The world of soap operas lost a true legend when Susan Lucci's beloved husband, Helmut Huber, passed away at the age of 84. After an incredible 52-year marriage, Helmut left behind not only a grieving widow but also a legacy of love and devotion. Helmut's sudden death in March 2022 left Susan heartbroken, but she has continued to honor his memory in countless ways. Scroll below to learn more about their incredible love story.

Who Was Helmut Huber, Susan Lucci’s Beloved Husband?

Their love story began in the summer of 1965 at the Garden City Hotel in Long Island, New York. Susan, just 18 years old at the time, was working as a waitress during her college break, while Helmut, an Austrian-born chef, was honing his culinary skills. The moment Helmut laid eyes on Susan, he knew she was special. “The first time I saw Susie, it hit me,” he once told People in a heartfelt 1999 interview. “Even today, when she walks into a room, I just light up.”

For Susan, Helmut was an attractive older man who caught her attention despite her being involved with someone else. She had plans to marry another man, but fate had other ideas. Helmut's charm and sincerity left an indelible mark on Susan's family, especially during her engagement party in 1968. He was visiting friends at the hotel where the celebration was being held when Susan's parents invited him to join them. Helmut boldly predicted to Susan's mother that her relationship with her fiancé wouldn’t last. And, as it turned out, he was absolutely right.

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Susan Lucci Mourns Death of Husband Helmut Huber — Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock

True to his word, Helmut's prediction came true within months. Susan ended her engagement and started dating Helmut. The couple tied the knot on September 13, 1969, just a year before Susan made her iconic debut as Erica Kane on ABC's All My Children. Helmut became her rock, supporting her through thick and thin. He was there for Susan during her 20 heartbreaking Daytime Emmy Award losses and celebrated her eventual victory in 1999 after nearly two decades of trying.

"Helmut’s passing is a tremendous loss for all who knew and loved him," a representative for Susan said at the time of his death. "He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend. The family kindly asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult time."

In February 2023, Susan opened up about her grief during an emotional appearance on Today. "It’s awful, he was great," she said. "If he hadn’t been so good, it would be a lot easier. But he was the love of my life, and he was spectacular. Coping and dealing, that’s what you do. You put one foot in front of the other and try to do the best you can, and that’s what I’m doing."

Did Susan Lucci and Helmut Huber Have Children Together?

The couple's love story extended to their family life, welcoming daughter Liza Huber in 1975 and son Andreas Huber a few years later. Liza followed in her mother's footsteps, starring in the NBC soap opera Passions, but eventually retired in 2008 to focus on raising her four children.

In a heartfelt 2015 interview with Closer, Susan shared how Helmut literally saved her life shortly after their wedding. "Very early on in our marriage, we were skiing in Tignes Le Lac in France, and I fell off the lift," she recalled. "We were only midway up the mountain, and I slipped and was sliding, and it was above the trees, so there was nothing to grab onto."

Thankfully, Helmut was an experienced skier. "He schussed down below me and managed to stop my fall. It was a good sign that he saved me. Otherwise, I would have fallen thousands of feet off a cliff!" Susan gushed, adding, "I got a good one!" After more than five decades of love and laughter, it's clear Susan truly did.