Shortly following the heartbreaking news that five-time Emmy Award-winning actor David Canary (ex-Adam/Stuart Chandler) had died at the age of 77, his coworkers and friends from the industry shared their grief and sentiments on social media.

"For more than two decades David Canary defined daytime drama on ABC," stated ABC on its network publicity account on Twitter. "Our hearts go out to his family and we mourn his passing."

"David, you were a mentor a friend and of course a father to me," wrote Jacob Young (ex-JR Chandler, AMC; Rick Forrester, The Bold and the Beautiful). "I have learned so much from you. You taught me how to be a better actor and better gentleman. The world just lost one of the greatest. I will miss you so. I love you."

"I just learned the news that the wonderful David Canary has passed away -- I saw it posted on Kelly Ripa's site," wrote Susan Lucci (ex-Erica Kane). "My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to his wife Mo and his children, Christopher and Katie. Rest in peace, David -- you warm and generous, talented and fabulous man, actor and friend! I am so grateful to have known you -- and to have had the privilege of sharing the AMC stage with you! I will never forget you."

"David Canary was my TV soul mate! I could not have asked for anything more in an actor or a fellow human being," Julia Barr (Brooke English) said in a statement. "He was the essence of kindness, a gentleman and my years of playing Brooke to his Adam were a joy! We were all blessed to have him in our lives."

"The best of the best is gone," Jennifer Bassey (Marian Colby) shared on Twitter. "David Canary, great actor, terrific gentleman, kind, considerate and funny. I will always miss him. So sad."

"I was so lucky to know him, work with him, even marry him on TV," wrote Melissa Claire Egan (ex-Annie Chandler, AMC; Chelsea Lawson, Y&R). "David Canary was a love, a kind gentleman, & true talent."

"Too soon. Oh, way too soon..." wrote Vincent Irizarry (ex-David Hayward, AMC). "What a dear, dear man; a true gentleman in every sense of the word. So saddened by the loss of this wonderful man and great talent. To work opposite him, as much as I had been privileged to do throughout all those years, was synonymous to watching a master class in progress. The living embodiment of the term consummate professional, but even more important, a gentle spirit and soul; kind and generous to all he came into contact with. I will forever remember you lovingly, Mr. Canary, with equal parts gratitude and unending respect, blessed as I was to have had the joy of knowing you and working beside you. Thank you for making our world a much more beautiful place... RIP #DavidCanary"

"My heart goes out 2 the Canarys. David was one of the kindest & humble spirits I've ever had the good fortune of working with. God Bless!" wrote Debbi Morgan (ex-Angie Hubbard).

"#rip #DavidCanary You were the epitome of class. It was a joy and an honor to call you a colleague. #AllMyChildren" posted Sarah Michelle Gellar (ex-Kendall Hart).

"RIP David Canary. You inspired me," wrote Rebecca Budig (ex-Greenlee Smythe, AMC; Hayden Barnes, General Hospital).

"My heart is sad," wrote Alicia Minshew (ex-Kendall Hart). "I had the great privilege of working with beautiful, talented man. Sending love to his family."

"RIP David Canary #AMC Such a talented man who entertained so many for so many years" said JR Martinez (ex-Brot Monroe).

"Sad to hear of the passing of David Canary. I will never forget his brilliant portrayal of Adam & Stuart on #AMC," shared former One Life to Live and General Hospital head writer Ron Carlivati.

"I'm heartbroken," wrote Ricky Paull Goldin (ex-Jake Martin, AMC).

"I am saddened by the passing of fellow AMC cast mate David Canary," wrote John Callahan (ex-Edmund Grey) on Facebook. "He was the consummate actor. Talented, humble, classy, and a friend to all. My deepest sympathies to Maureen and your family. He not only entertained millions, he showed hundreds of actors how to perform with grace. RIP."

"RIP David Canary. Loved working with you on AMC... loved you as a human," wrote Matt Borlenghi (ex-Brian Bodine).

What is your reaction to Canary's passing? Can you name your favorite memory of his time on AMC? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our message boards, or by submitting Feedback.

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