Risky Business, Beverly Hills 90210 actor was 89

Nicholas Pryor, who played the father of both Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. in “Risky Business” and “Less Than Zero,” died of cancer on October 7 at age 89 in Wilmington, North Carolina.

His agent Susan Tolar Walters said: “He was one of the nicest people I have ever met and we will miss him.”

The actor, whose career spanned seven decades, also played the father of Kathleen Robertson’s character in “Beverly Hills, 90210” in 26 episodes from 1994 to 1997. From 1997 to 2002, Pryor starred in the “General Hospital” spinoff “Port Charles,” playing former spy Victor Collins. His daytime soap opera career also included stints on The Secret Storm, The Edge of Night, Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, All My Children and Another World.

Pryor’s other screen credits include Halloween Kills, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, The Outsider, Doctor Sleep, A Summer’s Day, Buster’s Mal Heart, Cosmic Kiosk, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1,” “Constantine,” “Nashville,” and “Hart of Dixie.”

Emmy nominee Jon Lindstrom paid tribute to Pryor on He died on October 7, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Nick is perhaps best known for his role as the father of #TomCruise in #RiskyBusiness or the father of #RobertDowneyJr in #LessThanZero. He shared the screen with the likes of #JackNicholson #KurtRussell #EwanMcGregor. Too many to really name. He starred on #Broadway and did great work in film and television for over 60 years. But to me he was my friend. One of the best I’ve ever had. He was a mentor, a sounding board, a trusted confidant and even a father figure, yes, he played my own father in #GH and #PortCharles. And he was one of the funniest people to spend time with over a bottle of good wine and a great meal. I will miss him terribly, as will his beautiful wife Christina, his daughter Stacey and his two grandchildren Gus and Avril. RIP #FlightOfAngels #RIP @GeneralHospital”

Pryor and his wife Christine Belford worked together on “Beverly Hills, 90210” and married in 1993. Pryor is survived by his wife, daughter Stacey and two grandchildren.