One Life to LiveExecutive Producer Opens Up About ‘Tremendous Loss’ of Amanda Elizabeth Davies: ‘I Am Saddened’ (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Frank Valentini; Erika Slezak and Amanda Davies.Photo:getty (2)

getty (2)

TheOne Life to Livefamily is continuing to mourn the death ofAmanda Elizabeth Davies, the daughter of star Erika Slezak.

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE,One Life to Liveexecutive producer Frank Valentini has expressed his grief and extended his condolences to Davies' family.

“I had the great pleasure of watching Amanda Slezak grow up during my tenure atOne Life to Liveand know that Erika’s role as ‘mom’ was her most important,” the 61-year-old told PEOPLE on Tuesday. “I am so saddened to hear of her tremendous loss. My heart goes out to my dear friend, her family, and their friends during this difficult time.”

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Davies' mother starred as Victoria “Viki” Lord on the long-running series, which aired from 1968 until it was canceled in 2012. There was also a brief revival in 2013.

In 2003, Davis appeared in flashback episodes as her mother’s character.

Amanda Davies and mother Erika Slezak.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Davies' death was announced onSlezak’s websiteMonday. A rep for Slezak also confirmed Davies' death to PEOPLE. No other details were immediately available. Davies was 42.

“It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Erika’s daughter Amanda Elizabeth Davies who died very suddenly," the statement read. “The family is heartbroken and would appreciate privacy at this time.”

Davies came from a long line of Hollywood talent. Her father, Brian Davies, is also an actor, having starred inAmerican Gigolo,Convoy,The Age of Innocenceand other films.

Her late grandfather, Walter Slezak, was a Tony-winning actor who also made an appearance onOne Life to Livein 1976.

Erika Slezak and Amanda Davies.Robin Platzer/FilmMagic

Robin Platzer/FilmMagic

Slezak also mourned the loss ofOne Life to LivecostarAndrea Evans, who played her half-sister Tina Lord in the series, in July.

“Andrea and I worked together for so long,” Slezak wrote on her website after Evans died of cancer. “On her first day at work, she was living one block away from me and I walked her to work. She was just a child — never been to N.Y.C. — so sweet and kind and loving. Amazing that she played such a complicated, confused and selfish character so well.”

In December, twoOne Life to Livealums died —Ellen HollyandKamar de los Reyes.

Holly was the first Black person to star on a soap opera. The actress had become a household name with her portrayal of Carla Benari. She died in her sleep on Dec. 6 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, New York. She was 92.

De los Reyes died on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, a representative for his family confirmed to PEOPLE. He was known for his portrayal of the heroic Antonio Vega. He was 56.

source: people.com