Passions type TV Show network NBC genre Soaps

Josh Ryan Evans, who played the cursed Timmy, the enchanted doll, on the NBC soap ”Passions,” died Monday, the same day the series killed off his character, the Associated Press reports. The 20-year-old actor, who was 3-foot-2, suffered from a congenital disease that stunted his growth. Complications from his ailment led to surgery yesterday at a San Diego hospital, during which he died, NBC said in a statement.

Although Evans taped the episode featuring Timmy’s demise a month ago, the network said it was moving to edit any remaining Timmy scenes out of future ”Passions” episodes. ”We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of Josh Ryan Evans,” said the network statement. ”He was a truly unique talent with a remarkable spirit. He will be sorely missed by his ‘Passions’ family and by all of us at NBC.” By fans, too — he won two consecutive Soap Opera Digest awards as best male scene-stealer for his Pinocchio-like character, who was created by a witch but was recently transformed into a real boy.

Evans’ other work included film roles in ”Baby Geniuses” and ”How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” in which he played the young Grinch. Outside of ”Passions,” he was probably best known for his guest role as young lawyer Oren, a foe of Ally’s on ”Ally McBeal.”