CBS soap star Henderson Forsythe is dead

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., April 20 (UPI) -- Henderson Forsythe, who played the beloved Dr. David Stewart for 31 years on CBS' "As the World Turns," has died in Virginia at 88.

Forsythe died Monday at his home in Williamsburg Landing, Va., The New York Times reported.

Forsythe was an accomplished stage actor and won a 1979 Tony Award for his portrayal of Ed Earl Dodd in Broadway's bawdy musical, "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas."

He also created supporting roles in the stage productions of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," "A Delicate Balance," "The Texas Trilogy" and "The Birthday Party."

Forsythe replaced Ernest Graves in "As the World Turns" in 1960 and portrayed Dr. Stewart until the character's unfortunate demise in 1991.

His film credits include "Silkwood" and "End of the Line" while his TV roles ranged from the father of "Dr. Kildare" to episodes of "Law & Order." In 1994, he was Col. Harland Sanders in commercials for KFC restaurants.

Forsythe is survived by his wife, two sons and four grandchildren.