David Canary, the Emmy Award-winning actor and star of ABC's "All My Children" died on Nov. 16 in Wilton, Connecticut due to natural causes, according to TVLine. He was 77. His family announced his passing a little late but it was probably to give them private time to mourn.

David's Acting Career

The actor is from Elwood, Ind., but he spent his childhood and teen years in Massillon, Ohio. Since 1965, he appeared in a lot of television programs like Alias Smith and Jones, Hawaii Five-0, One Life to Live, and more, but his most notable roles are as Candy Canaday in "Bonanza" and as the Chandler twins named Adam and Stuart in "All My Children," a series which run for almost three decades -- from 1984-2011.

In the 80s, Canary also entered the theater and debuted in Broadway through "Great Day in the Morning." From then on, had performed in various musicals such as Sweeny Todd, Carousel, Man of La Mancha, and the dramatic play, "The Seagull."

The actor retired in the entertainment business in 2010 but he still continued to occasionally appear on "All My Children" until it ended four years ago.

Throughout his career, he bagged the Outstanding Lead Actor award, five times, from the Daytime Emmy Awards. Canary was also nominated eleven times for his roles on TV soaps and his most recent nomination was in 2008, under the "Best Lead Actor" category.

Personal Life and Community Service

He completed his music degree at the University of Cincinnati where he earned football scholarship. Later, he got an offer to play for Denver Broncos as a professional player but he refused and went to New York instead to become an actor.

He married Julie M. Anderson, a producer and production manager, in 1965 and had a daughter named Lisa Canary. They separated in 1971.

He met his second wife, actress Maureen Maloney in 1975 and he brought her to Wilton in 1983. They produced two children together - Chris and Kate.

Canary and Maloney are very active in their community and well-known for being generous. The couple started to be heavily involved in community works after realizing that the local organization has so much to gain from their talents.

In addition, every year, they make sure to participate in fund-raisers, particularly if it involves acting and music. With their dedication and service to the community, they were honored with "Distinguished Citizens of the Year" award from the YMCA in Wilton.

Close Colleagues Mourn His Death

Upon hearing the news of Canary's demise, Kelly Ripa, his ‘daughter' in "All My Children" expressed her sadness via social media. The "Live with Kelly & Michael" host
Tweeted:

"So sad to learn of the passing of the great David Canary. A incredibly talented actor. A wonderful man. I was lucky to know you."

Eric Nelsen who played as his grandson also posted on Twitter: "A true legend is gone. I will forever cherish the memories of playing your grandson on @allmychildren #DavidCanary. May you rest in peace."

Meanwhile, on Wilton Bulletin's obituary, it was stated that the funeral services is going to be held at the Bouton Funeral Homes in Georgetown and only immediate family members are expected to attend. The date for the memorial tribute is still not available but it is already being planned.