It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Andrea Evans, the beloved star of “One Life” and “The Restless Young,” at the age of 66. Andrea’s life was filled with joy, but her battle with cancer came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday 9 July 2023, leaving a profound void in the entertainment industry that will be difficult to fill.
Andrea Evans was not just an actress; she was a beacon of light and inspiration for many. Her portrayal of the troubled young woman, Tina Lord, in “One Life” catapulted her to stardom and made her a household name. From 1978 to 1981 and again from 1985 to 1990, Andrea graced the screen with her incredible talent, captivating audiences everywhere.
Her contributions to the world of soap operas extended far beyond “One Life.” Andrea’s radiant presence lit up the screens of “The Restless Young,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” and “Passions,” leaving an indelible mark on each show she graced. Her versatility as an actress was evident in every role she undertook, earning her a well-deserved Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Drama in a Television Series in 1988.
Andrea’s journey in the entertainment industry began on June 18, 1957, in her hometown of Aurora, Illinois. Starting with local businesses and regional theater, she worked tirelessly to capture the hearts of a national audience. Her breakthrough came as an extra in the 1978 film “Fury,” directed by Brian De Palma, followed by a role in “Waking Land” the same year. Casting director Mary Jo Slater recognized Andrea’s talent and entrusted her with the iconic role of Tina Lord in “One Life.”
But Andrea’s life was not without its challenges. In 1990, she made the difficult decision to leave “One Life” due to being pursued by an overzealous fan. However, she returned to the show in 2008 and 2011, reminding everyone of her immense talent and unwavering dedication to her craft. In between her appearances on the show, Andrea graced other soap operas with her presence, continuing to captivate audiences with her magnetic performances.
Andrea’s impact extended far beyond the screen. She was a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, a cause that became deeply personal to her when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. Andrea fearlessly fought the disease and became a spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the American Cancer Society, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire others.
The news of Andrea’s passing has been confirmed by her former manager, Don Carroll, and her current manager, Nick Lighthizer. Both expressed deep sorrow and admired Andrea’s immense talent and unwavering professionalism. Those fortunate enough to work with her knew her not only as a gifted actress but also as a warm and joyful person on set.
The loss of Andrea Evans has left a void in the hearts of her husband, friends, and family. Melissa Archer, her co-star from “One Life,” described the news as utterly heartbreaking. Another co-star, Kassie DePaiva, expressed profound sadness and acknowledged Andrea’s significant influence on the soap opera industry. Frank Valentini, the former executive producer of “One Life” and current EP of “General Hospital,” paid tribute to Andrea, recalling her kindness and the immense joy she brought to the set.
Andrea’s legacy extends beyond her notable roles. In 2015, she received another well-deserved Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her work in the web series “DeVanity.” Her talent and unwavering dedication to her profession will forever be remembered.
Andrea Evans is survived by her husband, Stephen Rodriguez, whom she married in 1998, and their daughter, Kylie Lyn Rodriguez. She was previously married to her “One Life” co-star Wayne Massey from 1981 to 1983.
Andrea Evans will be remembered as a remarkably talented actress, a strong advocate, and a radiant presence in the entertainment industry. Her influence will continue to inspire, and her memory will live on forever in the hearts of her fans and all those who had the privilege of working alongside her. Rest in peace, Andrea, and thank you for the immeasurable joy you brought into our lives.
