Tom Ligon, the actor best known for his role as Lucas Prentiss on the soap opera The Young and the Restless, has died at the age of 85. The news was confirmed by SAG-AFTRA New York Local via a Facebook post, which celebrated his memory as a former board member and a 60-year union member.
Career Highlights on The Young and the Restless
Ligon played Lucas Prentiss from 1978 to 1982, a character involved in a love quadrangle with his onscreen brother Lance Prentiss (played by John McCook and Dennis Cole) and the Brooks sisters, Leslie (Victoria Mallory) and Lori (Jaime Lyn Bauer). His performance earned him a devoted fanbase.
Tributes from Fans and Colleagues
Following the announcement, devastated fans flooded the comment section. One wrote: "So sorry to hear this. A lovely man." Another said: "A good man. He will be missed." A third added: "Such a great loss. Such a grand life. Great actor. Star of stage and screen. Large and small."
Extensive Television and Film Career
Beyond The Young and the Restless, Ligon appeared in numerous other soap operas, including Santa Barbara, Loving, Another World, Dallas, and All My Children. His television credits also spanned Medical Center, Baretta, Charlie's Angels, Police Woman, Starsky & Hutch, Law & Order, and The Heart, She Holler.
Ligon's film roles included Paint Your Wagon (1969), Jump (1971), Bang the Drum Slowly (1973), Doctors in Love (1982), and Cutting Class (1989). He also appeared on Broadway in 1969, starring alongside Geraldine Page in Angela and Sandy Duncan in Love Is a Time of Day.
Personal Life and Legacy
Tom Ligon was married to actress and dialect coach Katharine Dunfee Clarke from 1976 until her death in 2009 from a blood disorder at age 60. He was a strong advocate for union merger and served as National Seniors Committee Chair and NY Seniors Committee Co-chair. SAG-AFTRA stated: "He will be deeply missed. #SagAftraMember since 1965."
