Brent Collins was an American actor who charmed millions of viewers with his roles on As the World Turns and Another World in the 1980s. He was known for his humor, heart, and talent, as well as for being a dwarf. However, few people knew that he also suffered from a rare genetic disorder that ultimately led to his tragic death at the age of 46. In this article, we will explore the brent collins cause of death and how it affected his life and career.
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What is Marfan Syndrome?
Marfan syndrome is a disorder that affects the connective tissue, which is the material that holds together the body’s cells, organs, and tissues. Connective tissue is also important for the growth and development of the bones, blood vessels, heart, eyes, skin, and lungs. People with Marfan syndrome have a defect in a gene called FBN1, which makes a protein called fibrillin-1. This protein is essential for the formation and function of elastic fibers, which provide strength and flexibility to the connective tissue.
Marfan syndrome can cause various problems in different parts of the body, depending on which tissues are affected. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
Long arms, legs, fingers, and toes
A tall and thin body type
A curved spine (scoliosis)
A chest that sinks in or sticks out (pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum)
Flat feet
Flexible joints
Crowded teeth
Nearsightedness or other vision problems
Aortic aneurysm or dissection (a bulge or tear in the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body)
Mitral valve prolapse (a condition where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart does not close properly)
Lung collapse or emphysema (damage to the air sacs in the lungs)
Marfan syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that only one copy of the mutated gene is enough to cause the disorder. However, some people with Marfan syndrome have a new mutation that occurred during their own development and was not inherited from either parent. The severity and type of symptoms can vary widely among people with Marfan syndrome, even within the same family.
How Did Marfan Syndrome Affect Brent Collins?
Brent Collins was born on October 31, 1941, in Plainville, Kansas. He was diagnosed with dwarfism at an early age, which limited his height to about 4 feet 6 inches. He also had a mild form of Marfan syndrome, which did not cause him any major health problems until later in his life.
Collins pursued a career in acting, starting from theater and moving on to television. He appeared in several shows such as Spenser: For Hire, The Golden Girls, and The Streets of San Francisco. However, he gained fame and recognition for his roles on two popular soap operas: As the World Turns and Another World.
On As the World Turns, he played Bernard Ignatius Grayson, also known as Mr. Big, a drug lord who tormented Tom (Justin Deas) and Margo (Margaret Colin) from 1982 to 1983. On Another World, he played Wallingford, a friend and confidante of Felicia Gallant (Linda Dano) and Cass Winthrop (Stephen Schnetzer) from 1984 until his death. He was loved by fans and co-stars alike for his charisma, wit, and warmth.
However, in late 1987, Collins experienced a sudden growth spurt that increased his height by several inches. This was caused by his Marfan syndrome becoming more severe and affecting his growth hormone levels. This rapid change put a strain on his heart and blood vessels, which were already weakened by his condition.
On January 6, 1988, Collins suffered a fatal heart attack in his New York apartment. He was only 46 years old. His death shocked and saddened everyone who knew him. Another World paid tribute to him by showing Wallingford’s funeral and having Dano and Schnetzer speak out-of-character about Collins and his death .
What Can We Learn from Brent Collins’ Story?
Brent Collins’ story is a reminder of how precious life is and how unpredictable it can be. He was a talented actor who brought joy and entertainment to millions of people with his performances. He also faced many challenges in his life due to his dwarfism and Marfan syndrome but did not let them stop him from pursuing his dreams.
His story also raises awareness about Marfan syndrome and its potential complications. Marfan syndrome is a rare disorder that affects about 1 in 5,000 people worldwide. It can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening problems in the heart, blood vessels, eyes, lungs, and other organs. There is no cure for Marfan syndrome, but treatments can help manage the symptoms and prevent or delay the complications. People with Marfan syndrome need regular check-ups and monitoring by a team of specialists, such as cardiologists, ophthalmologists, orthopedists, and geneticists.
If you or someone you know has Marfan syndrome or suspects that they might have it, it is important to seek medical advice and support. You can also learn more about the disorder and connect with other people who have it through organizations such as The Marfan Foundation or The National Marfan Foundation. These groups provide information, resources, advocacy, and community for people with Marfan syndrome and their families.
Brent Collins was a remarkable person who left a lasting impression on the world of soap operas and beyond. His cause of death was a rare and unfortunate consequence of his condition, but his legacy lives on in his work and his fans. He showed us that no matter what challenges we face, we can still achieve our goals and make a difference with our talents and our hearts.
