Who is Eddie Alderson? One Life To Live star turned Amtrak Police officer hailed a hero after saving a rail conductor’s life

Eddie Alderson, known for portraying Matthew Buchanan on One Life to Live, recently made it to the headlines for all the right reasons. The former child actor, who currently serves as an Amtrak Police officer, saved the life of a rail conductor by performing CPR until medical help arrived.

Eddie is the younger brother of his One Life to Live co-star and actor-singer Kristen Alderson. The Pennsylvania-born actor spent his childhood days in LA and New York City but was primarily raised in Philadelphia. Eddie Alderson, who made his on-screen debut at 6, spoke during a 2021 interview,

“Don’t forget where you came from and be true to yourself… I grew up commuting to New York and LA, but I always came back to my home in Philadelphia, and my parents instilled the importance of doing normal ‘kid activities’.”

The promising child artist worked on Reservation Road, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly, and Mark Ruffalo. Eddie played the son of Ruffalo’s character in the 2007 crime drama feature. He later acted in the Angelina Jolie starrer Changeling, which was directed and produced by Clint Eastwood.

Alderson moved away from the entertainment industry in the later years. In 2016, he was diagnosed with lymphoma. After a couple of years of health struggles and chemotherapy, it was reported that the OLTL star was cancer-free.

In 2022, Eddie got engaged to his longtime girlfriend Sylwia Pracon, and the couple married in October last year at Pennsylvania’s Czestochowa Church. Alderson’s sister, Kristen, also posted about his marriage, sharing many pictures from the ceremony.

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Internet users laud Eddie Alderson after 6 ABC reports on his story of saving a rail conductor’s life

The actor-turned-Amtrak Police officer received praise on social media when WPVI-TV (6 ABC) reported on his life-saving actions.

“Eddie Alderson (Matthew Buchanan) is a real-life hero! What an amazing story 🥹 #OLTL #OneLifetoLive,” a user wrote.

“That’s awesome, amazing story, sound like he was at risk himself and did it anyways! Miracle! His sister must be so proud too! Kristen Alderson (Starr/Kiki #GH),” another user replied.

“He’s such a hero right now. 👏👏👏👏👏👏,” someone voiced a similar opinion.

“I am so proud of Eddie,” another one posted on X.

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Amtrak Police Officer Eddie Alderson saved conductor Steven Smart's life by performing a "life-saving CPR"

The incident happened at the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Officer Alderson responded to a medical emergency from track 4, where conductor Steven Smart was lying unconscious on the floor and was not breathing. Eddie was the first to reach the scene and performed CPR without waiting for the EMS paramedics.

Ultimately, the help arrived, and Smart was rushed to the emergency room, 6 ABC reported. The conductor met the Amtrak Police officer after recovering and told the channel,

“I'm looking at a real-life angel. He's [Eddie] a real-life angel and he saved my life. I am grateful to him, my train crew that knew what to do.”

Eddie told 6 ABC,

“I don't like to deem myself a hero, I was just doing my job. You always hope for a good outcome... and luckily for him, it turned out ok.”

Steven Smart’s fiancée revealed to the TV station that doctors told her even if “he made it through, he will be in a vegetative state.” Fortunately, the conductor recovered “against all odds.” She also credited Eddie Alderson for his “fast actions” that saved Steven’s life.