There’s something about losing someone you’ve known for decades that makes the pain so much more profound. For Michael Easton, saying goodbye to his One Life to Live costar Kamar de los Reyes was no ordinary farewell. Kamar passed away on December 24, 2023, at the age of 56 after battling cancer. Michael, now 57, has opened up about those final moments he spent with his dear friend, painting a picture of love and gratitude that surrounded Kamar in his final hours.
“I was holding his hand as he took his last breath,” Michael recalled during the Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up to Cancer – We All Have a Story event on May 16. “He wasn’t alone. He was surrounded by family, friends, and an overwhelming amount of love. Kamar touched so many lives in ways that words can’t fully capture. That’s what made him such a special person.”
A Celebration of Life Filled with Love
When it came time to honor Kamar’s life, the memorial service was nothing short of extraordinary. Held in the largest room at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles, the gathering brought together a who’s who of Hollywood—and beyond. “It was packed. People stretched all the way outside,” Michael said, emphasizing the magnitude of the turnout. “There were folks who hadn’t seen him in 20 years, yet they still felt compelled to show up and pay their respects. That speaks volumes about the kind of impact Kamar had on people’s lives.”
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Among the attendees were numerous cast members from both One Life to Live and All American, where Kamar also left an indelible mark. The sheer number of people present was a testament to his enduring legacy and the deep connections he forged over the years.
A Three-Decade Bond Forged on Screen and Off
Michael and Kamar’s journey together began long before One Life to Live. Their professional relationship started back in 1990 when they starred in the film Coldfire. From that moment on, a lifelong friendship blossomed. “Our connection lasted 30 years,” Michael reflected. “We first worked together in 1990, and I’ll never forget how I felt when we met. I was nervous and reserved, but Kamar’s confidence and charisma immediately drew me in. He was larger than life—a true force of nature.”
On One Life to Live, Kamar played Antonio Vega opposite Michael’s John McBain from 1995 to 2009. Beyond the screen, their bond only grew stronger. “Kamar wasn’t just a colleague; he became family,” Michael explained. “He stood by me through thick and thin, and I did the same for him. He was the best man at my wedding, and I’m godfather to his son Michael. His loss has been deeply felt by everyone who knew him.”
Kamar’s strength and resilience in the face of adversity left an indelible mark on everyone who crossed his path. “He fought fiercely until the very end,” Michael said. “Kamar never lost hope. His faith was unshakable, and his love for his family—his wife Sherri Saum and their children Michael and John, as well as his son Caylen from a previous relationship—was the driving force that kept him going.”
A Final Farewell and Lasting Legacy
When Kamar passed, Michael penned a heartfelt tribute on Facebook. “We’re all broken now, but grateful for the time we shared,” he wrote. “Though the nights may feel darker without him, I know his light still shines brightly, guiding us forward. Wherever you are, my friend, I’ll join you someday. Until then, I love you, brother.”
Sherri and Kamar’s children—twins Michael and John, along with Caylen—were the center of his universe. “Kamar was a fighter. He battled with every ounce of strength he had,” Michael concluded. “He loved deeply and was loved just as much in return. His memory will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched.”
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