Scott Bryce — the 1975 Staples High School graduate, and longtime Weston resident best known to daytime television viewers as Craig Montgomery on CBS’s “As the World Turns” — died Sunday at Yale New Haven Hospital, after an aggressive battle with stomach and esophageal cancer. He was 68.
His death drew an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues who recalled his professionalism, charisma and humor.
Born in New York City, Bryce came by his love of acting honestly. Soap opera was already in his blood. His father, Ed Bryce, was a daytime veteran who played Bill Bauer on “Guiding Light” for over 2 decades, while his mother, Dorothy Bryce, was an actress who appeared on daytime serials including “The Doctors,” plus other prime time and commercial work.
Scott Bryce
Scott followed in his parents’ footsteps, appearing in 280 episodes of “As the World Turns” across the 1980s until 2008.
His performance as the scheming, seductive Craig Montgomery earned him 2 Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Bryce ranged widely. He was daytime TV’s most notorious antihero, a network sitcom husband, a movie villain, and a familiar face on prestige dramas.
His work ranged from “The Golden Girls,” to appearing in the first episode of “Sex and the City,” to “Lethal Weapon 3,” and what Scott mentioned as the most fun of his career,“ Up Close and Personal.”
That adaptability carried him from soap opera scheming to sketch comedy to hourlong drama, without ever settling into a single type. His rare durability kept him working steadily for over 50 years.
Scott was also a devoted husband, father, mentor, and friend to those closest to him.
He stayed deeply connected to his co-stars and fellow Staples Players. They, together with his loving family, were of great comfort in his last weeks.
His obituary says, “Scott is remembered as a gifted performer and an even better man whose warmth extended well beyond the screen. He was every bit as funny, charismatic and quick-witted in real life as he was on screen, bringing laughter and joy to those fortunate enough to know him.”
He is survived by his wife, Jodi Stevens; their son, Jackson Bryce; Scott’s brothers David and Phil; his nephew David, and niece Heather.
A celebration of life will be held in late September.
His obituary concludes: “’All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.’ Scott played his part beautifully — may the light, laughter and love he brought into the world forever live on.”
People “were caught off guard” when The Chase opened, Josh notes. There was some negativity on social media, but many more positive comments.
