Michael Morrison; Soap Opera Actor

Michael Morrison, the soap opera actor who played Caleb on “As the World Turns,” has died in his sleep at a friend’s apartment, police said. He was 33.

The friend, who was not identified, discovered Morrison was not breathing when she awoke Thursday morning, Sgt. Edelle James said.

The cause of death was not immediately known. An autopsy was performed, but results were not immediately available, said Ellen Borakove, a spokeswoman for the city medical examiner.

Morrison had played the role of Caleb Snyder on the CBS soap opera since June, 1988, said Janet Storm, a spokeswoman for the show’s production company. Another actor will play the role for the time being, she said; no decision has yet been made about what will happen to the character in the long run.

Morrison, of Peekskill, N.Y., is survived by his wife, actress Amy McDonald, and their 2-year-old son.