Don Stewart, widely recognized for his portrayal of Michael “Mike” Bauer on the CBS soap opera Guiding Light, passed away on January 9, 2006. He was 70 years old. Stewart battled aplastic anemia for two years and was diagnosed with lung cancer in June 2005.
Donald Bruce Stewart was born on November 14, 1935, in Great Kills, Staten Island, New York, to Dr. George and F. Marian Stewart. He spent his childhood in Nebraska.
From Air Force Pilot to Soap Opera Star
Stewart had a passion for both flying and singing. After college, he served in the U.S. Air Force, piloting B-47 medium-range bombers. He became the youngest aircraft commander in the Strategic Air Command. After six years of active duty, Stewart pursued a career in singing and acting while continuing to fly in the Air Force Reserve.
Don Stewart’s Role as Michael Bauer on Guiding Light
In 1968, Don Stewart began his 16-year run as Michael Bauer on Guiding Light. His role as Mike Bauer allowed him to explore musical theater, solo concerts, and nightclub performances. During this period, he married and had two daughters.
Life After Guiding Light
Following his departure from The Guiding Light in 1985, Stewart relocated to California with his family. He broadened his career, appearing in films, stage productions, commercials, voice-overs, and television guest spots. Notable film credits include The Betty Ford Story, American Ninja, and Lost.
In 2000, after a decade-long friendship, he married Carol Gemberling, a nurse practitioner, in August 2005.
Stewart was preceded in death by his parents and sister. He is survived by his wife, Carol, his daughters Heather and Genevra, his stepson Brent, his brothers George and Jack Stewart, his sister-in-law Carolyn, several nieces and nephews, and his ex-wife.
A memorial service for close friends and family was held on January 14, 2006, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Santa Barbara.
