Jeffrey Carlson, who broke barriers playing transgender character Zoe on ‘All My Children’, has died. He was 48 years old.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater actress Susan Hart announced Carlson’s death on Facebook on Friday, writing, “Good night my sweet sweet sweet prince among men. No words for our desperation to lose you Jeffrey Carlson,” Hart wrote. “For those of you who don’t know, I’m so sorry to share the news that Jeffrey passed away yesterday.
“I have respected his family’s privacy by not sharing the news sooner…I also couldn’t breathe or function…still can’t…love everyone…just devastated.”
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Carlson’s death to The Times, adding that the cause and circumstances of death have yet to be determined.
Jeffrey’s sister, Elizabeth Carlson Gingras, shared a statement with The Times, writing, “My handsome, bright and EXTREMELY talented brother Jeffrey Carlson went to heaven with our brother Gregory Carlson. I don’t understand why this happened. What I do know is that I will forever cherish our laughter and the deep love we have for each other He has left such an impact on so many people that it is so hard to find the words to express how special he was. I have so much to say… but my heart isn’t good enough to give Jeffrey the words he deserves. I love you so, so much my beautiful brother.
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Editor of Time Out New York Theater Adam Feldman wrote that Carlson was a “nerve-exposed Broadway star” and “a powerful actor and a painful loss”. Feldman added that he first saw Carlson in Lee Blessing’s “Thief River” when the actor was still studying acting at Juilliard. was something special.”
The ‘All My Children’ star, best known for her groundbreaking portrayal of English rock star Zarf who transitioned to Zoe after becoming transgender, starred in 59 episodes of the soap opera from 2006 to 2007. Zoe was the first trans woman to television during the day.
“Devastated beyond measure to learn of the passing of the handsome and gifted Jeffrey Carlson,” Eden Riegel, who played Bianca on “All My Children,” wrote on Twitter. “I feel lucky to have called this kind soul a friend and to see his brilliant work up close. Gone way too soon – an unimaginable loss. I love you, Jeffrey. Rest easy friend.
Carlson was born in Long Beach on June 23, 1975. His mother — apparently in an act of weird kismet — chose the name “Jeffrey” because of her love for “All My Children” character Jeff Martin.
Carlson attended UC Davis with the intention of becoming a veterinarian, but was bitten by the acting bug. He changed majors and, after graduating in 1997, moved to New York to train at Juilliard, where his journey was documented by the PBS series “American Masters” as part of a feature film on the performing arts school. He completed his training with Juilliard’s drama division in 2001 and followed his heart to Broadway.
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In 2002, Carlson made her Broadway debut in “The Goat or, Who is Sylvia?” by Edward Albee. He also had a leading role in a Broadway production of Molière’s “Tartuffe”. Her portrayal of ’80s British pop star Marilyn in the Broadway musical “Taboo” received a Drama Desk nomination.
Carlson was best known for his Shakespearean performances. He performed in productions such as “Lorenzaccio” and “Hamlet” at the Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington, D.C. At the Chicago Shakespeare Theater his credits included “Henry IV Parts 1 and 2” and Christopher Marlowe’s “Edward II”.
Besides his many stage roles, Carlson has appeared on the big screen in ‘Happy End’ (2003), ‘Hitch’ (2005), ‘Backseat’ (2005) and ‘The Killing Floor’ (2007), and on the small screen in “Plainsong” (2004) and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2004).
In a Facebook post, the Shakespeare Theater Company memorialized Carlson, writing that the company was “saddened to learn of the recent passing of Jeffrey Carlson. Jeffrey has delivered some fine, nuanced performances in a career that has taken him from TV and film to Broadway and, luckily for us, to STC. His memorable performances include Lorenzaccio (2005), Hamlet (2007 and 2008’s Free For All) and Romeo and Juliet (2016 and 2017’s Free For All). We send our love to Jeffrey’s friends, family and family. colleagues, those who knew and loved him most dearly.”
They concluded their message by quoting Hamlet: “Good night, sweet prince, and may flights of angels sing to you to your rest.”
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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.