the first place. I always kept an eye out for their story line in the paper even after I stopped watching the show regularly, that has got to say something about the caliber of his acting.

My sympathies go out to his family and cast mates. He will be missed.

Jennifer James

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I was shocked when my daughter called to tell me about the death of Benjamin Hendrickson. I felt like I knew him since I tune in to As the World Turns daily. Even when he took time off from the show, I always looked forward to him returning. Especially bad was his tv daughter Jennifer dying. It is a double loss. Very sad.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Peterson

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To Oakdale’s One and Only Chief of Police;
May you find happiness and rest in peace. You will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved you both on and off screen. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends, for they are now absent a truly wonderful and talented man.

Jennifer
Columbus, Ohio

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