Jackson Bryce’s emotional tribute to his father was met with kind words from Scott’s fellow soap opera stars, including Maura West and Martha Byrne.

Scott Bryce’s son reveals how ‘As the World Turns’ star wants to be remembered

Jackson Bryce’s emotional tribute to his father was met with kind words from Scott’s fellow soap opera stars, including Maura West and Martha Byrne.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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July 15, 2026 12:30 p.m. ET

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Scott Bryce with his son Jackson and wife, Jodi Stevens. Credit:

Jackson Bryce/Instagram(2)

- Scott Bryce’s son, Jackson, has penned an emotional tribute to his father who died July 12 after an “aggressive” battle with stomach and esophageal cancer.

- In his post, Jackson reveals how the *As the World Turns* actor hoped to be remembered.

- The tribute inspired kind words from Bryce’s former costars, Maura West and Martha Byrne, who praised his kindness and love for his family.

*As the World Turns* star Scott Bryce knew how he wanted to be remembered before his death.

The soap opera star, who is best known for originating the role of charismatic antihero Craig Montgomery on the long-running drama, died on Sunday, July 12 at 68 after an “aggressive” battle with stomach and esophageal cancer, a rep for the actor told **. In the wake of his death, Bryce’s son Jackson paid tribute to his career and ruminated on the legacy that he left behind.

“This evening my father lost his long-fought battle with cancer,” Jackson began his emotional July 12 post. “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him. Through radiation, chemo and immunotherapy, and every moment of pain, I watched my dad face it all with pride and courage, and an unshakable belief that somehow, everything would work out and he would win.”

Jackson shared that just one week before his father’s death — despite “battling brain tumors, slurred speech and blurry vision” — he remained unshakeable in his belief that he would beat the disease.

“He looked me in the eyes as clear as he could and told me he still believed he had a chance,” Jackson wrote. “And that he was willing to fight as hard as it took… May his strength and relentless belief forever live within me. He fought the hardest and most honorable fight I have ever witnessed.”

Scott Bryce on ‘As the World Turns’.

CBS/Courtesy Everett

Jackson went on to acknowledge that his father “lived a life worth celebrating,” pointing to his long list of credits, including his role on *As the World Turns, *which he appeared across three decades. He additionally pointed to the fact that Bryce was nominated for two Emmys during his tenure on the show, and “worked alongside some of the greatest in the industry.”

Jackson then shared that prior to his father’s death, he asked the actor how he wanted people to remember him.

“He said, ‘I was a one-take actor. Two takes, max,’” Jackson wrote. “In working with Dick Wolf on NBC, directors would schedule him at the end of the day because they knew it wouldn’t take long.”

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That said, he noted that the performer often said that his “greatest accomplishment” in life was becoming a father.

“He supported me as far as a father possibly could,” Jackson wrote. “He was the loudest voice in the stands at every basketball game. He took me across the country to chase my dreams and would have done anything to see me succeed. Being my father was always his top priority.”

Jackson concluded, “He is a part of everything I’ve done and everything I will do.I am endlessly grateful God chose him to be my father, and I am so proud to be his son… Until we meet again.”

Scott Bryce on ‘As the World Turns’.

Robert VoetsCBS/Courtesy Everett

Jackson’s tribute was met with an outpouring of love from both fans and former colleagues of his father. Among them were a few of his *As the World Turns* costars, including Maura West, who began her career as fan-favorite character, Carly Tenney.

“I had the pleasure of working with your Dad on *ATWT*. During those days several of us would meet at certain locations and ride together from Manhattan out to the studio in Brooklyn,” West wrote in a comment under Jackson’s post. “It was during those rides that your Dad and I talked about family … mine and his.”

She continued, “He LOVED being an actor, of course, but it was super obvious that he loved being a husband to your Mom and your Dad even more. He would say often, ‘I’m the luckiest man in the world,’ which is something far too many men say without really meaning or believing it. Thing about your dad: he did believe it. More than that, he KNEW it. Honestly, I can still see his beaming smile with your name on his lips. The luckiest man, indeed.”

Fellow *As the World Turns* alum Martha Byrne praised Jackson’s “beautiful tribute,” writing, “I started working with your dad when I was 15. He was everything you posted in his heart when I met him. A mentor, kind and wanted a young actor to be the best they could be. It was an honor to know him and being your dad was most certainly his proudest footprints here on Earth.”

Maura West, Lucie Arnaz and Martha Byrne.

Jackson also received kind words from Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz who was a longtime friend of Bryce’s.

“Jackson, I never got to really know you as the grown up you are today, but I do know what a celebration there was when your beautiful mom finally got pregnant with you after waiting so long for a baby,” Arnaz began. “Your dad was a gentleman of the first order. A great mind. A delicious wit. A skilled and intelligent actor and a great friend.”

She continued, “He adored you. Full stop. He and your mom reveled in each of your accomplishments through the years and were beaming with pride when you became this spectacular basketball player! You must know or feel that, although you can’t see him, he is going to be with you until you meet again.”

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After telling Jackson that he will always have the guidance of his father and mother both, she concluded, “I know you will carry his legacy brilliantly.”

Bryce joined* As the World Turns* in 1982 and remained for nearly a decade, departing in 1991. He would return to the show twice, from 1993 to 1994 and again from 2007 to 2008. His additional credits include episodes of *Blue Bloods, Homeland, 30 Rock, Sex and the City, The Golden Girls*, and more.

Bryce is survived by wife Jodi Stevens, who he wed in 2003, and their son, Jackson.

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