Soap opera legend David Canary dies at 77

Soap opera legend David Canary passed away on November 16, 2015, at the age of 77.

The blue-eyed Canary first appeared on All My Children as Adam in 1984 and received five outstanding actor Emmy Awards and 16 nominations through 2001.

The actor was a native of Elwood, Ind., near Indianapolis.

He was offered the chance to go pro with the Denver Broncos, but turned it down to pursue acting in NY City. During his two years in the U.S. Army, Canary won the All-Army Entertainment Contest in 1963. He later appeared in a two-part Gunsmoke episode called Nitro, by David Dortort, Bonanza producer, who tapped him to play the role of Candy Canaday, ranch foreman of the Ponderosa, on the iconic western series. He retired from acting in 2010 but returned to play the Chandler brothers for several days before the show’s emotional September 2011 finale.

His soap career began with the role of Mia Farrow’s physical therapist, Dr. Russ Gehrig, on “Peyton Place”.

In October 1981 he joined the cast of NBC daytime drama Another World as Steven Frame.

Canary is survived by his wife Maureen, son Christopher and daughter Kathryn. Not only did Canary make “All My Children” his soap home, but he also moonlighted on “One Life To Live” for a few years as his “AMC” character Chandler.

Funeral services will be private with a public service to be announced.

For those who are feeling generous, donations in David’s memory can be made out to the Alzheimer’s Association by visiting alz.org “David Canary Memorial Fund”.

A memorial tribute will be held at a later date.