It is with sadness beyond words I must report that my dear friend, Clint Ritchie, died this past Saturday morning, January 31, 2009, following a brief illness, in Roseville, California.

Clint enjoyed a long, successful acting career in major motion pictures and prime time television, followed by more than twenty years portraying “Clint Buchanan” on ABC’s daytime drama, “One Life to Live.” He retired in December 1998, but was lured out of retirement for several short returns to the airwaves, the last in 2004.

Clint spent his retirement years at his beloved “Happy Horse Ranch,” his 60-acre Northern California paradise where he contentedly resided with approximately 30 to 40 horses, several dogs, and more cats than he could count.

Clint leaves behind his family, numerous close friends, and legions of devoted fans who never lost interest in his career.

This website will remain online as a tribute to Clint and his legacy of outstanding performances. I invite you to watch clips of some of Clint’s most memorable on-screen moments, and read more about Clint’s life and career. Click here to read “Heart to Heart,” a multi-chapter work about fictional “Clint Buchanan” written by long-time fan J.B.

Messages of condolence may be forwarded to:

The Family of Clint Ritchie
P.O. Box 277
Chicago Park, California 95712

Janie Hickok Siess, Esq.
“The Woman from Lodi”
February 2, 2009

Tributes to Clint

• Carry On Clint Ritchie by Catherine Hickland (”Lindsay” on “One Life to Live”)
• Tuesday’s Tribute: Clint Ritchie
• Clint Ritchie and the Buchanan Years Remembered
• Rest in Peace, Clint Ritchie
• Statement from Robin Strasser (”Dorian” on “One LIfe to Live”): In reference to both Clint and Phil Carey: “They were both great guys. Not easy, not uncomplicated, bigger than life. Clint, I’m sure, is with as many horses as you can possibly be surrounded by and on top of one of them, riding free. It was never simple with women but it was unconditional about horses. Their spirits are set free and I feel so lucky to have known them. I celebrate their legacy. My condolences to their near and dear. . . . Wherever [Clint] is, I hope that he’s on his favorite horse, riding free, getting togehter for a few good ones with Phil Carey.” To hear Robin’s entire message, call (212) 414-5300.
• Statement from Hillary B. Smith (”Nora” on “One Life to Life”): “I am saddened by the news of Clint Ritchie’s passing. I had the honor of working with him long after I became a die-hard fan of his work. He was a tender-hearted soul wrapped up in a tough cowboy exterior. He smiled with a naughty twinkle, would pass you in the hall with a wink and a pinch and lived his life with an uncontained passion. What a guy! Here’s to you, Clint! It is amazing to lose Clint Ritchie and Phil Carey in the same week, and yet I don’t think they would have wanted it any other way. I just hope they both end up in the same place or there will be Hell to pay . . . literally.”
• Statement from Erika Slezak (”Viki” on “One Life to Live”): “I was incredibly sad to learn that my colleague and friend, Clint Ritchie, passed away on January 31. Clint and I worked together for nearly twenty years, and shared some wonderful stories together. Clint will be missed by me and his family here at One Life to Live.”
• Statement from Frankie Valentini, “One Life to Live’s” Executive Producer: “We are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Clint Ritchie. He will always have a special place in our hearts and One Life to Live’s legacy. With his creation of the role of Clint Buchanan, he helped to bring to life one of the most memorable families in the show’s history. The OLTL family will always hold dear the memories of the man we fondly referred to as ‘Bucky.’ Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”