Jeffrey Carlson, the “All My Children” actor who made history by starring as the primary transgender character on television, has died. He was 48.
Carlson’s representatives confirmed his death in a press release provided to Fox News Digital.
“We’re very saddened by the news of the passing of our longtime client, Jeffrey Carlson,” his reps said. “We’ve got no additional information presently and ask that the family be given the space to grieve privately.”
Carlson starred as Zarf on “All My Children” in 2006, a British rock star who transitioned and later became often called Zoe on the daytime soap opera.
Zoe was the primary trans woman character on daytime television.
In a press release provided to Fox News Digital, Jeffrey’s sister, Elizabeth Carlson Gingras, recalled the impact her brother left on so many individuals.
“My handsome, sensible, EXTREMELY talented brother Jeffrey Carlson has gone to be with our brother Gregory Carlson in heaven,” Gingras wrote. “I can’t wrap my head around why this has happened. What I do know is that I’ll without end cherish our laughs and the deep love we now have for one another.
“He has left such an impact on so many individuals, it’s so hard to search out the words to precise how special he was. I even have a lot to say… but my heart isn’t well enough to supply Jeffrey with the words he deserves. I really like you so, a lot my beautiful brother. 6/23/1975-7/06/2023.”
Details surrounding his death weren’t immediately available.
On Monday, the Chicago Police Department told Fox News Digital that “police arrived at the situation before 12 p.m. on July 6 where his body was discovered. His last point of contact was on July 3.”
“A 48-year-old male was found unresponsive and has been pronounced on the above address. The victim took his prescribed medication with alcohol beverages.”
A cause and manner of death remains to be pending, in response to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Along with “All My Children,” the California-native appeared in “Hitch,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and “The Killing Floor.”
He performed in various Broadway productions, including Edward Albee’s “The Goat or Who’s Sylvia,” “Tartuffe” and “The Miracle Employee.”
On the time of his portrayal of Zoe, Carlson felt intimidated to represent the transgender community.
“I worry about missing something, but I suppose that may be the identical with any character,” Carlson told the Associated Press.
“I need the ‘All My Children’ audience to go along. It’s not for shock value. It’s just one other person whose story is being told in Pine Valley.”
Reports of Carlson’s death began circulating on social media Sunday.
“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),” theater critic Adam Feldman tweeted Sunday. “A robust actor and a painful loss.”
Matthew Rowland shared a clip singing with Carlson and wrote, “I’m so sorry to listen to of the lack of a such a talent, and a person who was so sweet and sort to me. It was such a privilege to perform with and meet him.”
Eden Riegel tweeted, “Devastated beyond measure to listen to of the passing of the gorgeous and gifted Jeffrey Carlson. I feel fortunate to have called this sort soul a friend and see his sensible work up close. Gone far too soon – an unimaginable loss. Love you, Jeffrey. Rest friend.”
