Nancy McKeon Says She’s ‘Forever Grateful’ She Chose Scott Bryce as Her “Facts of Life” Husband as She Honors the Late Actor

Bryce had a recurring role as Jo Polniaczek’s beau-turned-spouse in the show’s final season in 1988

NEED TO KNOW

• Nancy McKeon shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram in honor of Scott Bryce after news of his death at 68
• The actress, 60, shared memories of working with Bryce on The Facts of Life in 1988
• McKeon revealed that she picked Bryce to be her on-screen husband in her tribute to the late actor

Nancy McKeon is remembering her costar’s talent.

The Facts of Life actress shared a tribute on Instagram Tuesday, July 14 in honor of actor Scott Bryce. The As the World Turns star died at 68, his son confirmed via Instagram on July 12.

Sharing memories of her time working with Bryce in the last year of The Facts of Life, on which she played Jo Polniaczek from 1980 to 1988, McKeon wrote, “I am incredibly sad to learn that we have lost the lovely and talented Scott Bryce…💔.”

“As a fan, I loved watching his work on the soap opera As the World Turns, and when our writers on FOL wanted to cast the man that Jo would eventually marry, I quickly and enthusiastically asked that they please consider Scotty…🤗,” she recalled.

McKeon concluded, “His talent won them over as well! …an absolute privilege and am forever grateful for such beautiful memories…💜 …his son @jdotbryce wrote such an incredible tribute to his dad…my love and prayers to your family 💙🙏.”

All three of McKeon’s Facts of Life costars commented. Mindy Cohn wrote, “💔❤️. What a loss. I adore him SO!” Lisa Whelchel added, “So very very sad. What a sweet and talented man. 💔😢” Kim Fields said, “OH NO!!!!😢 ❤️.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The actor’s son, Jackson Bryce, also shared a tribute to his late father and a collection of photos

“This evening, my father lost his long-fought battle with cancer. What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him,” he wrote. “Through radiation, chemo and immunotherapy, and every moment of pain, I watched my dad face it all with pride and courage, and an unshakable belief that somehow, everything would work out and he would win.”

“Even just a week before he passed, while battling brain tumors, slurred speech and blurry vision, he looked me in the eyes as clear as he could and told me he still believed he had a chance — and that he was willing to fight as hard as it took,” Jackson continued, adding, Scott “fought the hardest and most honorable fight I have ever witnessed.”

Jackson’s post highlighted his father’s career as an “incredibly successful actor,” who earned two Daytime Emmy Award nominations “and worked alongside some of the greatest in the industry.”

“When asked what he wanted people to remember about him, he said, ‘I was a one-take actor. Two takes, max.’ In working with Dick Wolf on NBC, directors would schedule him at the end of the day because they knew it wouldn’t take long,” Jackson continued.

“My dad also made sure I knew his greatest accomplishment that came at 50 years old,  becoming a Dad,” he shared. “He supported me as far as a father possibly could. He was the loudest voice in the stands at every basketball game. He took me across the country to chase my dreams and would have done anything to see me succeed. Being my father was always his top priority.”

The comments were flooded with condolences. Whelchel wrote, “Beautiful tribute. Your dad was such a sweet and fun and talented man to work with. Sending prayers that you may be comforted by the Comforter. 🕊️” Cohn also commented, “💔❤️ Sending you my deepest condolences.”