Michael Louden, 40; Actor in Soap Operas, Films and L.A. Stage

Actor Michael Louden, 40, who had a starring role as Duke Kramer on the soap opera “As the World Turns” and appeared on stage and in several movies, died at his Hollywood home Saturday. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Louden appeared on “As the World Turns” for three seasons beginning in 1988. He also played Kenny Reed on “Another World” and appeared in “One Life to Live.”

His theater credits include “Three Feet Under,” an offbeat comedy directed by Lily Tomlin and presented last month at the Evidence Room in Los Angeles.

Louden also appeared as Lucio in a 1996 production of “Measure for Measure” in New York and as Timon in a 1998 production of “Timon of Athens” in Los Angeles. He was cast as Lenny in Harold Pinter’s “The Homecoming” during the upcoming winter theater season at A Noise Within in Glendale.

Born in Marblehead, Mass., he majored in theater at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and studied at Juilliard. He made his professional debut as the Dauphin in “King John” for Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival. His credits also include “The Langoliers,” a TV movie, and the film “Space Cowboys.”