Anthony Herrera, a daytime fixture for more than three decades, but who is best-known to daytime viewers for his work as James Stenbeck on As the World Turns, passed away on June 21 in Buenos Aries, Argentina. He was 67.

Herrera started his daytime career in 1975 as Mike Kaslo on Search for Tomorrow. He later played The Young and the Restless' Jack Curtis, and Dane Hammond on Loving. But Herrera will be remembered for nearly 30 years of torment he inflicted upon the residents of Oakdale as As the World Turns' James Stenbeck.

In 1997, Herrera was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and deadly form of cancer. Herrera made medical history when he underwent a stem cell transplant at Sloan-Kettering, and a donor transplant at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The disease sidelined Herrera for several years, but in an exclusive 2005 interview with Soap Central, the actor declared that he had been in "total remission... for four years."

"The success is due to brilliant doctors, finding the right hospital, and a positive attitude -- watching, questioning, and finding out," Herrera said of his remission.

Herrera chronicled his battle with cancer in the book, The Cancer War. The proceeds from the book benefited Poetry Theatre.

"Willie Nelson gave me the idea to put my one man show -- performing poetry -- on the web (www.poetrytheatre.org)," Herrera explained at the time. "The website gives poetry to everyone to inspire, to enjoy, and to learn."

Herrera's friends are speaking out about his passing.

"[J]ust heard the news about Anthony," former ATWT writer Tom Casiello posted on his Facebook page. "An incredible talent and amazing man. Such an honor to be a part of writing his return in 2000/2001. You touched many lives, dear friend..."

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Poetry Theatre, Inc.
210 West 70th Street #808
New York, NY 10023