'One Life To Live' Star Andrea Evans 'Inspired' Her Family Who Remembered Her As 'Fearless' In Her Cancer Battle

Jul 31, 2023

Andrea Evans was an American actress notable for her work in soap operas. Born on June 18, 1957, in Aurora, Illinois, Evans gained fame for her portrayal of the character Tina Lord on the soap opera "One Life to Live." She played the role on and off from 1978 to 2011, making occasional returns to the show over the years.

In her time on "One Life to Live," Evans had been recognized with several award nominations and accolades, including a Daytime Emmy nomination.

Apart from "One Life to Live," Evans appeared in other soap operas, further showcasing her versatility as an actress. She portrayed Patty Williams on "The Young and the Restless" and Tawny Moore on "The Bold and the Beautiful." Additionally, she had a stint on the supernatural show "Passions" as Rebecca Hotchkiss.

Sadly, Evans passed away on July 9, 2023. Her former manager, Don Carroll, confirmed to People Magazine that the actress died from breast cancer at the age of 66. Evans was survived by her husband, Stephen Rodriguez, whom she had married in 1998. She was previously married to Wayne Massey, her co-star in “One Life to Live” from 1981 to 1983. 

At one point in her stint in “One Life to Live,” Evans had to leave the show because of security concerns. A stalk reportedly accosted her while at the show’s studio in Manhattan in 1987. The stalker went on to send her death threats, with some written in blood, People Magazine reported.

Evans’ family remembered her very deeply for the strength and courage she displayed throughout her battle with breast cancer.

Evans’ last manager, Nick Leicht, confirmed her death to People Magazine, calling her a “tremendous talent and an absolute joy to work with."

Meanwhile, Evans’ surviving husband had nothing but kind words about his wife. 

“Andrea was a remarkable individual, cherished by all who knew her. Her unwavering strength, positivity, and indomitable spirit inspired us every step of the way throughout her fearless fight against this relentless disease,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

Rodriguez also noted that Evans faced breast cancer with “grace, resilience, and an enduring love for life.” Spending more than three decades together, he said that Evans was more than just a “great wife and mother;” she was his “rock.”

“Cancer killed Andrea, but it did not kill her spirit. That spirit is alive and well and lives on in each one of us, whom she touched,” he went on to say. 

Her 19-year-old surviving daughter, Kylie, faced an “immeasurable loss" after Evans’ "courageous battle with cancer," as per a statement.

“While I struggle to come to terms with her passing, I am profoundly grateful for the love and support we have received from family, friends, and the community. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the healthcare professionals who cared for my mother throughout this incredibly challenging process.”

Kylie said, "Throughout her fight with cancer, my mom displayed awe-inspiring strength." She went on to say in the statement: “Although my mother's physical presence is no longer with us, her love and spirit will forever endure. The lessons she taught me about resilience, kindness, and love will guide me through the difficult journey ahead.”

Were you a fan of Andrea Evans? What was your favorite performance of hers? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other Andrea Evans fans!