Known for portraying Zoe in All My Children, Jeffrey Carlson has died at age 48. Carlson also became known for his Broadway appearances such as Billy in “The Goat.” And fans have joined celebrities in expressing their sorrow.
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Find out about Carlson’s career. And learn how his fans and co-stars reacted. Get all the details below.
All My Children Star Jeffrey Carlson Dies At 48
Actress Susan Hart turned to Facebook to share the news about the death of Jeffrey Carlson. And Hart expressed her heartbreak over the loss of the actor who portrayed the transgender character Zoe in All My Children. Susan revealed the 48-year-old actor’s passing on July 7, according to People.
“For those of you that don’t know, I’m very sorry to share the news that Jeffrey passed away yesterday,” shared Hart. And she added, “I have been respectful of his family’s privacy in not sharing the news sooner.” But the actress admitted that she struggled to “breathe or function. Still can’t. Love to all. Just devastated.”
And Times Out New York theater editor Adam Feldman posted his reflections on Carlson’s passing as well. In addition to starring in nearly 60 episodes of All My Children, Carlson became known on Broadway for roles such as Marilyn in Taboo and Billy in Edward Albee’s The Goat. He also appeared in the 2005 comedy Hitch.
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“RIP Jeffrey Carlson, 48, exposed-nerve star of Broadway (Billy in The Goat, Marilyn in Taboo) and TV (the groundbreaking trans character Zoe on All My Children). A powerful actor and a painful loss,” wrote Feldman. And he added, “It was clear he was something special.”
All My Children Fans Remember Jeffrey Carlson
Fans of the actor joined celebrities in mourning the loss. For instance, Eden Riegel, who portrayed Bianca on All My Children, shared, “Devastated beyond measure to hear of the passing of the beautiful and gifted Jeffrey Carlson. I feel fortunate to have called this kind soul a friend and see his brilliant work up close. Gone far too soon — an unimaginable loss. Love you, Jeffrey. Rest friend.”
Carlson made his debut on All My Children in August 2006 portraying a British rock star named Zarf. But he then returned to the soap opera with the name Zoe. And at the time, Carlson shared that he worked with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to make the role authentic.
“I’m learning new stuff every day, and we’re just filming those episodes right now where Zoe decides to tell the world that she’s herself,” he said. “It takes her a long time, possibly 25 to 30 years of her life to have the courage.” And Carlson revealed that the role sought to “cause a conversation. Members of the transgender community are talking with the regular posters on the All My Children chat rooms,” he added.
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Shakespeare Theatre Company Honors Jeffrey Carlson
As an example of the ground-breaking quality of the role, Carlson described receiving a letter from an 11-year-old girl. “It said, ‘It’s cool you’re going to become a girl. Then we will have stuff in common.’ I met several people in the transgender community,” he noted. “And one became someone I can talk to on a regular basis.”
Executive producer Julie Hanan Carruthers shared that All My Children made “a longstanding commitment to telling socially relevant stories that entertain and inform.” And by including Zoe, the soap opera became the first daytime drama to follow a transgender coming out story. The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. also mourned the passing of Carlson. And the company praised his “memorable performances” in shows such as Hamlet and Romeo And Juliet.
“Jeffrey gave beautiful and nuanced performances during his career which took him from television and film to Broadway and, fortunately for us, to STC,” the company posted on Facebook. “We send our love to Jeffrey’s friends, family and colleagues, those who knew and loved him dearest.” And the Shakespeare Theatre Company quoted Hamlet in honoring Carlson. “Good night, sweet prince, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Tell us what you think. What do you remember about Jeffrey Carlson? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more All My Children news.