Jeffrey Carlson, who broke obstacles portraying transgender character Zoe in “All My Kids,” has died. He was 48.
On Friday, Chicago Shakespeare Theater actor Susan Hart introduced Carlson’s loss of life on Fb, writing, “Good night time my candy candy candy prince amongst males. No phrases for our despair at dropping you Jeffrey Carlson,” Hart wrote. “For these of you that don’t know, I’m very sorry to share the information that Jeffrey handed away yesterday.
“I’ve been respectful of his household’s privateness in not sharing the information sooner … additionally couldn’t breathe or perform … nonetheless can’t … like to all … simply devastated.”
The Cook dinner County health worker’s workplace confirmed Carlson’s loss of life to The Instances, including that the trigger and method of loss of life had not but been decided.
Jeffrey’s sister, Elizabeth Carlson Gingras, shared a press release with The Instances writing, “My good-looking, good, EXTREMELY gifted brother Jeffrey Carlson has gone to be with our brother Gregory Carlson in heaven. I can’t wrap my head round why this has occurred. What I do know is that I’ll endlessly cherish our laughs and the deep love we now have for one another. He has left such an influence on so many individuals, it’s so exhausting to search out the phrases to specific how particular he was. I’ve a lot to say … however my coronary heart isn’t effectively sufficient to offer Jeffrey with the phrases he deserves. I really like you so, a lot my stunning brother.”
Time Out New York theater editor Adam Feldman wrote that Carlson was an “exposed-nerve star of Broadway” and “a robust actor and a painful loss.” Feldman added that he first noticed Carlson in Lee Blessing’s “Thief River” when the actor was nonetheless finding out theater at Juilliard. “It was clear he was one thing particular.”
The “All My Kids” star, recognized particularly for his groundbreaking portrayal of the English rock star Zarf who transitioned to Zoe after popping out as transgender, starred in 59 episodes of the cleaning soap opera from 2006 to 2007. Zoe was the primary out trans girl on daytime TV.
“Devastated past measure to listen to of the passing of the gorgeous and gifted Jeffrey Carlson,” Eden Riegel, who performed Bianca on “All My Kids,” wrote on Twitter. “I really feel lucky to have referred to as this sort soul a good friend and see his good work up shut. Gone far too quickly — an unimaginable loss. Love you, Jeffrey. Relaxation good friend.”
Carlson was born in Lengthy Seashore on June 23, 1975. His mom — seemingly in an act of uncanny kismet — selected the title “Jeffrey” due to her love for “All My Kids” character Jeff Martin.
Carlson attended UC Davis with plans of turning into a veterinarian however was bit by the performing bug. He switched majors and, after graduating in 1997, moved to New York Metropolis to coach at Juilliard, the place his journey was documented by the PBS sequence “American Masters” as a part of a characteristic on the performing arts faculty. He completed his coaching with Juilliard’s drama division in 2001 and adopted his coronary heart to Broadway.
In 2002, Carlson made his Broadway debut in “The Goat or, Who’s Sylvia?” by Edward Albee. He additionally had a number one rolein a Broadway manufacturing of Molière’s “Tartuffe.” His portrayal of ’80s-era Britpop star Marilyn within the Broadway musical “Taboo” acquired a Drama Desk nomination.
Carlson was particularly recognized for his Shakespearean performances. He starred in productions together with “Lorenzaccio” and “Hamlet” on the Shakespeare Theatre Firm in Washington, D.C. On the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, his credit included “Henry IV Elements 1 and a couple of” and Christopher Marlowe’s “Edward II.”
In addition to his many stage roles, Carlson acted on the large display screen in “Glad Finish” (2003), “Hitch” (2005), “Backseat” (2005) and “The Killing Ground” (2007), and on the small display screen in “Plainsong” (2004) and “Legislation & Order: Particular Victims Unit” (2004).
In a Fb put up, Shakespeare Theatre Firm memorialized Carlson, writing that the corporate was “saddened to be taught of the latest passing of Jeffrey Carlson. Jeffrey gave stunning and nuanced performances throughout a profession which took him from tv and movie to Broadway and, happily for us, to STC. His memorable performances embrace Lorenzaccio (2005), Hamlet (2007, and 2008’s Free For All), and Romeo and Juliet (2016, and 2017’s Free For All). We ship our like to Jeffrey’s mates, household, and colleagues, those that knew and beloved him dearest.”
They concluded their put up by quoting from Hamlet, “Good night time, candy prince, and will flights of angels sing thee to thy relaxation.”
